Hey! Guitar players, let's chat.

[herbster]

Damn good stuff Patrick, I can't wait to get to that level. Have really started working on scales and flatpicking the last few weeks. Got a nasty habit of trying to do everything too quickly the moment I'm learning it. Now I'm takin' it slooooow and building up.

The main motion is in the wrist of the right hand, right? I feel my right arm get tense in parts when trying to get faster, unsure if it's the size of my guitar (right arm sitting high) or just me being still so new.

[Patrick-Ruff]

well, when you're trying to go fast, you're gonna want most of your motion in your wrist
when you're strumming slowly you'll want to use your arm, then you can use both arm and wrist motion to strum.

oh and Bubba64 are there any scales or forms of scales you would recommend for practice?

[Bubba64]

well, when you're trying to go fast, you're gonna want most of your motion in your wrist
when you're strumming slowly you'll want to use your arm, then you can use both arm and wrist motion to strum.

oh and Bubba64 are there any scales or forms of scales you would recommend for practice?

Because I play the bass I have three basic patterns or ways to play almost any possible scale at the least for example a major scale can be played with the first 3 notes on one string the next 3 on the next string below, and the final two leading to the octave on the 3rd string below. this is one variation of a standard scale as it could be played on a bass with standard tuning or a guitar on the top 4 strings with a standard tuning. So what I would do is go to your local music store and there are some great books on scales, and pocket books on different fingerings for the same chord types. Once you learn any scale any starting note in that scale played with the same notes of the scale played from the start to the octave higher or lower is called a mode each mode has a different name which is not as important, as recognizing the notes to play, the names are more for theory. So if you play a G major scale but start on the second note an A and play the notes in the G scale you are playing a mode of the G major scale. If you have access to a piano play a C major chord c-e-g-c with your left hand then play each mode d-d e-e etc to get the sound of what playing these modes against the c major chord sound like you will start to notice the harmony that is created. You could do the same if you have a pedal sampler for your guitar that will capture and repeat what you play. There are specialized exercises that help you get the 4 fretting fingers to move independently such as to start with over 4 frets on one string 1is your index 4 is your pinky the middle is 2, and the other 3. So you can in one position to start with play patterns such as 1234, 1324,1342, 4231, etc I have a page of these exercises that has I think 70 variations, you can start moving up and down the neck fret by fret so that you vary the distance your fingers move. There are probably books on this, I originally got this set of exercises from a Bass teacher. So here are some Ideas I hope I haven't explained them in to confusing of a way. In the end there are so many possible scales and possible chords and variations and fingerings and progressions that getting some books from the library or music store will be a good way to organize what your doing so that you can move forward in an efficient way, and if you use a metronome to play with and practice with when it feels comfortable, that is a great help. Feel free to ask for any more clear descriptions of what I have put i here if needed.

[Patrick-Ruff]

hey guys are there any books any of you would recommend that could help me drastically with music theory for guitar and advanced technical playing?

[Bubba64]

hey guys are there any books any of you would recommend that could help me drastically with music theory for guitar and advanced technical playing?

The Mel Bay company makes books for all instruments I can't say how the guitar or even the Bass books are but I suspect helpful. When I started to play the bass I was already in college studying music as a major. here is a link
http://www.melbay.com/bestsub.asp?CatID=44&sub=1&heading=Guitar

Good luck I commend your wanting to work on this in spite of where your at right now in your development. Hopefully others can give helpful book ideas. Music theory though will only be offered at a very rudimentary level in a instruction book if at all. Music theory if it was me I would take this at a college level, just make sure that you learn to read treble and bass clef and that you can understand chord symbols. Guitar tabulation is quite popular but personally I can't read them efficiently and in music if somebody puts a standard chart in front of you it will be written in notes and chord symbols. I will look for theory books when I have more time for you to check out but it is easier to learn it in a classroom setting. If you have a music program in the school you attend you might talk to the instructors for help. Best wishes

[herbster]

Fretboard Logic Patrick, I've been reading it since it was recommended a while ago in this thread, it's extremely clear and well-written.

[Patrick-Ruff]

well I mean, is it good for advanced players? I don't need help with the basics anymore :P

[Bubba64]

well I mean, is it good for advanced players? I don't need help with the basics anymore :P

I am curious as to what your definition of basics is, and what your definition of advanced is. Personally my definition of advanced is being able to play any type of scale or mode from the lowest to highest note of your instrument with 16th notes at about 300 beats a minute with a metronome and fretting correctly. That would be the minimum in my book on applicable instruments.

Here is a good example of advanced playing this is Allan Holdsworth any guitar player should be aware of him he is considered to be one of the best players in the world not only in technique but his advanced melodic structural approach to soling. The drummer is Chad Wackerman who played with Frank Zappa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnmEaGjgEVI

[Patrick-Ruff]

I was actually asking about the fretboard logic. and I'm not really interested in any bass books ;)

[Bubba64]

I was actually asking about the fretboard logic. and I'm not really interested in any bass books ;)

None of my recommended stuff is applicable to the bass but all instruments, the Mel Bay Books are guitar instruction books. The exercises I recommended that I had gotten from a bass teacher is a standard exercise to get your four fretting fingers more independent. I will not try and help you any more. Good Luck

[Patrick-Ruff]

oh sorry I didn't mean to offend you if I did. I just don't like getting too technical about stuff sometimes.

[Bubba64]

oh sorry I didn't mean to offend you if I did. I just don't like getting too technical about stuff sometimes.

No offense, I have thrown around my Ego enough here in this thread. My only real want is to support fellow musicians in the end, and I forget that not everybody is going to take the same route as I have. Best of luck in your pursuits.

[Patrick-Ruff]

alright well thanks for sharing your route. anyone else know of some better-than-normal guitar lesson recourses? (other than payingn for a teacher)

[herbster]

There are a lot of ways you could pick that. If you are using a flatpick, then most of the movement would be in your wrist. Personally, I would tuck the pick in the palm of my picking hand, held in place by my pinky, and use my thumb, index, and middle fingers to do the arpeggio.

If you practice it for a while, trying to stay relaxed, you will find it isn't really too difficult to train your hand to move the pick into a stored position like that and back out in a rather smooth and quick one-handed motion.

Matthew, could you elaborate on this technique? I'm really using a pick a lot more and am starting to realize I love combining both fingerpicking and flatpicking. I am struggling to do what you've described, though. It feels almost impossible to keep my pinky tucked against the palm, holding the pick, and having the ring finger straighten out. I'm thinking I'm doing it wrong. Really appreciate any info on it, thanks.

[matthew]

Matthew, could you elaborate on this technique? I'm really using a pick a lot more and am starting to realize I love combining both fingerpicking and flatpicking. I am struggling to do what you've described, though. It feels almost impossible to keep my pinky tucked against the palm, holding the pick, and having the ring finger straighten out. I'm thinking I'm doing it wrong. Really appreciate any info on it, thanks.You probably are not doing it wrong, it just takes a lot of practice to train your fingers...and sometimes our connective tissues don't like the things we try and we either adapt our technique, the tissues adapt and accept the new idea, or we cause damage to ourselves. Don't do that last one.

It is easier for me to hold the pick in the palm using both the pinky and ring fingers, then arpeggiate with only the thumb, index and middle fingers. For obvious reasons, that tends to work best for songs in triple meters like 3/4 or 6/8, but with practice you can also adapt this technique to any meter. As with most things, start very slowly, work on a steady and consistent rhythm at a tempo that is attainable, and don't speed up until you can do it well at the slower tempo.

Oh, one reminder to anyone reading this exchange: if something hurts, don't do it or you will risk long term connective tissue damage. In these cases, adapt your technique so you can accomplish your goal without destroying your hands.

[herbster]

Thanks Matthew, yeah ring + pinky is certainly a breeze. But then I am in the dilemma where I would like to use the ring finger, of course. I'm going to be practicing this a lot, as I can definitely foresee it being a normal part of my playing.

Oh I found a clip, this is John Mayer playing and doing exactly what we're talking about. There's a close-up on his guitar playing @ 5:40 of the video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FhJKSseiPXE He fingerpicks a bit then whips out the flatpick. But all his fingers seem to be in normal position, how is he tucking it?

[matthew]

He fingerpicks a bit then whips out the flatpick. But all his fingers seem to be in normal position, how is he tucking it?It took me a little bit, but I found the pick between his pinky and ring finger. :)

[Patrick-Ruff]

yeah haha nice. I tend to hold the pick with my single index finger while I'm tapping, don't really have the ring and pinky for tucking yet since I don't do fingerstyle a LOT.

[herbster]

Awesome Matthew. I actually got a little tuck going that I think may be "unorthodox" or dead-on correct, I'm going to snap a few pics later to get feedback here.

Just back from the store, it looks like this will be the one:
http://www.musicpascher.com/boutique/images/IBANEZ/ELEC/SAS36FM_DRS_M.jpg

Light as hell, great sound, feels perfect and good price gets me this and the amp + case for ~$1000 :D

[Patrick-Ruff]

looks great, unlike the new forum design . . . . I don't like that shiny outline around the body, but other than that I think it looks awesome.

[hullap]

Hi ppl,
im a grade 4(trinity) bassist
currently i own an ariaa, but im gonna buy a fender this summer :guitar:

[Patrick-Ruff]

well I've been getting into more complex technique, memorizing notes on the neck (as I play of course.) increasing the individual movement of my fretting hand fingers, it turned out when I was pulling my pinky off a fret I would drag the string more than necessary so I'm retraining it now.


I'm thinking it'd probably be a good idea for me to do some covers of solo's and songs, to possibly get new techniques and better time and consistency. any thoughts on this?


P.S. welcome hullap

[tinivole]

well I've been getting into more complex technique, memorizing notes on the neck (as I play of course.) increasing the individual movement of my fretting hand fingers, it turned out when I was pulling my pinky off a fret I would drag the string more than necessary so I'm retraining it now.


I'm thinking it'd probably be a good idea for me to do some covers of solo's and songs, to possibly get new techniques and better time and consistency. any thoughts on this?


P.S. welcome hullap

I would recommend The Mars Volta (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-5440030-7088426?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Mars+Volta&x=0&y=0), all their material is of the upmost highest playing standards.
It will teach you good practice to play through different time signatures, sometimes alternating time sigs (ie: between 4/4 and 9/8 )

The style isn't to everyones taste (mixture between prog, rock and some weird spanish-like style that gives them their unique edge)

Tabs are in abundance (http://911tabs.com/tabs/m/mars_volta/).
I recommend you start off with a song such as Asilos Magdalena (http://911tabs.com/link/?4429569). It's not the easiest, but its a nice upbeat slow song.

Regards
Iain

[th3james]

Hey guys, i've just finished version 1.0 of my guitar skills training program!
Its open source, released under the GPL, written in java:

FreeFret -
http://vega.soi.city.ac.uk/~abbf240/features.html (http://vega.soi.city.ac.uk/~abbf240/features.html)

Currently it's got functions for fretboard notes, and interval training.
Its my first full program i've written, so i hope you like it, its for my university dissertation, so any comments would be very useful.

[acelin]

I have one of the first Stevie Ray Vaughan signature Stratocasters... It is in the first 100. I love it dearly- some old man bought it and never played it, and gave it to me as a graduation gift. It is in mint condition...

[Patrick-Ruff]

I would recommend The Mars Volta (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-5440030-7088426?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Mars+Volta&x=0&y=0), all their material is of the upmost highest playing standards.
It will teach you good practice to play through different time signatures, sometimes alternating time sigs (ie: between 4/4 and 9/8 )

The style isn't to everyones taste (mixture between prog, rock and some weird spanish-like style that gives them their unique edge)

Tabs are in abundance (http://911tabs.com/tabs/m/mars_volta/).
I recommend you start off with a song such as Asilos Magdalena (http://911tabs.com/link/?4429569). It's not the easiest, but its a nice upbeat slow song.

Regards
Iain


well actually I was talking about the actual concept of learning songs to expand technique. I don't want to learn any songs I'm not interested in (aka, artists I don't love.) takes a lot of dedication to learn a complex solo, I'd only want to do that if it is a solo that sounds amazing to me and gets me interested.

[herbster]

Damn acelin, that is a sweet guitar!! Awesome stuff.

On a progress note, have become considerably faster and more accurate than even just a week ago since I started playing much more with a flatpick. Practicing a lot of solos (Black Dog, Layla, Farewell by Zakk Wylde, some others) and generic blues licks. Really keeping me on my toes, so to speak, not letting the fingers get used to any patterns for too long, constantly challenging myself.

[herbster]

Also, is guitar polish necessary? I'll grab it in a jippy if so, I don't want to take any chances with it, but just curious. I really need to clean my guitar, badly lol.

[matthew]

Also, is guitar polish necessary? I'll grab it in a jippy if so, I don't want to take any chances with it, but just curious. I really need to clean my guitar, badly lol.I have never needed it. For me, a lightly damp rag works most of the time for medium/typical cleaning (or breathing on it to fog it up and wiping quickly, but only do that on your own guitar...it's kind of icky to have someone else breathing all over your guitar).

[th3james]

Acelin, i can't believe you got that beautiful guitar as a gift! Jealous...
I used some gibson branded guitar polish on my guitars and tbh, it seemed no better than just rubbiing it with a damp cloth...
Purely out of interest, what sort of pick weight to you guys prefer? I like 'em super light, don't like anything but my dunlop 0.60mm

[matthew]

Purely out of interest, what sort of pick weight to you guys prefer? I like 'em super light, don't like anything but my dunlop 0.60mmDunlop Tortex, the yellow one. I think it is a 0.73.

[Patrick-Ruff]

dunlop tortex, orange .60.

seems to fit me best, .70 seems too stiff, and anything higher than that makes my picking sound scratchy and the notes don't come out clearly, and anything lighter makes my playing sound too quiet and not really emotional. so I use .60 for acoustic and electric :).

[acelin]

Acelin, i can't believe you got that beautiful guitar as a gift! Jealous...
I used some gibson branded guitar polish on my guitars and tbh, it seemed no better than just rubbiing it with a damp cloth...
Purely out of interest, what sort of pick weight to you guys prefer? I like 'em super light, don't like anything but my dunlop 0.60mm

Thanks! I couldn't believe it either.

I prefer really really heavy picks- the heaviest I can buy.

[th3james]

omg, i didn't actually know they came as low as .38!
They must be like paper! Still, good to hear most if you guys like them fairly light as well, all my friends hate anything below 1.0 it seems..

Whats the actual difference between the Tortex and the standard nylon, anyone know?

</Random pick obsession>

[matthew]

Whats the actual difference between the Tortex and the standard nylon, anyone know?
The feel and to a lesser extent, the sound they produce.

[shen-an-doah]

Dunlop Tortex 1.0mm (the pale blue ones). I use heavy strings and I play heavy, so too much give in a pick and it sounds rubbish.

[herbster]

Thanks, I'm gonna take time today and definitely clean the whole guitar over. I've noticed it's becoming very difficult to slide and pull-off, fingers feel "stuck" to the strings, it's gotta be dirty after over 4 months of playing and no cleaning hehe.

Good talk about flatpicks, I'm wondering what my preference is as well. I'm gonna grab a buncha different ones tomorrow and see what feels right. Is it somewhat stiffer pick = for heavier strings (acoustic etc.)?

[th3james]

generally, you do want harder picks to heavier strings, but the rest is up to preference. I used to love heavy picks, but I only use light ones now, I tend to use 9 gauge strings with them.

[herbster]

oops double post

[Patrick-Ruff]

hmm, I was wondering if there is a single pedal I can buy that can get /close/ to paul gilberts sound in this solo . . .

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HC60XNiS-MQ

my current setup is crap for solo's so if any of you know of anything under 100 dollars that'd be awesome.

[th3james]

Hmm, can't really hear anything to fancy going on with his tone, any humbucker through a decent overdrive/distortion pedal should get you someway there. Maybe add some delay or compression to fatten up the sound.
What guitar do you use?

[shen-an-doah]

Hmm, can't really hear anything to fancy going on with his tone, any humbucker through a decent overdrive/distortion pedal should get you someway there. Maybe add some delay or compression to fatten up the sound.
What guitar do you use?

You shouldn't add compression on top of distortion. Distortion does a pretty good job of compressing the sound anyway and adding more will just result in buttloads of feedback.

[th3james]

You shouldn't add compression on top of distortion. Distortion does a pretty good job of compressing the sound anyway and adding more will just result in buttloads of feedback.

Hmm, i've used them together without issue in the past (on single coils too), but then i rarely use a lot of gain (or compression)

[Patrick-Ruff]

Hmm, can't really hear anything to fancy going on with his tone, any humbucker through a decent overdrive/distortion pedal should get you someway there. Maybe add some delay or compression to fatten up the sound.
What guitar do you use?

well right now I have a Dean flying V. I don't know what kind but I'm sure the pickups are pretty good. (and I don't know what kind because the truss rod cover doesn't have any print on it whatsoever, there's only dean on it. )

is there a good distortion pedal I could get for say 50 bucks? I've seen some boss distortion pedals around that price. (I only want it if I can get that sound he has or something really decent for soloing)

edit: how does this looks?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Boss-DS1-Distortion-Pedal?sku=151258

[Helios1276]

well right now I have a Dean flying V. I don't know what kind but I'm sure the pickups are pretty good. (and I don't know what kind because the truss rod cover doesn't have any print on it whatsoever, there's only dean on it. )

is there a good distortion pedal I could get for say 50 bucks? I've seen some boss distortion pedals around that price. (I only want it if I can get that sound he has or something really decent for soloing)

edit: how does this looks?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Boss-DS1-Distortion-Pedal?sku=151258

The Boss Metal Zone was always handy for leads, had a nice clear tone and gave you the option of a volume jump when needed. Would'nt use it for riffing or low end stuff though personally..not enough body in it.

[xuCGC002]

Currently I have a Dean EVO XM. Don't got any pictures of mine, but google it. I have the natural finish on it too.

[Patrick-Ruff]

this is a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal though, what do you think of it? I'm not going any higher than that price.

and if all the guitar on that "AllDS1" sound clip on that page is done by the DS-1 this is totally the pedal for me :)

[matthew]

I like the Boss DS-1. I have one. I use it, like most of my pedals, sparingly, but they each have a place. It isn't the holy grail or anything, but it is a good and versatile pedal. Joe Satriani uses one from time to time, as do a ton of other professionals.

That said, I still say 80% of tone is in the player's fingers. I am being generous when I estimate that 20% is from your gear. :)

[Helios1276]

this is a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal though, what do you think of it? I'm not going any higher than that price.

and if all the guitar on that "AllDS1" sound clip on that page is done by the DS-1 this is totally the pedal for me :)

Theres a lot more to tone than a pedal..strings, axe, amp, the room/space is/ was played in, post production..some even think the battery in your pedal will have an affect..

[Patrick-Ruff]

ok well I've settled on the DS-1, I ordered it and some dunlop .60mm (haven't bought any picks in a year haha.)

I believe this will meet my basic requirements for now. I just really needed a better effect since my amps built in over-drive doesn't do my leads justice.

[matthew]

Cool. I think you will enjoy the DS-1. Congratulations (first pedal, right? Careful, it can become an obsession...).

:guitar:

[Patrick-Ruff]

Cool. I think you will enjoy the DS-1. Congratulations (first pedal, right? Careful, it can become an obsession...).

:guitar:

well I have a digitech jimi hendrix experience pedal that I'm borrowing from my friend, but this is the first pedal I've actually owned yes.

[herbster]

Awesome Patrick, congrats!

Guys I have wierdness happening at 9th fret, 6th string (high E). Only there, it's muzzled sound, like I can't get any sound except the tiniest noise from it. Time for a string change or? It has just started happening the last week or so. I have to press unbelievably hard down on it to get anything of a clear note, it's wacked.

[Patrick-Ruff]

that's strange, I'v ehad something liek that happen with my G string when there are little slits in the copper coils around it. but yeah it could be time for a strnig change, check out D adarrio ;)

[herbster]

Thanks Patrick, I'm checking their website out. I have no idea what to look for with strings, what are some differences and important aspects? I don't even know the thickness or whatnot I'd be looking for.

[Patrick-Ruff]

don't look on daddario.com or anything, look through musicians friend.

[Patrick-Ruff]

if you're talking about the acoustic, here are the strings I usually buy
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DAddario-EJ16-Phosphor-Bronze-Light-Acoustic-Guitar-Strings?sku=100182

[matthew]

Well, if we are sharing string preferences... :)

acoustic: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-MSP4100-Phosphor-Bronze-Light-Acoustic-Strings?sku=100056

electric: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DAddario-EXL115-Nickel-BluesJazz-Electric-Guitar-Strings?sku=100192

Of course, sometimes I just buy what is on sale. When I was playing regularly, I would change my strings about once a week, maybe every other week. That can get expensive.

Oh, and I do prefer a bit heavier strings on my electric. I have strong enough hands to bend with 11s, and the tone is a bit richer to my ears.

[Helios1276]

Ernie Ball +1..D'addario..bluegh..but like most things ..it's all about IMHO

[shen-an-doah]

I use Rotosound strings. They're handwound here in the Uk, but they're still aregular price. Also, they give you a free high e, which is cool. I use 11-48s.

As for a great metal distortion pedal, the new Krank pedals are meant to be awesome.

[Patrick-Ruff]

well, distortion pedal discussion was open because of my asking what sort of effect was going on in paul gilberts solo, I already settled on that DS-1 (ordered it 4 hours ago)

I'm pretty excited.

[shen-an-doah]

well, distortion pedal discussion was open because of my asking what sort of effect was going on in paul gilberts solo, I already settled on that DS-1 (ordered it 4 hours ago)

I'm pretty excited.

Yeh, but I thought I'd let you know as Krank aren't that well known and you may want to change your pedal at some point. Or just other people might want to know.

The real thing to remember is that you don't need loads of gain. You'll actually end up with a better (and heavier) tone if you restrain it a bit. Everything is improved by clarity. One of the reasons I love my Marshall Shredmaster so much is because I can use a fair amount of gain, but it's clear enough that it means I can play open chords and they don't sound like a horrible mush...

[matthew]

I love my Marshall Shredmaster...
I agree. I have one as well and it is by far my favorite distortion/overdrive pedal from among those I own (and I own several). They are really hard to find, though.

I also agree about the "you don't need to use much distortion" comment. Listen to anything by AC/DC...they have an incredibly heavy sound, but they really don't use much distortion. The sound is mostly in their technique. Like most effects, a small amount, applied with discretion, makes something beautiful.

[Patrick-Ruff]

maybe I should record a clip of my amp's current overdrive to really express the woes of my situation. my amp's overdrive is ok, but it's horrible for rhythm as it seems to either distort too much or too little. notes often don't come out clearly enough.

its kinda hard to explain, but I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with this pedal.

[Patrick-Ruff]

so last time I'm going to ask this but does anyone know of any other amp kit manufacturers that have kits from 400-800 dollars? (I'm well aware of the ones you showed me matthew, I'm just making sure these are my only options here :) )

[Patrick-Ruff]

well my DS-1 is backordered,I guess I was a few hours too late or something, now it's going to be delayed by 4-5 days. kinda sucks

edit: the boss ds-1 has 1337 ratings (joke from my nerd days)

[jjascarm]

Thought that I would add my two bits worth!
I have two guitars - a strat style electric that I assembled myself with Kahler tremolo and EMG pickups and an Ibanez steel string acoustic.
I use a line 6 Spider III 75Watt combo with both.
Here are a couple of pictures of my guitars that I took with my phone:
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/jascarm/strat.jpghttp://www.users.bigpond.net.au/jascarm/acoustic.jpg

[matthew]

well my DS-1 is backordered,I guess I was a few hours too late or something, now it's going to be delayed by 4-5 days. kinda sucks

edit: the boss ds-1 has 1337 ratings (joke from my nerd days)Hang in there... :) and LOL on the 1337 thing.

Thought that I would add my two bits worth!
I have two guitars - a strat style electric that I assembled myself with Kahler tremolo and EMG pickups and an Ibanez steel string acoustic.
I use a line 6 Spider III 75Watt combo with both.
Here are a couple of pictures of my guitars that I took with my phone:Nice! Thanks for sharing the pics. I've always wanted to build a guitar. Did you enjoy the process?

[jjascarm]

It's a long time ago, but I yeah I did. It took a few tries to get everything right. Originally I had a maple neck but either it wasn't good quality and had a low spot in it, so I replaced that. Had different pickups and tremolo in it originally too.
Essentially what I am saing is that it WAS enjoyable AND I learnt some valuable lessons too.

[Patrick-Ruff]

hmm, I've realized that I do most of my position switches when soloing with a slide . . . if not all of them. is this something I should get control of and only use when it would be good for the solo?

also, if that's the case, are there any good exercises other than 1234 switching positions for this?

[herbster]

Nice jjascarm! Building your own, that's wild. One helluva learning process I'm sure.

Patrick, how about going 1-2, then 3-4 an octave up or something? I tend to slide a lot as well, working on it myself.

[herbster]

On another note: http://youtube.com/watch?v=s7mSuNMZgUY :shock:

Don't really hear his name much in guitar talk (at least I don't), damn nice right there.

[Patrick-Ruff]

you post like crazy herbster, I've seen your post count go from 400 like 2 months ago to 800 :P.

I'll repost my last question since it got left as the last post on the last page:

hmm, I've realized that I do most of my position switches when soloing with a slide . . . if not all of them. is this something I should get control of and only use when it would be good for the solo?

also, if that's the case, are there any good exercises other than 1234 switching positions for this?

another edit: yeah he did well on that solo.

[herbster]

Hehe, it's since I started perusing them help forums.. trying to give back to the community and all that ;)

Yeah he's definitely a bad ***, what a finish just throwing the guitar like that, lol :D

[Patrick-Ruff]

hah I didn't see the finish, lol.

[Bubba64]

Prince is an Icon a true multi instrumentalist, and a great song writer.

[Patrick-Ruff]

so no one has spoke in 3 days so I might as well. I have two days to build an instrumental rock song (just guitar though, don't need drums or anything. ) I'm doing it for a history class, I could back out of it now but I'd rather not because I have many riffs in my head that could make it easy to put together.

do I just need to force myself to start working on it? maybe get in a different room or something?

[Patrick-Ruff]

wonder why nobody is posting. well UPS is supposed to deliver my boss ds-1 tomorrow, and my song is due tomorrow which I'm hoping I can throw together in one afternoon ;).

[th3james]

I've been trying to write stuff today, and getting nowhere, i hate that feeling you get when u just can't find something that sounds good, got this awesome ending to a song, but cannot get a beginning to fit.

Can i ask why you have to write a song for history :confused:

Let us know what you make of the DS-1, i need another overdrive pedal for lead parts...

[Patrick-Ruff]

my teacher started this thing she calls creative projects. we had to do 6 of them already and I waited to do the song for last. she probably intended it to be lyrical but she's letting me do an instrumental

[MetalheadGautham]

Hi All !


I am a beginner, and currently have a cheap practice accoustic steel string guitar(which surprisingly has a functional pickup). I am also a ubuntu user. I am looking for a software like "Guitar Effects", which is a windows software that can act as an amp as well as effects box for your guitar if you connect it to the PC. I got a wire to connect the guitar to the line in jack, and now all I need is an amp software to be able to test out some R.E.A.L. metallic stuff. So any help or advice for me ?


I need:

1. A software guitar amp/effects box
2. A linux equivalent of Guitar Pro

Can someone help ?

[th3james]

Guitar pro is nice and easy, tux guitar, its in the repos, and is very good

as for effects, JACK Rack is pretty decent, so is JACK in general well worth taking the time to learn

JACK + Ardour2 + Hydrogen = Win

Also, in my (limited) experience, you're better off not plugging the amp directly into the sound card, and instead mic-ing it up.
my setup is shure sm57 mic into an edirol UA-25, i get some great results with the stuff from ubuntu studio

[MetalheadGautham]

Guitar pro is nice and easy, tux guitar, its in the repos, and is very good

as for effects, JACK Rack is pretty decent, so is JACK in general well worth taking the time to learn

JACK + Ardour2 + Hydrogen = Win

Also, in my (limited) experience, you're better off not plugging the amp directly into the sound card, and instead mic-ing it up.
my setup is shure sm57 mic into an edirol UA-25, i get some great results with the stuff from ubuntu studio

Can you please describe me what JACK Rack, JACK and Ardour2 are ?

And Why Hydrogen ? Isn't hydrogen a drum machine ? All I have managed in it are some electronica stuff and a few simple pieces like megadeth's "Rust In Peace"'s intro.

I have no amp. What I did is to get a decent length of wire, attach a 2mm line in jack at one end and a fat line in jack(forgot thickness) at another. The tiny end goes into my mic slot, and the fat end goes into my guitar slot.

I have a RealTek ALC880 chip, and I have to say it sucks. I spent a long time in figuring how to max out the input volumes in alsa mixer, and once I got an audiable sound, I noticed that when I recorded in audacity, the bass frequencies are left out and my Bass E string sounds tooo different, like the way it does when you listen to it through a tiny mobile phone speaker, without any bass. And it really screws up with hydrogen. When there are multiple beats at a time, there are noices in the sound, even when I export, which go brrr... prrrr..., etc.

[th3james]

Sorry, i guess my post was a big vague..

JACK is basically a professional audio sound system for linux, which support things like real time recording (which will prevent the speeding up and slowing down in hydrogen) and linking all kinds of differnt sound sources together for recording and playback.

JACK Rack is an effects rack for JACK, which will give you the effects stuff you we're after. Basically you connect your sound card's input to JACK Rack (which adds whatever effects you want), then route it to playback on your sound card. Easiest way to do this is using a program called patchage.

Ardour2 is basically the linux version of cubase, and is seriously cool, worth looking into if you want to do some recording, much easier than audacity, which is what i used to use.

Hydrogen is indeed a drum machine, and a pretty decent one, again, i use it for composing and practice.

Connecting the guitar through the mini jack in the computer is also what i used to do, but it really is a complete nightmare, sound levels come in to high and there's little control over your tone.

To get rid of the speeding up slowing down problem, best thing to do is install the linux realtime kernel (its in the synaptic, basically the linux kernel suffixed with 'rt'), then try and get JACK running in real time using 'qjackctl', as described here:
http://www.ubustu.com/globe/2007/05/29/how-to-configure-jack-in-ubuntu-studio/
However, how successful this is does depend on your sound card (which may or may not be up to it, those onboard chipsets can be a pain)

If u want all of these programs, everything i've mentioned and much more comes as part of the ubuntu-studio-audio package in synaptic (note however, this does fill your 'Sound and Video' Menu item with a LOT of programs)

Sorry if this is a lot to take in! feel free to ask me to elaborate furthur (although i'm no linux audio pro!)

[MetalheadGautham]

Sorry, i guess my post was a big vague..

JACK is basically a professional audio sound system for linux, which support things like real time recording (which will prevent the speeding up and slowing down in hydrogen) and linking all kinds of differnt sound sources together for recording and playback.

JACK Rack is an effects rack for JACK, which will give you the effects stuff you we're after. Basically you connect your sound card's input to JACK Rack (which adds whatever effects you want), then route it to playback on your sound card. Easiest way to do this is using a program called patchage.

Ardour2 is basically the linux version of cubase, and is seriously cool, worth looking into if you want to do some recording, much easier than audacity, which is what i used to use.

Hydrogen is indeed a drum machine, and a pretty decent one, again, i use it for composing and practice.

Connecting the guitar through the mini jack in the computer is also what i used to do, but it really is a complete nightmare, sound levels come in to high and there's little control over your tone.

To get rid of the speeding up slowing down problem, best thing to do is install the linux realtime kernel (its in the synaptic, basically the linux kernel suffixed with 'rt'), then try and get JACK running in real time using 'qjackctl', as described here:
http://www.ubustu.com/globe/2007/05/29/how-to-configure-jack-in-ubuntu-studio/
However, how successful this is does depend on your sound card (which may or may not be up to it, those onboard chipsets can be a pain)

If u want all of these programs, everything i've mentioned and much more comes as part of the ubuntu-studio-audio package in synaptic (note however, this does fill your 'Sound and Video' Menu item with a LOT of programs)

Sorry if this is a lot to take in! feel free to ask me to elaborate furthur (although i'm no linux audio pro!)
Thanks for your reply. But I ended up getting more questions than answers.

1. Is jack beat better than hydrogen ?

2. Audacity's LADSPA(or whatever it is) plugins sound good. Can they be effective enough for simple distortion perposes ?

3. I am in earnest want of a crunchy rhythem guitar sound for my first string(E), because I happened to stumble by an instruction video by kirk hammett for playing the album master of puppets. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGYwwvWiCi8 a few months back and am watching it again and again and again and again and can perfectly play simpler parts like sanitarium intro, the thing that should not be intro, master of puppets(minus solos), etc on the bass E string. Will JACK Rack be able to fullfill my need ?

4. I DO NOT experience the speedup slowdown problem, because when I record in audacity and use the play option, the audio is perfectly timed. Should I still install rt-linux ?


:guitar:

[th3james]

1. Don't know, never used it, Hydrogen supports using JACK, and i like it so i've never experimented with anything else (althou i probably will now, i'll let you know)

2. Hopefully, there are a lot of plugins for JACK Rack, including amp modelling and value overdrive and distortion, but i've never actually used them that extensively, i'll have a play in the near future. tbh, i would suspect you're gonna have trouble getting any truly kick *** tone without and amp

3. JACK Rack has EQ plugins and the like, so you should be able to drive the bass frequencies nice and hard to get better tone

4. Sorry, i mis-understood your post, if you aren't having the problem, audacity probably won't notice a change with the rt kernel, it only really helps with JACK. However, if you're serious about getting into audio recording and effects, i highly recommend getting to know JACK and the programs associated with it (Ardour really is fantastic!)
:guitar:

[MetalheadGautham]

1. Don't know, never used it, Hydrogen supports using JACK, and i like it so i've never experimented with anything else (althou i probably will now, i'll let you know)

2. Hopefully, there are a lot of plugins for JACK Rack, including amp modelling and value overdrive and distortion, but i've never actually used them that extensively, i'll have a play in the near future. tbh, i would suspect you're gonna have trouble getting any truly kick *** tone without and amp

3. JACK Rack has EQ plugins and the like, so you should be able to drive the bass frequencies nice and hard to get better tone

4. Sorry, i mis-understood your post, if you aren't having the problem, audacity probably won't notice a change with the rt kernel, it only really helps with JACK. However, if you're serious about getting into audio recording and effects, i highly recommend getting to know JACK and the programs associated with it (Ardour really is fantastic!)
:guitar:

Thanks. opne final question(hopefully it WILL be the final for the topic)

when I run jack rack, it says could not create jack client. Is the jackd server running ?

What should I do ?

[MetalheadGautham]

a small update: I managed to catch hold of gnuitar rpm and convert it to deb via alien and install it. It rocks, but the bass is horrible. It doesn't even exist.

I compiled gtk guitar effects pedel, but I have no Idea how to use it after installing.

[th3james]

Thanks. opne final question(hopefully it WILL be the final for the topic)

when I run jack rack, it says could not create jack client. Is the jackd server running ?

What should I do ?

You need to run the JACK server first, which is covered in the tutorial i posted a link to.
Basically, to have any JACK based programs running, u first need to run qjackctl to get the daemon started

[Patrick-Ruff]

well, I got the Boss DS-1 today and it came broken, I'm pretty pissed. it's gonna take probably 2 weeks for the refund but I ordered a new one tonight so hopefully that will get here soon.

[matthew]

well, I got the Boss DS-1 today and it came broken, I'm pretty pissed. it's gonna take probably 2 weeks for the refund but I ordered a new one tonight so hopefully that will get here soon.No!! I'm so sorry. That stinks.

[th3james]

well, I got the Boss DS-1 today and it came broken, I'm pretty pissed. it's gonna take probably 2 weeks for the refund but I ordered a new one tonight so hopefully that will get here soon.

Sorry to hear that dude, that really does suck, so much for the bullet proof boss reliability eh!

I'm looking for a more serious amp, that i could use for gigging, i've been looking at the Orange Tiny Terror (http://www.guitar.co.uk/orange/1040-orange_tiny_terror_electric_guitar_amp_head)
, but i doubt it's 15 watt tube would give me enough clean headroom

Now looking at the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (http://www.guitar.co.uk/fender/264-fender_hot_rod_deluxe_electric_guitar_amplifier), anyone have any opinions?

[matthew]

That whole Boss pedal thing arriving DOA is weird. I've used and abused (http://matthewhelmke.net/wordpress/2008/02/25/guitar-effects/) their stuff for years and never had a problem. Hopefully it is just a weird fluke and not a commentary on current build quality.Now looking at the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (http://www.guitar.co.uk/fender/264-fender_hot_rod_deluxe_electric_guitar_amplifier), anyone have any opinions?
I've played them. They sound pretty good, especially for a decent clean or bluesy/rock overdrive. Slap a pedal in front for anything that needs higher gain and you will be set...unless you are a total tone snob (like me (http://matthewhelmke.net/wordpress/2007/10/31/my-custom-amplifieryep-i-built-it-myself/)).

Note: the two links are to posts on my blog about my pedals and amp. If personal blog spam offends you, don't click 'em. :)

[th3james]

Wow, can't believe you built your own amp, thats awesome. How hard was it? I like building stuff (did the whole guitar building thing last summer), so this could be my next avenue of building stuff. Maybe i'll start by messing with the hot rod if i decide to go for one (everywhere has sold out atm, going back to demark street next week to try one out). Apparently a new set of tubes makes a big difference, depends how funds are... I'm always after my own tone, i guess thats the best way to get it!

Only Boss pedal i actually own is the DD-6, it seems pretty solid, but i've only had it a couple of months...

[matthew]

Wow, can't believe you built your own amp, thats awesome. How hard was it?
The physical act wasn't that hard. All it really requires is a knowledge of how to strip wire, solder correctly, read schematics, use a multimeter, read the values of resistors, capacitors, and other discrete components, and know enough about working with high voltage circuits to work with them safely so you don't kill yourself. :)

Honestly, this isn't a project for beginners, but it is something anyone can work up to doing. If you are really interested, start small. Find effects kits (several places sell them on the net) and start there. Nothing in an average effects box can kill you, at least nothing I am aware of. Then build a small amp or find an old one and fix it. Read a lot first and be very careful. If you don't know for sure what you are doing, don't do it.

Little by little you learn. :)

[Patrick-Ruff]

yeah, I pretty much got down my basics of electronics through fixing my amp. I'm pretty sure I know enough to build my own.


as far as that DS1 goes I'm pretty sure it was just bad luck, and it was definitely the circuit to blame, the exterior was perfect but when plugged in it didn't let any sound through, turn on or anything.

so obviously there's a fried componant in there as it wouldn't even let a signal through when it was off.

[th3james]

Honestly, this isn't a project for beginners, but it is something anyone can work up to doing. If you are really interested, start small. Find effects kits (several places sell them on the net) and start there. Nothing in an average effects box can kill you, at least nothing I am aware of.

That could be a plan, I am after another overdrive, so building one is probably the way to go, any kits in particular u know of? I'll have a look around, not seen any in the UK, but might be cuz i've not been looking :)

[matthew]

any kits in particular u know of?I have heard of a few, but never tried any and I don't have any links or specific names. I did read a book several years ago that you might enjoy.

http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Projects-Musicians-Craig-Anderton/dp/0825695023

[th3james]

Thanks dude, i had seen that book around before, might give it a once over next time i'm in a book store,
I found this company, who seem to have a fair few cool designer kits, seem quite beginner friendly too: Build your own clone (http://www.buildyourownclone.com/index1.html)

But i really need a new amp first! My Vox VR15 is starting to annoy me, sounds rubbish when recording, hopefully i'll get to try out the hot rod deluxe tomorrow, i'll report back with what i think (it's got a lot to live up to, everyone i talk to seem to say its a great amp for the price)

[matthew]

Thanks dude, i had seen that book around before, might give it a once over next time i'm in a book store,
I found this company, who seem to have a fair few cool designer kits, seem quite beginner friendly too: Build your own clone (http://www.buildyourownclone.com/index1.html)
Wow. Those look pretty cool. That site has potential. I filed it away for when I have some free time.

[TasKiNG]

Take a look at this
http://www.fretboard-explorer.co.uk

Its free and theres an Ubuntu and windows version.

[matthew]

Take a look at this
http://www.fretboard-explorer.co.uk

Its free and theres an Ubuntu and windows version.Nice. There is another one floating around called Tux Guitar that is also quite nice and seems similar, at least on initial glance (don't have a link on me, and I'm just stopping in for five minutes...if I get time later I'll search for one for you).

[th3james]

Tux guitar is the repos
sudo apt-get install tuxguitar
but this program looks a little differnt? this is more about training. i might have have a look, might give me some ideas for my guitar trainer. shame its not open source thou

[Patrick-Ruff]

for some reason this time around UPS has been stuck on Billing Information Recieved since saturday . . . .

I finished a song I made for an assignment (it's kinda sloppy but everyone I've played it for says it sounds nice. I'm gonna be sticking it up at www.myspace.com/erraticwavelengths if anyone is interested (not sure what I'm gonna name it yet but there will only be two songs on the page.

edit: will upload in 7 hours, don't have the time at the moment.

[herbster]

How do y'all play this:

-5-----------------------------
--7----------------------------
----7--------------------------
----7^9------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------

Like if that's in the middle of a solo or something, how do you guys prefer to do the --77-- with the 9 hammer-on coming? Barre? Or first+second fingers?

[matthew]

herbster: I would play that as an A-form barre chord using my index and ring fingers, then use my pinky to fret the note at the 9th fret, or slide up to it, depending on what I would play next.

[atomkarinca]

Sliding seems easier but AFAIK that ^ sign means hammer-on. However I would do a bend there, it would probably sound better.

[Patrick-Ruff]

that seriously depends on the song, do what sounds like the song.

[herbster]

Alright, so what if it sounds right as a hammer-on? Having real trouble busting an A chord form in that tiny 7th fret, hehe. So far barring is getting me the right sound, but I'm asking so I can be exposed to more techniques.

[Patrick-Ruff]

I can't answer your question, I don't know what song it's from or anything about it.

[Patrick-Ruff]

news on my shipment: I'm pretty irritated with musicians friend now. my UPS order is stuck on Billing Information Recivied, and has been since the 10th. it would have delivered today if the package was there.

so I called MF, they said that they sent it but UPS was being slow. so I call ups, they say they don' thave anything and that tomorrow (24 hours after the expected delivery date) they have to initiate some sort of search for this product, or investigation they said.


so I'm a bit frustrated . . . anyone with experience with these people know what I should do next?

I mean first they sent me a broken one now they haven't even sent back my old one, I wasted my time ordering it early to get it faster than exchanging it.

this may be one of the last things I order from MF, probably guitarcenter.com from now on . . .

edit: called MF again and got them working on finding it, so hopefully ups will get it soon.

[herbster]

Ah my bad, should have pointed to the song. It's Find Another You by Mayer, here's the tab: http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/j/john_mayer/im_gonna_find_another_you_ver3_tab.htm

Performance can be seen here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pmpShCULwXk

[Patrick-Ruff]

that's by John Mayer actually ;). I know his stuff well, and that's probably a hammer on just because that's heavily used in his style.

[herbster]

Oh yeah, I know it's John :) I'm a fan as well, it's fun and challenging to learn his songs. So if that's a hammer-on and that's the song, how would you do the --77--?

[Patrick-Ruff]

you probably just pick 7 twice, I bet. depends on what it sounds like he's doing on the song, that's how tabs work . . . you read it, and play it based on how it sounds to the song (usually the hardest thing is playing everything at the right speed/tempo.)

wait . . . you may want to elaborate on how exactly that tab is arranged. what you pasted doesn't appear to be in the proper arrangement for a tab, and it's important that you indicate that if you want to communicate with other guitar players about that online.

[Patrick-Ruff]

well got the new pedal and strings today oddly enough, even though UPS didn't even know where it was apparently. the pedal works just fine, I haven't got to tinkering around with it yet but I will.

[Watchtow3r]

Oh yeah, I know it's John :) I'm a fan as well, it's fun and challenging to learn his songs. So if that's a hammer-on and that's the song, how would you do the --77--?

I'm also a fan of John's. Right now I'm working on Why Georgia. Those thumb slaps are really hard to get in time. Plus I heard that when he does it live he stores the pick in between his index and middle fingers on the beginning fingerpicking, then for the chords in the chorus he whips that pick out before putting it back for the rest of the fingerpicking. Don't ask me how he can do it so seamlessly, John Mayer is incredible.

Does anyone know any good software for ubuntu to slow down songs without changing pitch, as well as let you change the pitch without changing the speed? I know Transcribe! does it, but it's $50, and I was thinking more along the lines of free :D

[Patrick-Ruff]

well you could always hit up the local pirates, they tend to have everything ;).

well I've been tinkering with the DS-1 and so far I'm pretty impressed with it. I do plan to make another pedal purchase, probably a month or two from now.

I'm thinking about a good compress/sustain pedal, any suggestions? (particularly ones under $100)

[th3james]

Does anyone know any good software for ubuntu to slow down songs without changing pitch, as well as let you change the pitch without changing the speed? I know Transcribe! does it, but it's $50, and I was thinking more along the lines of free :D

I think audacity can speed up and slow down a song, also this looks interesting, but incomplete?
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4947721
let us know if you find anything cool

[herbster]

you probably just pick 7 twice, I bet. depends on what it sounds like he's doing on the song, that's how tabs work . . . you read it, and play it based on how it sounds to the song (usually the hardest thing is playing everything at the right speed/tempo.)

wait . . . you may want to elaborate on how exactly that tab is arranged. what you pasted doesn't appear to be in the proper arrangement for a tab, and it's important that you indicate that if you want to communicate with other guitar players about that online.

My bad, what do you mean the tab isn't arranged properly? Still new at this myself so not sure what you mean, I'll do my best to clarify so I can get help with it. Do you mean it's incorrectly tabbed, or there lacks indications of verse/chorus or something?

Yeah, good recommendation with Audacity, that can do it no sweat. And yes, Mayer is damn good. I remember reading an interview a while ago where he talked about practicing for hours everyday for several years to get his foundation, was a good read about his discipline when he started learning. I really want to learn the solo on his cover of Bold as Love, I've been listening to it non-stop the last few weeks. Quickly becoming one of my favourite solos, but gonna have to tab it out myself as I haven't found it on the net yet. Will be quite the challenge but a good learning experience :)

[Patrick-Ruff]

yeah I agree with mayer, that's basically what I did to get as good as I am now, and I'm still doing it, too :). too bad my fingers hurt through my caluses after 3 hours lol..

[thisllub]

No words necessary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWCKL_MHRoU

[th3james]

No words necessary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWCKL_MHRoU

That is amazing! Just found the guitar pro tab, but i dare not look at it for fear it my destroy my confidence as a guitarists, lol

Went to look at the fender hot rod deluxe, but ended up playing (and subsequently buying) the Texas Red LTD Edition (http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/74338), basically the same but with celestion speaker and a better pre amp.

The amp sounds great, amazing compression, rich bass tones, nice crunchy overdrive, and the footswitch has sated my want for another OD pedal :)

[herbster]

My goodness that was really fantastic! He was mad smooth and just havin' a fun time playing it, great video thisllub!

[matthew]

Went to look at the fender hot rod deluxe, but ended up playing (and subsequently buying) the Texas Red LTD Edition (http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/74338), basically the same but with celestion speaker and a better pre amp.

The amp sounds great, amazing compression, rich bass tones, nice crunchy overdrive, and the footswitch has sated my want for another OD pedal :)Excellent! Congratulations. I'm sure you will be very happy with it.

[Patrick-Ruff]

my song is up :www.myspace.com/erraticwavelengths name "US History Song" it's pretty sloppy but a lot of people just liked the music in general, I plan to fix it up but for now I think it's a good musical idea.

what do you all think of it?

[Patrick-Ruff]

anyone check it out?

[matthew]

anyone check it out?I listened to it. I like how you gave the melody some room to breathe. Your phrasing was kind of like speech/singing, and that was nice. It wasn't overwhelming. You show a lot of potential!

[herbster]

One of the very rare instances I've broken my no-Myspace law, but it was worth it Patrick, that was real nice. Matthew's right, you have quite the potential.

[Patrick-Ruff]

thanks, comments like that keep me even more motivated than I already am.

[Patrick-Ruff]

hey all I just got this guitar from my friend and it's got a huge chunk missing out of the nut. but otherwise it's a great guitar. (except the frets seem to be a bit grindy.)

anyways, I was wondering if there's anything I can substitute this chunk (see in pics.) with until I can buy a new nut?

(btw, this nut didn't look like the ones I could find online so if someone could find it online that would be great.)

edit: I think I might just make a replacement nut myself. I already took the measurements and I think I'll find a chunk of plastic and cut out a little larger than the actual dimensions, then sand it down to fit in there perfectly, and glue it down with elmers glue. and since pressure will be inflicted upon it with the strings there isn't any real worry to put stronger glue or use different material other than that which fits perfectly and allows the strings to slide.

unless there's a huge flaw in my plan that one of you may catch, I believe I'm going to pursue this.

[Patrick-Ruff]

edit, it's fixed. though we may make another one another day. the string spacing is off on one of the strings but barely enough to be noticable.

so it works for now :).

[matthew]

Patrick: congratulations. Careful, you may catch the "fixing guitars" bug, too. :) Once you get over the fear, you discover that most things on them are easy to fix if you take your time and work slowly.

Just wait until you have the money to buy a couple of nice files and make your first bone nut...

[Patrick-Ruff]

that's probably what will happen, though I'm not sure I'm entirely set on the fender tone . .

[Patrick-Ruff]

well we made another one that has the strings equidistant from eachother, glued it in and it's all good

[wootah]

Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the software available for Linux for guitar tabbing (GUI, Terminal, any libraries, etc) ? The one major thing that I miss from Windows is Guitar Pro. I have the 5th version (the one with the RSE), but the only thing I want is just a visualization of the tab. I actually prefer the ASCII versions of all of the Guitar Pro tabs--I just find it's easier since a lot of the best tabs have been created with that software.

I could probably virtualize XP and install it through there, or even use Wine, but I'm more installed in native use :)

Since I am a proficient programmer, I have been toying with the idea of designing some software to convert the guitar(s) and bass tracks from Guitar Pro / maybe PowerTab into well formated/designed ASCII versions as a solid summer project.

Thoughts?

[th3james]

Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the software available for Linux for guitar tabbing (GUI, Terminal, any libraries, etc) ? The one major thing that I miss from Windows is Guitar Pro. I have the 5th version (the one with the RSE), but the only thing I want is just a visualization of the tab. I actually prefer the ASCII versions of all of the Guitar Pro tabs--I just find it's easier since a lot of the best tabs have been created with that software.


tuxguitar in the repos is pretty solid java program, integrates nicely with timidity with a bit of tweaking, serves me well

I was poking around when i was at my parents and found amongst my dad's other musical gear, a Boss DR55 (http://www.soundofmusic.se/synthsandmore/dr-55.htm) drum machine from the 80s! he let me pinch it, and and i've been playing around with it, its got a lovely old skool sound, a bit different from Hydrogen, thats for sure!:)

Not having a display makes you feel a little blind, punching in all the notes beat by beat is wicked retro (especially when i think that the machine itself is about 8 years older than me...)

[-gabe-noob-]

I play acoustic, lemme check the brand.

[jeffc313]

I recorded this yesterday, its amazing how I freeze up when I'm on camera :(
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vFQysmWH0Gs
any comments/suggestions would be awesome!:guitar:

[Patrick-Ruff]

not bad, maybe practice it a bit slow it down and make it smooth, it was a bit choppy. but other than that not bad at all.

[herbster]

That was nice Jeff! I definitely can't do that yet, well done. Patrick's right, just getting it smoother, but that's the battle of course.

[Patrick-Ruff]

well I get smoother through the classic method of slowing down then speeding up. usually I try it at it's current speed, and if I can't do it at that speed I slow it down a lot and gradually work my way up to that. usually after about a half hour I get it.

[Patrick-Ruff]

look, I know guitars aren't THAT boring ;). start talking people

[herbster]

Hehe, well I've been practicing damn consistently, starting to build some speed. Played the first bit of Bohemian for colleagues at a house party last week, and actually pulled it off to some applause! Of course, I know it still needs work, but it was encouraging to have some folks tell me I'm coming along and remind me how some months ago I didn't know how to hold the damn thing ;)

I'm starting to be able to figure some stuff out by ear, which is awesome. Just practicing scales and any solos that keep challenging me once I've gotten anywhere naer comfortable with a prior one.

One of my favourite songs, great live version: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=pmpShCULwXk&feature=related Just love the solo, and that guitar is damn schweet. I'm curious, does someone at his level just improvise a solo like that or write it out like any piece of music? I mean generally of course, when one gets "that good" is it possible to bust a solo like that? I suppose it's about knowing the guitar so damn well you probably can...

[RiceMonster]

I used to be really into speed and shredding. I used to practice sweeping, alt picking, string skipping, learning new scales, etc. I was getting pretty good. Then I just lost interest in those things. That said, I still like to do some nice soloing (I especially like David Gilmour's solos).

These days I rarely shred, because it's just gotten so boring and I don't find any passion in it. So what I'm into now is experimenting and making stuff that just sounds good. One thing I really like doing is playing my guitar with a cello bow because I can get some really neat sounds with it (no, not like Jimmy Page with a Violin bow, more like Sigur Rós if you've heard them). Next I want to get one of those pedals that loops back the part you just played so I can layer multiple guitar parts. It will work out good, since I'm jamming with just a bassist and drummer and sometimes I think we could use another instrument.

[matthew]

My philosophy on learning the guitar is to study (and sometimes obsess over) anything that interests me, whether it is technique, theory, or just some interesting little riff or sound. I'll mess with it over and over and over and over and over until it feels natural and right.

Then, I'll forget most of the details. This isn't by design, it is simply a factor of my personality and intellect. If it isn't right in front of me, I don't generally think about it. But by then, it usually doesn't matter because the memory is in my fingers and hands.

Sometimes I'll play with someone and something especially cool will come out. I may get asked, or I'll just think to myself, "Where did that come from?" Often it will be the result of a two week fascination with some obscure artist or nifty little sound/technique/riff I messed around with one/two/three/ten years ago.

[beanhead]

Yeah got into then out of shred. Now im just listening to what i want to hear. Im into steve vai and ir you like loops or would like to play with out a bow but get the forever sustain you should check out a Fernandez sustainer man cool. heres Steve Vai in denver playing a triple kneck with a fretless on the bottom it sounds great with the sustainer, also the first part of the song is constructed using an easy loop record. Cool check it out and tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOXl7t_LktQ

[Bubba64]

Yeah got into then out of shred. Now im just listening to what i want to hear. Im into steve vai and ir you like loops or would like to play with out a bow but get the forever sustain you should check out a Fernandez sustainer man cool. heres Steve Vai in denver playing a triple kneck with a fretless on the bottom it sounds great with the sustainer, also the first part of the song is constructed using an easy loop record. Cool check it out and tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOXl7t_LktQ

As much as I appreciate Steve Vai's technical ability on the guitar some of his work which I love best was when Frank Zappa Was alive and Steve was in his band. If you want truly interesting fret less guitar playing check out Adrian Belew.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Belew
Also an alumni of Zappa Bands.
I saw G3 about ten years ago with Vai, Satriani, and Robert Fripp. Seve Vai had a keyboard player who sat in with Robert Fripp on Guitar that was also a great player. The only problem I have with Vai, and Satriani is that they generally play standardized harmony and scales, although with an amazing amount of skill and finesse. If you want another guitar player to check out who can play anything these guys can but also uses a a more complex set of scales and harmony, and is considered by many to be one of the best check out Allan Holdsworth.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Holdsworth

[Patrick-Ruff]

Hehe, well I've been practicing damn consistently, starting to build some speed. Played the first bit of Bohemian for colleagues at a house party last week, and actually pulled it off to some applause! Of course, I know it still needs work, but it was encouraging to have some folks tell me I'm coming along and remind me how some months ago I didn't know how to hold the damn thing ;)

I'm starting to be able to figure some stuff out by ear, which is awesome. Just practicing scales and any solos that keep challenging me once I've gotten anywhere naer comfortable with a prior one.

One of my favourite songs, great live version: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=pmpShCULwXk&feature=related Just love the solo, and that guitar is damn schweet. I'm curious, does someone at his level just improvise a solo like that or write it out like any piece of music? I mean generally of course, when one gets "that good" is it possible to bust a solo like that? I suppose it's about knowing the guitar so damn well you probably can...

that solo is probably about 1/5th composed and 4/5th's improvised. that's just what I'm hearing anyway, others may think differently.

I was wondering what sort of position switch I would do with this:
http://www.ibreathemusic.com/articles/files/174/ex1.gif

would I hit the 7 with my pinkey sliding or would I shift over somewhere before the 7?

[RiceMonster]

Yeah got into then out of shred. Now im just listening to what i want to hear. Im into steve vai and ir you like loops or would like to play with out a bow but get the forever sustain you should check out a Fernandez sustainer man cool. heres Steve Vai in denver playing a triple kneck with a fretless on the bottom it sounds great with the sustainer, also the first part of the song is constructed using an easy loop record. Cool check it out and tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOXl7t_LktQ

Stevie Vai's always been awesome. That was a cool video.

[herbster]

Patrick, I just played that and find myself using pinky and sliding up.

Interesting: http://www.moogmusic.com/moogguitar/?section=product&product_id=21129

[jeffc313]

Today I was at Guitar Center and saw one of these, I absolutely fell in love, and this was after playing for about 1/2 hour on a brand new American Strat.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-Guitars-G6134-White-Penguin-Electric-Guitar-517749-i1165349.gc?mode=5
Looks like I wont be buying _anything_ for at least a year if I want to save up for it (I'm off to college in 2 years, hopefully I'll have the money for that and a new thinkpad)
note: i didnt actually ask to play it, it was up in the "you can't afford these" ceiling.

[Patrick-Ruff]

Patrick, I just played that and find myself using pinky and sliding up.

Interesting: http://www.moogmusic.com/moogguitar/?section=product&product_id=21129

yeah that just doesn't seem right to me.

[jeffc313]

yeah that just doesn't seem right to me.

I agree, I'd have to hear it and the "perma-sustain" in order to really be wowed enough to feel that it is worth the money.

[Kronie]

hey, guys, do u know if there's any way to install guitar rig or any other virtual amp software on linux? its just that i got this cheapo behringer iaxe393 usb guitar as my first ever electric.. and so after i switched to linux i cant play it with all the effects and such...and i cant tune it right, since i cant tune it by ear on any other tuning besides EADGBE...

[jeffc313]

@kronie
check these out
http://sound.condorow.net/fx.html

[Patrick-Ruff]

I agree, I'd have to hear it and the "perma-sustain" in order to really be wowed enough to feel that it is worth the money.

I wasn't talking about th at, I was talking about the position switch with the pinky

[herbster]

How would y'all play this?

|------------------------------------------------------------------|
|----6-6---------5--5---------6-6------------5---5-----------------|
|--------5h7--4-------5p4-2-------5h7--4-4-4---4-------------------|
|----0------------------------0------------------------------------|
|----------------3-----------------------3-3-----------------------|
|-------------3-----------1------------3---------------------------|

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|---6--6p5--------5-5-8p5-------6-6------------1-1-1----------------|
|----------7p5-4---------7p5-6-----7h5-4\2--------------------------|
|---0--0------------------------0-----------------------------------|
|-----------------3---------------------------3-3--3----------------|
|----------------------------5--------------------------------------|

I'm trying to strengthen my pinky so I'm doing it with ring finger on 6th fret, pinky doing the pull-offs.

[cmay]

How would y'all play this?

Quote:
|------------------------------------------------------------------|
|----6-6---------5--5---------6-6------------5---5-----------------|
|--------5h7--4-------5p4-2-------5h7--4-4-4---4-------------------|
|----0------------------------0------------------------------------|
|----------------3-----------------------3-3-----------------------|
|-------------3-----------1------------3---------------------------|

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|---6--6p5--------5-5-8p5-------6-6------------1-1-1----------------|
|----------7p5-4---------7p5-6-----7h5-4\2--------------------------|
|---0--0------------------------0-----------------------------------|
|-----------------3---------------------------3-3--3----------------|
|----------------------------5--------------------------------------|
i would play that in open d or open c whit slidetube and i guess i would have the mood for some blues too:)

[Patrick-Ruff]

looks like either fingerpicking or hybrid picking to me (using your pick + fingers)

[herbster]

Yep, was just curious as to position..

Damn b-string tuning key just broke :/ Ah well, I needed to take 'er in for a setup anyhow, off to the store tomorrow.

[herbster]

Well, dropped off the acoustic today and had another look around... looks like I'm picking up a Godin Freeway on Monday :D :D

[magnus0]

Thanks! It's my Les Paul (only an epiphone unfortunatly) and my mates bass, all messed up in the gimp. Is that actually ur SG!? Either way, its pimp!

I got Ubuntu stickers from ordering the free CD. I'm going to stick them to my guitar:) Oh, and since most Ubuntu users listen to metal, that's even cooler. There should be a distribution like this: Heavybuntu

[jeffc313]

I chipped in to get my brother a guitar for his birthday (he is just beginning), an ibanez GSA60 in black. The action is low, the neck is thin, the pickups sound great, however I definitely prefer my telecaster over it.

[herbster]

That's a nice beginner guitar for him Jeff.

I was rackin' me brain between a SAS36FM, black Strat, the Freeway and a PRS SE. The Ibanez and Strat have this ugly outline on the body that kills the deal for me, and the Strat oddly enough was heavier than the Godin. The Godin is the perfect looking one for me, plays great, couldn't find anything wrong with it of all them. Who knows, Monday I might see another that suckers me in and change my mind, tough to choose!

[th3james]

I got Ubuntu stickers from ordering the free CD. I'm going to stick them to my guitar:) Oh, and since most Ubuntu users listen to metal, that's even cooler. There should be a distribution like this: Heavybuntu

Way ahead of you, check my avatar :guitar:

don't quite know where you got the assumption most ubuntu users listen to metal from thou...

Come think of what, what would most people say was their favorite genres of music?

I'm into Alternative, Post Punk, Indie, little bit of a electronic and dance (but only good dance, LCD Sound System, Justice etc)

EDIT: Sorry, just realised that you we're talking about my current avatar, when I made that post, it was a different picture, with a les paul and bass as ying 'n yang, current one is my telecaster, which I'm in the process of decking out with geek stickers (ubuntu and XKCD this far..)

[herbster]

Boooooyaaaa!! Have a new member of the family today!! :D :D :D


http://www.bobgill.net/HPNX0092.JPG

Crappy phone camera but she's a beauty to my eyes... Got the Traynor with it pretty cheap, perfect for my bedroom playing.

The search is over! ...until the next one of course ;) :guitar:

[Patrick-Ruff]

yeah definitely not bad at all, I bet it gets some nice tones. but not really my taste.

hey all I was wondering, if I had something like 1 3 5 7 8 10

traveling up the fretboard on the b string . . . would I just do 1 3 5 with my hand in the first position and just stretch my pinky for the 5? then skip over to 7 and stretch to 10? or is there a better way to do it?

[diwas]

It wud be best if u hit the 1st string too...
E: --------2-3-5
B: 1-3-5-----

Hey guys by the way can u name me which song is this?? I want to know the timing:

|------------------------------------------------------------------|
|----6-6---------5--5---------6-6------------5---5-----------------|
|--------5h7--4-------5p4-2-------5h7--4-4-4---4-------------------|
|----0------------------------0------------------------------------|
|----------------3-----------------------3-3-----------------------|
|-------------3-----------1------------3---------------------------|

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|---6--6p5--------5-5-8p5-------6-6------------1-1-1----------------|
|----------7p5-4---------7p5-6-----7h5-4\2--------------------------|
|---0--0------------------------0-----------------------------------|
|-----------------3---------------------------3-3--3----------------|
|----------------------------5--------------------------------------|




And yeah please help me out wid this....no body has replied me...plz.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=831641

[herbster]

That's Galaxy of the Lost by Lightspeed Champion.

[Patrick-Ruff]

that doesn't solve my problem, it merely simplifies it. I'm talking about the case where I want to play that entirely on the B string, what would be the most efficient way to do that?

1 3 5 7 8 10 lets say on the high E string this time.

[jeffc313]

that doesn't solve my problem, it merely simplifies it. I'm talking about the case where I want to play that entirely on the B string, what would be the most efficient way to do that?

1 3 5 7 8 10 lets say on the high E string this time.

well, i'd do

-----------------7-8-10
6-8-10--------

IMO, its impractical to do all of that on one string.

in the case that you _need_ to, such as on low E, I'd do

first finger for the first 3 notes, 2nd finger for the 7 3rd finger for the last 2.

[magnus0]

I just ordered the Jackson JS30 Dinky. Still waiting for it to arrive.

Jackson JS30 Dinky
74392

[jeffc313]

I just ordered the Jackson JS30 Dinky. Still waiting for it to arrive.

Jackson JS30 Dinky
74392

nice, I have always loved jacksons but I love the single coil sound more :P

in other news, my Gretsch White Penguin fund is now at $1,500 with the cheapest that I can find one at $2,800. (by white penguin fund, I mean my bank account of course!):lolflag:

[Patrick-Ruff]

well, i'd do

-----------------7-8-10
6-8-10--------

IMO, its impractical to do all of that on one string.

in the case that you _need_ to, such as on low E, I'd do

first finger for the first 3 notes, 2nd finger for the 7 3rd finger for the last 2.

you don't use your pinky?

[jeffc313]

you don't use your pinky?

hmm... I guess I would. Sorry for that bit of bad advise. I suppose that it all depends upon the speed that you would play that sequence of notes.

[diwas]

Well that's not wise to play in just a string coz that makes guitar to loose its beauty...anyways i tried to play all in the 2nd string and the most efficient way i got is this one:

Keep moving ur hand in the forward direction according to the tempo of the song (assuming that all notes are played with the same duration).

Fret Finger

1 Index
3 Ring
5 Pinky
7 Index
8 Middle
10 Pinkey


This is the most efficient and fastest way i got...(some sliding sound is obtained at first but after practice u can remove that easily)

Guys what abt the game?? frets on fire...cant anyone help me out??? Do i have to install smthg of python for it to work in XP?

[d3drocks]

hey guys,
i play guitar also.
i use a really cheap ibanez (which i cant find on their website) that has decent pickups. currently, my amp is collecting Dust, as my Pod-XT is doing its job better (which, btw, i found linux drivers for :) )
http://www.line6.com/podxt/

anyways, check out my cover of the duke nukem theme: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=731104&songID=6332454

it won 1st place in the duke nukem coversong contest on the 3dr forums. (currently have to redo the guitar)

[Patrick-Ruff]

Well that's not wise to play in just a string coz that makes guitar to loose its beauty...anyways i tried to play all in the 2nd string and the most efficient way i got is this one:

Keep moving ur hand in the forward direction according to the tempo of the song (assuming that all notes are played with the same duration).

Fret Finger

1 Index
3 Ring
5 Pinky
7 Index
8 Middle
10 Pinkey


This is the most efficient and fastest way i got...(some sliding sound is obtained at first but after practice u can remove that easily)

Guys what abt the game?? frets on fire...cant anyone help me out??? Do i have to install smthg of python for it to work in XP?



thanks, that seems like the best way to play it :).

[jeffc313]

hey guys,
i play guitar also.
i use a really cheap ibanez (which i cant find on their website) that has decent pickups. currently, my amp is collecting Dust, as my Pod-XT is doing its job better (which, btw, i found linux drivers for :) )
http://www.line6.com/podxt/

anyways, check out my cover of the duke nukem theme: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=731104&songID=6332454

it won 1st place in the duke nukem coversong contest on the 3dr forums. (currently have to redo the guitar)

wow. the sound that you got (i assume out of the POD) is really nice. the recording is very good. Not a huge fan of the drum machine/synth backing track, but your playing is very nice!

[zachtib]

hey guys,

For the last couple months, I've been learning on an old acoustic that belongs to my mother, but just recently I finally bought my own, an Epiphone Les Paul Studio :D

(I can't seem to get the photo to rotate properly)

[d3drocks]

wow. the sound that you got (i assume out of the POD) is really nice. the recording is very good. Not a huge fan of the drum machine/synth backing track, but your playing is very nice!

ty :)

i wanted a synth backing cause the original song had it.

also, the bass in the back was a synth too. its just hyper-realistic. (although i didnt use it in a realisitic manner)

anyways, i did the whole song in FL-Studio 8 XXL edition.
was way worth the $300 :)

EDIT, heres a pic of my guitar, and my amp (which is now collecting dust in my room)

[diwas]

Patrick...im sorry if this is a stupid question but u mite know that im not much into electric guitars...but i like the one on ur profile pic...

Actually i like the sound of slash in november rain and any concert sound of Petrucci's guitar. I think Slash uses Les Paul and Petrucci uses Ibanez...

So i wonder what is the model name bla bla bla of that guitar...wat kinda guitar is that and all...can u plz tell me smthg or the other abt it
?

[Patrick-Ruff]

well, my display pic is actually a mac os x icon for garage band haha. but yeah this guitar looks more like the ES series of epiphone (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-ES175-Electric-Guitar?sku=517414). Slash uses Les Paul's usually, but I immagine now he uses a Gibson Les Paul rather than an Epiphone.

[jeffc313]

about what slash uses
from wikipedia
Guitars

Slash owns over 100 guitars. His main live guitar is a 1987 Les Paul Standard with 3 piece top (Factory Second). It has a cracked neck in 2 places, but he has had it repaired and continues to use it. Most of Slash's electric guitars have Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro pickups which are low output pickups.

His guitars include:

* B.C Rich Mockingbird
* Fender Stratocaster
* Fender Telecaster
* B.C Rich Bich Double neck
* Gibson EDS-1275
* Gibson Flying V
* Gibson Explorer
* Gibson Melody Maker (used for slide during "Psycho Killer")
* At least 30 Les Pauls

He favors Ernie Ball Slinky R.P.S gauge 11-48 strings as well as Dunlop Purple Tortex (1.14 mm) picks and Seymour Duncan APH-1 Alnico II Pro and Vintage Gibson PAF pickups. He keeps his guitars in tune with a Peterson Strobe tuner.

Some of his favorite effects boxes are:

* Dunlop Rack Mounted Crybaby (controlled with an Ernie Ball volume pedal for live shows)
* Rocktron Hush II CX
* DBX 166 Compressor
* Yamaha SPX 900 Multieffect
* Boss DD-5 Delay (for solos)
* MXR 10-band graphic EQ
* Dunlop Heil Talkbox
* Boss GE-7 (for solos)
* Dunlop Q-Zone

[diwas]

....man and here i was thinkin dat he has 1 guitar...damn.

If i was to buy a decent guitar with good sound...wat kinda price range wud that be??

[jdunn]

I have a Kramer Focus 3000. It has a locking nut and bridge, which I hate because it makes restringing and tuning difficult. Once I get an estimate of its worth, I'd like to trade it in towards a nice telecaster. I don't have a nice amp at the moment so I'm using a PocketPOD (http://line6.com/pocketpod/), which works very well as a practice amp.

I also have an Oscar Schmidt acoustic guitar, which I love.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n96/Lithium_03/Miscellaneous/acoustic.jpghttp://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n96/Lithium_03/Miscellaneous/IMG_0275_2.jpg

[th3james]

If i was to buy a decent guitar with good sound...wat kinda price range wud that be??

bout £300+ for a decent guitar, not to sure if that converts directly into dollars though... tokai's les paul replicas are pretty good around that price. I've got an epiphone les paul, but i'm not that impressed with it, pick-ups are to muddy, nice crunch to it though.

[Patrick-Ruff]

....man and here i was thinkin dat he has 1 guitar...damn.

If i was to buy a decent guitar with good sound...wat kinda price range wud that be??

did you read the part about the 30 les pauls? they're obviously his loved guitar.

you can get a les paul standard by epiphone for 500 bucks, that's pretty much as cheap as the decent ones go, they only go higher from there.

[d3drocks]

did you read the part about the 30 les pauls? they're obviously his loved guitar.

you can get a les paul standard by epiphone for 500 bucks, that's pretty much as cheap as the decent ones go, they only go higher from there.

i would NEVER in my life buy a les paul.

why?
they are heavy as hell, and arnt the nicest things ever (personal opinion). right now, i will only buy 3 brands of guitar. IbaneZ, Dean, and Line-6.

[jeffc313]

i would NEVER in my life buy a les paul.

why?
they are heavy as hell, and arnt the nicest things ever (personal opinion). right now, i will only buy 3 brands of guitar. IbaneZ, Dean, and Line-6.

oh boy, do I know some people that would flame you for that post there!

I do see your point for the weight, but I think that a LP plays extremely well if it is a good one, but having that weight strapped to you is never that fun (I know from my tele, which is sitll like 1/2 the weight of a LP)

@diwas: you can get a used MIM Telecaster or Stratocaster for ~$250. Those are nice guitars that would be in a "budget" range

[diwas]

~$250?? is the sound good???

So besides Les Paul and Ibanez which is/are dominating brands for guitar?? mainly electric.

[shen-an-doah]

~$250?? is the sound good???

So besides Les Paul and Ibanez which is/are dominating brands for guitar?? mainly electric.

Les Paul is a style of guitar made by Gibson (with licensed replicas made by Epiphone and many other unlicensed copies made by other companies).

The top two brands are Gibson and Fender.

Other big names are Gretsch, Jackson, Dean, Yamaha, PRS, Rickenbacker, BC Rich, ESP, and Schecter.

[diwas]

If i want to play melody...i mean slow but yet fast solo...sometimes heavy riff...which band is mine??
Im sure these kinda stuff isnt said in the website...so u guys are perfect to tell me abt these stuffs.

[atomkarinca]

If i want to play melody...i mean slow but yet fast solo...sometimes heavy riff...which band is mine??
Im sure these kinda stuff isnt said in the website...so u guys are perfect to tell me abt these stuffs.

Check out Pink Floyd. David Gilmour plays the best melodies out there. They're mostly slow but very nice to play.

[Patrick-Ruff]

yeah pink floyd is great

[jeffc313]

I just picked up a new amp today, Epiphone Valve Jr. I'm planning on modding it a bit too, although it sounds awesome stock!

[diwas]

Iam so sorry....i did not mean 'band', i meant 'brand'...simple typin error!! hehe.

+1 for Pink Floyd

[atomkarinca]

Iam so sorry....i did not mean 'band', i meant 'brand'...simple typin error!! hehe.

+1 for Pink Floyd

Then definitely go with a Fender Strat.

[jeffc313]

Then definitely go with a Fender Strat.

strats are nice for what you want. try a few of the mexican ones out. Try them with the SSS and HSS configs to see which you prefer. Also, consider a telecaster.

[shen-an-doah]

Strats (Fender) are pretty much the perfect all-rounder guitar, though it won't sound so great for really heavy stuff unless you get one with a humbucker in (but even then it's not the best).

If not, humbucker-equipped guitars cope better with melodic playing than single-coils do with heavy stuff. Here's a pic (http://www.mikedemicco.com/images/instruments/fender_stratocaster-rot45.jpg) to illustrate the difference between a humbucker (the big black one) and single-coil (the thin white ones) pick-ups.

As for Gibsons, if you don't like the weight of a Les Paul, an SG's good to look at.

Maybe if you listed a few bands, it'd be easier to recommend something (Dave Gilmour plays strats, for example).

[Patrick-Ruff]

I'd say if you go with strat, get one with atleast 1 humbucker. it's just the safe bet.

[diwas]

Oh...now Iam getting it. Humbucker means somewhat heavy sounding stuff isnt it?
by the way iam always facinated with pantera's guitar sound. I head that he uses Humbuckers too. Or is it the effect that produces such heavy sound?

Yeah 1 thing more if u dont mind. i would like to know how to do this effect in of course an electric guitar and what are the requirements:
The effect is for instance...ur playin a note in overdriven then after sometime the harmonic sound of the note fades in while the fundamental note's sound fades out, without even plucking the string. How is it possible? And what are the requirements, ie do i need a special instrument in guitar built in for that?

[RiceMonster]

Humbucker is two coils. Strats use single coil pickups (usually) and that's the main reason I don't like them (plus, I think they look bad). Never use single coil; they sound thin, have no depth, and just plain suck. That's my extremely biased opinion though :).

Also, I think what you're talking about is a sustainer pedal. There's also some guitars that come with a special pickup to do that. I tried one before. It was cool, but ultimately useless (for me). Also yes, Dimebag Darrel from Pantera uses dual coil (humbucker) pickups.

[jeffc313]

Humbucker is two coils. Strats use single coil pickups (usually) and that's the main reason I don't like them (plus, I think they look bad). Never use single coil; they sound thin, have no depth, and just plain suck. That's my extremely biased opinion though :).

Also, I think what you're talking about is a sustainer pedal. There's also some guitars that come with a special pickup to do that. I tried one before. It was cool, but ultimately useless (for me). Also yes, Dimebag Darrel from Pantera uses dual coil (humbucker) pickups.

look bad? obviously thats your bias right there!:lolflag: I can see the merits in a humbucker, but from someone who plays a tele and who has played with humbuckers, the single coil sound is much more distinct, and has all of the top end notes that I love, its less muddy than a humbucker. Not to say that a humbucker doesnt have the full meaty sound that a single coil cannot really reproduce. If you think that you cant play anything heavy with a single coil, listen to some iron maiden, both dave and adrian play strats with an SSS configuratoin.

[shen-an-doah]

If you think that you cant play anything heavy with a single coil, listen to some iron maiden, both dave and adrian play strats with an SSS configuratoin.

They might use strats, but Dave Murray has his fitted with hot rails pickups (which is basically a humbucker in a single-coil slot) and Adrian Smith has his fitted with a DiMarzio super distortion. Dave also often plays other humbucker-equipped guitars, including a Les Paul and an explorer (check the Number of the beast video if you don't believe me).

Oh...now Iam getting it. Humbucker means somewhat heavy sounding stuff isnt it?
by the way iam always facinated with pantera's guitar sound. I head that he uses Humbuckers too. Or is it the effect that produces such heavy sound?

Yeah 1 thing more if u dont mind. i would like to know how to do this effect in of course an electric guitar and what are the requirements:
The effect is for instance...ur playin a note in overdriven then after sometime the harmonic sound of the note fades in while the fundamental note's sound fades out, without even plucking the string. How is it possible? And what are the requirements, ie do i need a special instrument in guitar built in for that?

Humbuckers are required for heavier music as not only do they output a thicker sound, but they're also less prone to being noisy than single-coils are. This means you don't get horrible amounts of feedback when you use large amounts of distortion.

As for Pantera's sound, the most important part is probably the fact that Dime always used solid-state amps, rather than valves/tubes. Of course, the rest of his equipment mattered too.

The effect you're talking about sounds like feedback. To do it, you just need a loud amp.

[jeffc313]

I'd say that the most important part about getting dimebag's sound is not only the SS amp, but the Floyd Rose tremolo for those squeals that he is so famous for.

[Patrick-Ruff]

yeah, humbucker is best for the bass strings in my experience, whenever I play any of the EAD strings on a fender it sounds very light, not really something I can work with for serious rhythm. but when it comes to those high solo's and melodies (like david gilmore solo's) those single coil pickups are really the only way you can get that sound. humbuckers high's are too warm to have that sort of a scream to them.


it's hard to describe, the best thing you can do is go to a guitar center and compare them for a few hours. you'll get the idea fast, or rather 'pickup' the idea fast ;).

[diwas]

Damn...electric guitars are so complicated. But i can conclude that Humbuckers are my type. I need melody+great heavy distortion but yet clean sound(yeah wid some thickness on it) its exactly me!! hehe

Hmmm...for the example of the effect i mentioned above (the fade in and fade out stuff), u can find example in the "reason to live" by "kiss" solo. Otherwise u can check in "nothing else matters" by "metallica" in the "cunning stunts" concert. The effect is widely used at the end of the solo. Now did he used sustainer? I dont think so(my opinion, sorry if its not true). James messes around with the whammy bar and then does smthg which i dont know and u have the effect. You can check the songs just to confirm urself with what Im talking about.

[Patrick-Ruff]

they really aren't that complicated. you'll lean more about them as time goes on and as long as you try to expand your knowledge.

[diwas]

I hope so.....hehe.
Acoustic guitar are easy...put the strings tune the damn thing and play!! hehe

Hey btw i have acoustic guitar just like that in ur photo (except it doesnt have any pickups or volume knobs). It has 22frets. What is this type of guitar called?? Semi acoustic guitar??

[jeffc313]

I hope so.....hehe.
Acoustic guitar are easy...put the strings tune the damn thing and play!! hehe

Hey btw i have acoustic guitar just like that in ur photo (except it doesnt have any pickups or volume knobs). It has 22frets. What is this type of guitar called?? Semi acoustic guitar??

have any picture of it. if it has no pickups then its full-on acoustic.

[diwas]

Sorry no picture...but it is exactly like Patrick's foto. It has curvy hole not a central circle one. I hope u understand. I will post a pic ASAP.

[Patrick-Ruff]

Epiphone/Gibson ES.

[diwas]

...without the pickups and volume+tone knobs.

[Moustacha]

I hope I don't get killed with a guitar for asking a bass question...Does anyone have any useful tips on how to remember the notes at the dotted frets on a bass?

[diwas]

This is open guitar talk...no problem wid bass.
I dont have much experience wid bass guitar but the note depends upon the tuning ur using.

[Moustacha]

just using standard tuning then, EADG

[shen-an-doah]

I hope I don't get killed with a guitar for asking a bass question...Does anyone have any useful tips on how to remember the notes at the dotted frets on a bass?

Maybe try this: http://sed.free.fr/sight/fret.html

[diwas]

For the fret...u just need practice. Simply practice. Honestly, rather than spendin an hour in the internet tryin to learn guitar, its better if u practice even a simple thing on ur guitar.
This way u will learn guitar. No matter if its a 6 stringed or 4 stringed.

[diwas]

u can see the guitar in the attachment. My guitar is exactly the same but widout any knobs or pickup. I have an external pickup. but the shape is exactly the same.

Now..since the guitar in the pic has pickups thus it is called semi acoustic guitar (i think). Mine doesnt have one...so is it called acoustic?? Hehehehe very very confusing.

[paul cooke]

u can see the guitar in the attachment. My guitar is exactly the same but widout any knobs or pickup. I have an external pickup. but the shape is exactly the same.

Now..since the guitar in the pic has pickups thus it is called semi acoustic guitar (i think). Mine doesnt have one...so is it called acoustic?? Hehehehe very very confusing.

the one in the picture is a hollow body electric guitar...

[diwas]

hehe....so wat abt widout pickups??

[Zimmer]

hehe....so wat abt widout pickups??

Is it a Gibson Super 400 or L 5?. Steel string acoustic with f holes or a D'Angelico New Yorker? Epiphone?. They are often reffered to as Arch Tops.I take it it has a floating bridge and tailpiece?

[diwas]

Its a local indian company!! hehe.
I think we shud stop these...lol...hehe.

[diwas]

No new topic for guitars???

[studiesinsound]

I recently performed my first live show using Ubuntu Studio running sooperlooper to loop my guitar.


No technical issues whatsoever. Worked great. the set was 30 minutes and not a hiccup or glitch.

Rock!!!!


-John

[studiesinsound]

new project

Now that I have sooperlooper running rock solid, the next project is to master Alsa Modular Synth and use that as a guitar effects processor.

Yes I know Jack Rack is awesome but I think Alsa Modular Synth would really give me ultimate freedom in carving out a unique sound.


rock!

-John

[jeffc313]

john: congrats on getting ubuntu studio to work for you!
I got a new pickup for my tele yesterday - Seymour Duncan Hot Rails bridge pickup. The sound is absolutely badass! It was my first pickup that I have changed and didn't take too long. Expect clips to come!

[herbster]

Great success studiesinsound!

I'm curous, how much do y'all play on a daily basis, on average? If not everyday of course, how long whenever you do? Do you pick 'er up and just jam out some tunes or do you practice specific chords, scales, etc.? Curious where our thread's community is at in different respects...

[th3james]

I recently performed my first live show using Ubuntu Studio running sooperlooper to loop my guitar.


No technical issues whatsoever. Worked great. the set was 30 minutes and not a hiccup or glitch.

Rock!!!!


-John

Thats awesome, i'm looking to do that soon too, so it's good to hear it went well.

Just brought a MIDI keyboard, M-Audio keystation 49e, works fantastically with ubuntu, just plug it in, and hook it up to a synth with patchage.

Now if only i could play keyboard... lol. I've having fun laying down stuff and playing guitar over it, coming up with riffs is so much easier when you've got a drum and keys backing you up!


I'm curous, how much do y'all play on a daily basis, on average? If not everyday of course, how long whenever you do? Do you pick 'er up and just jam out some tunes or do you practice specific chords, scales, etc.? Curious where our thread's community is at in different respects...
I tend to play at least once a day, usually i put on some songs i know, and play along to them, i tend to do that for at least hour a day. If i'm not doing that, i tend to be composing/jamming with ubuntu studio. Depending on my mood, I can end up playing for bout 6 hours a day (just finished university, got a lot of time on my hands :))

As for techniques, i tend to pick something to practice (e.g. currently i'm working on sweeping (even thou it's not a style i really like...)), un plug my telecaster, put on some tv or something, and just practice it while watching

[diwas]

C'on man...this is gettin too borin now.

Ok lets start wid songs. Name 1 song that is really great and ur never exhausted listenin to it.
Mine is Breath by Breaking Benjamin

[bubba_169]

Mine is Breath by Breaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin rule :guitar:, but I think Diary of Jane is my fav

[sayakb]

Breaking Benjamin: Rain ... aha.. Love it! Also, I like You and Until the End.

[diwas]

Breaking Benjamin: Rain ... aha.. Love it! Also, I like You and Until the End.

Breaking Benjamin rule :guitar:, but I think Diary of Jane is my fav

Gr8! Until the End is good..but yeah i like Diary of Jane...this band has it..i dont kno wat but yeah it has it! lol

[D-EJ915]

got a new one the other day (it's the schecter)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/enthauptet/gits/schecter/atx_25.jpg

[jeffc313]

aw... that pic is such a tease. Better pics plz :P

[diwas]

yeah

[herbster]

"I'm Gonna Find Another You" by John Mayer, such a dope vibe, really tough (at least for me) to play and sing, just love it-- and the new live version off Where The Light Is is schweeeeet.

[diwas]

"I'm Gonna Find Another You" by John Mayer, such a dope vibe, really tough (at least for me) to play and sing, just love it-- and the new live version off Where The Light Is is schweeeeet.

Where the Light Is...whose song is it?

[herbster]

Where The Light Is is Mayer's new live album :) Some freakin' awesome solos on it, it's fantastic.

[diwas]

Oh, thanks.

[Patrick-Ruff]

hey all, I've been messing around with guitar rig 3 for the past few days (though I don't have the rig kontrol unit that works through USB to process the guitar signal through the program.) I experimented with guitar rig 3 by plugging my guitar directly into the mic jack (using a size converter) and then outputted the signal through the headphone jack into my amp (using a size converter that I made.) I've been testing it for the past few days and I'm certain I want to spend a little extra to get a good signal.

so far this (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Guitar-Link-UCG102?sku=241228) is the best thing I've found. I believe the lower ratings are due to the lack of understanding with what to do to setup the device (eg, ASIO drivers.)

I'm pretty much settled on it unless someone else has something cheaper or the same price that does a better job.

but for those of you who havent, check out guitar rig 3, when I had it going back to my amp instead of my computer speakers (never a good idea) the tone was amazing. and since I have a short pedal supply, this program allows for many options I wouldn't have had otherwise :).

[shen-an-doah]

My sister's boyfriend gave me a Toneport GX earlier. Should be fun to play with...

[RATM_Owns]

So, anyone else like to play Rage Against the Machine or Audioslave effects?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WsjBtHg1T4E

Original Fire is awesome. Solo at 2:30

[MikeDK]

Hi all!

I have a Gibson LP Studio, love to play Blues/Rock, and some compositions, ive made through the years.

Really love my Guitar, and my Grand Piano, 210cm in length, in my 54m2 apartment, use a Marshall combo 8080 amp, and a little Orange 25w Crash amp for rehearsal, got headphone-support so i wont wake up the folks around the building, when i play at 2 sometimes 3 am :-P

Looking forward to write some more here, or is there a channel on freenode, we could use? Just a thought.

kind Regards MikeDK

Rock On:guitar:

[shen-an-doah]

So, anyone else like to play Rage Against the Machine or Audioslave effects?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WsjBtHg1T4E

Original Fire is awesome. Solo at 2:30

I've never really been into Tom for his effects use as you can't really imitate it in any way without sounding derivative :-\

Plus the only effect I use is Tremolo...

[paul cooke]

Just won one of these babies in a charity auction :)

http://www.tanglewoodguitars.co.uk/products/default.asp?cID=26463245&sID=26465174

my bid of £200 took it... rrp £500 excluding the gig-bag which was also included.

now I've got to wait patiently 5 days before I drive up to collect it... don't trust courier services.

[th3james]

So, anyone else like to play Rage Against the Machine or Audioslave effects?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WsjBtHg1T4E

Original Fire is awesome. Solo at 2:30

Yeah, love Tom Morello! Big inspiration, I'm sick of people telling me that using effects is for noobs, or that really skilled players don't need effects, it's so totally missing the point!
I'm quite a heavy effects user, I like to try and make my guitar sound totally different or unlike a guitar. Tom, and Jonny Greenwood were big inspirations for my purchase of the Digitech Whammy, which i adore, the harmony and pitch shifter can give some insane sounds. Yes, a lot of people use the whammy pedal, but a lot more people play without effects, it's just another weapon in your arsenal. I also like abusing reverse delay :guitar:

[RATM_Owns]

Exactly. Anyone can just strum on a guitar. But tell me one concert you've ever seen without the guitar player having some kind of effect pedal.
Exactly. You can think of one.
Off the top of my head, lying around somewhere, I have a whammy pedal, a wah pedal, a digital delay pedal, a tremolo, a flanger and a phaser. And a allen wrench to rub on the strings.