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Patreon Q&A - please submit your questions! (Patreon)

Published:
2023-07-17 11:55:40
Imported:
2023-07

Content

Hello all,

Hope everyone's doing well. I'm thinking it's about time I did a Patreon-only video. So either this Friday, or next week I want to do another Q&A session. And rather than answering a load of random, unrelated questions, it might be an idea to have some kind of loose theme this time, so how about 'guitar technique'? 

So that means absolutely anything vaguely technique-related that you'd like help or advice with: picking, strumming, bending, vibrato, muting etc. Maybe you have some technical questions about past videos I've made, about specific players, or pieces of music.

So let me have your technique-related questions below and I'll do my best to answer as many of them as I can in the video.

- Adrian 

Comments

Graham Phelps

Hi Adrian, not the most technical questions, but I would like to know a good daily practice for both chord changes and scales, and how can use the 'circle of fifths' or rather should I be using it?

Chris Thomas

Hi Adrian, I would love to learn how to 'shred' , even just using the B and E strings. I am ok with hammer-ons and pull-offs on the top E string, but just can't get any consistency or speed when I bring the B string into play. Any tips and suggestions welcome!

highlystrung1000

I would like to hear your views on warming up! I have a number of different exercises - scales, arpeggios, stretches, etc.. I try to warm up for 10/15 mins before going into my daily practise. They can be rather dull so I have a number and I work on different things each time to give me some variety... Any views / insights would be helpful....

John Grefenstette

Hi Adrian, I have been playing for almost 60 years and I’m now at the top of my form, playing regularly with my friends of a similar age. I have one technique that I simply cannot master: vibrato when bending a string upward. I can do it fine when bending down, so it’s mainly a problem with the E and B strings. My vibrato is fine when not bending a string. Any suggestions or exercises?

Paul Smyth

Hiya. I'm interested to know your thoughts on how important the action of a guitar is to technique. I'm used to playing electrics with what I think is probably a 'standard' action as per Fender specs but after some work to one of them the action is much lower. Is this desirable? There's no buzzing or anything, but it feels weird, probably just because it's not what I'm used to. Is it worth persevering with, or should I just have it changed back to how it was?

Andrew Hunter

I've been keeping one of my guitars tuned to C or C# lately. As such, if you wanted to do a play like Tony Iommi video maybe with some solo licks he likes to use that would be cool! I'd also like to hear what you love about Tony's playing. Thanks as always!

Paul Shakesby

Hi Adrian. I also wouldn't mind learning better vibrato technique, tips, advice etc. Also, as a bit of a pedal geek would love to have a walkthrough of your go-to board/pedals. What are the pedals you couldn't live without?

Ben

I’d like to piggyback onto this to ask how often do you consciously practise technique (picking, scales, arpeggios etc.) compared to playing actual music?

Chris Strane

I struggle with tension in my right hand when I play pieces that are “strummy” (if that’s even a word) particularly 16th note rhythms like funk. How do you hold the pick and how much of the mechanics is wrist and how much is arm? Thank you for doing another Q&A.

Nick Judd

Hi Adrian, I’ve never been able to master playing with a pick (or even a thumb pick) at all - finger style works well for most things but not brilliantly for me for Rockabilly - and The Cramps especially - Poison Ivy’s pick attack is amazing in live performances - she plays hard and the notes really ring out - when I try, it sounds dead and harsh, there’s lots of fret buzz, and I usually get stuck on the strings - it would be great if you’re able to give some advice in this area? Thanks. Nick

John Charal

Hi Adrian, any tips on increasing picking speed would be appreciated.

Dale Judd

Hi Adrian. I brought this up as a topic in your last 'Q&A' as a means of general fretboard navigation, but do you have any plans for a lesson on applying CAGED principles for creating solos? I'd find this really helpful - hopefully other would too! All the best, Dale

Charles Batho

Pinch harmonics. I know the how but doing it consistently esp during a solo is really hard. As ever I’m sure the answer is more practice but I seem to have hit a plateau where I can’t progress. Any suggestions?

mwalton0k

I’m interested in being able to pick single notes faster (if the song requires faster picking) with better accuracy. Also, how does pick angle (down and up pick angle) come into play when playing random single notes and arpeggios vs multiple notes on the same strings? This might be too far out there for the casual viewer of your channel…I just thought I’d ask. Thanks

jimmyh79

Hi Adrian - you may have covered this already, but anything on rhythm when you don’t have a band / drummer to practice with would be helpful - some routines to follow. Something more fun than a metronome ticking in background, although if that’s the best way, then guess suck it up and do it, it that’s the advice.

Christopher Reis

I've been playing guitar for like 25 years and still struggle with tension. When I'm trying to do something fast or that requires concentration, my wrists tense right up. I'm better able to recognize that now, and it usually means I need to slow down, practice at a slower tempo, and slowly get up to speed, but I usually just half-ass it because practicing is boring and my attention goes elsewhere. I would be interested in suggestions on 1) how to avoid tension and stay relaxed and 2) how to stay focused on practicing when it's so easy to get distracted/bored.

Mr Mont

Vibrato technique, but also - do you mute differently with your fretting hand when playing chords vs when picking notes? I'm pretty good at muting with chords, but I find the strings ringing a bit too much when I pick notes. When I push a string down, I feel like it rings a bit when I lift my finger off.

Christopher Reis

James, my advice would be: play with a drum machine or drum loops. Playing with a metronome is a skill in and of itself, but a LOT of people who struggle with them often have no trouble at all playing with a drum machine playing a simple pattern or drum loops. I think we're just used to hearing music that way. So that's my tip! Maybe Adrian will agree or have a different one.

jimmyh79

Thank you. Will give that a go. I play along with backing tracks (incl. Adrian's!), but still find myself getting ahead a lot.

Manny Bianco

Subscribing to this, also have a problem of timing the looping but maybe it's just a case of trying a lot more

Rick Cahill

One thing that I admire about really good blues players is their phrasing, how is this developed? They may be playing in a A minor pentatonic, but the phrasing of these familiar notes are so tasteful.

Art Brunson

Hi Adrian, I am taking your begginer solo course and I have noticed something I could use a little more direction with: Techniques to mute non played strings. I have found i am adjusting my left had position to get my thumb over to mute the bottom strings more-as opposed to being behind the nekc, which is causing me to adjust and re-learn movement. Any discussion around this topic would be awesome! thanks

Addison Wilhite

A good lesson on vibrato would be great. Especially through the lens of some alternative genre songs. Thanks for doing the q and a.

cblulu

Hello, it would be great to see some general tips on keeping my playing clean, meaning finger placement when in a hurry, not muting strings needed and muting, palm and/or left hand. Overall just back to basics play clean and faster. Thanks

zoomankat

Adrian .I suppose it's a bit obvious but no one ever mentions hand size I find tuning down to drop G and drop D is great for small hands to play blues type shuffles while making those Chuckleberry licks.Sorry that's not really a question .How about some requests maybe more Cliff Gallup,Grady Martin,Country bending,Swing,Surf,Shadows,Beefheart, Kevin Coyne's mysterious guitar technique. Do Artists ever approach You for your playing services?.Sorry That's enough.

Richard Kendrick

I would really like a lesson on fingerstyle technique for electic guitar ala Mark Knopfler or Lindsey Buckingham.

Mr Alan Young

Pull-offs for me, just can't seem to get them nailed no matter how often I practice them. Every now and again I'll get a good one but it's so hit and miss. Also, muting of strings. Again I just can't seem to get it nailed. Cheers and thanks for all the had work.

Marty Vanzant

Vibrato and bends would be helpful - when I do bends, I seem to get hung up in the strings above - any advice on technique would be great!

Christopher Reis

If I may add to this: bends+vibrato are an area I'd love some tips on. I feel like I end up releasing the bend to perform the vibrato rather than holding the bend and adding vibrato.

laurent sartori

HELLO, in the same vein, work on your right hand (for right-handers). become precise in his game at any levels of speed. This is also valid for double stops. by extension we can speak of palm mute too.

Matthew Bockbrader

Do you have any tips for developing a loose strumming style? I would love to reproduce the furious strumming of the early Wedding Present or some jangly REM rhythms but my right arm is just too tense. Also, as it's Tour de France time, do you have any tips for things to practice while watching TV?

Leo Gajsler

Staccato strumming. I am trying to copy this guy for Viva la Vida (Coldplay). When I try this, with palm muting, I am either fully muting or not (but staccato seems to be somewhere in the middle). Could be part of general lesson on muting, which others are asking for. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/R6VPcbSlZF4

Jeremy

Hi Adrian, I find arpeggios difficult and I think it's because I struggle with right hand picking technique. Do you plant your hand? Angle the pick up/down to not get stuck between strings? Change the way you hold your pick for strumming chords versus single note runs? Alternate pick each note? Maybe too much to answer here. Thanks for another Q&A.

Ian West

If one doesn't have a tremelo on their guitar like my Fender Telecaster what's the best way of getting that sound?

Ian West

Final Q: When picking is it always necessary to use a thumbpick as I sometimes feel It gets in the way and restricts me. What's a good technique of using it effectively?

Jeff Owen

Hi Adrian, I would welcome any tips for making my picking more reliable. I often struggle to hit the right string. When I do have a sequence that repeats I often get it right the first time round then mess up subsequent goes.

Steve Ward

Hi Adrian, I would be interested in some harmonics techniques. I can get the 12th fret but it sounds terrible on any other fret. Cheers

Andy Santandreu

Hi Adrian, any updates on your two upcoming courses, Intermediate Soloing and Post Punk Guitar? Thank you!

redfordescort

Hi - I'd love an overview of techniques for controlling dynamics on electric. One problem I'm having is that when playing rockabilly finger-picking tunes (Mystery Train, That's All Right Mama), my volume is all over the place, AND is different when finger picking, hybrid picking, or using a thumb pick. Or: when playing rock/punk rock, my brain tells me that strumming hard = loud, but that gets fatiguing and probably unnecessary given that I'm running through a distortion pedal.

J. Cruelty Catalog

It would be great to have some advice on how to set the EQ on an amp, and/or how to make the best use of effects pedals (recommended settings for different songs, etc.).

Jorge Ouvina

Hi Adrian, I'm fighting trying to pick string-skipping arpeggios alla Johnny Marr (with the same velocity). A technique tip on that will be most welcomed.

Francisco Cantolan

I am a really big fan of Steve Mason {ex guitarist of Gene} technique. 'Save Me, I'm Yours' has the most interesting guitar parts I would like to master one day. I hope you can explain his approach to his style and specifically to this song mentioned.

Ted Moore

Using a Daw to record guitar using third party plug-ins.

An Ordinary Person

Hi Adrian, one of my favorite lessons you did was the "Soloing over a Neil Young Track" video - I still consider myself a beginner and that lesson was spot-on what I needed. My "request" is for a new lesson like that, but focusing on the right hand in the style of Mark Knopfler. The slower paced solos with plenty of spacing between notes, is what I crave. But I cannot figure out the thumb, finger 1, finger 2?, approach that Knopfler uses with his right hand. Does this sound interesting to you? A backing track with some example solos (beginner, intermediate, more-advanced) would be outstanding.

Tony Hannock

Hi Adrian, Regarding upward string bends, I have trouble muting the string/s above the one that I am bending upward. The errant string/s often ring out especially as the bent string is being released. Any tips are welcome! Cheers

Dave Chalk

Hi Adrian, my pick (pun intended ;-) as others, would be techniques to build Travis picking skills, along with other picking styles and how about a deep dive into Grady Martin's approach to the Guitar. A true master of his craft.

Joel McCarty

Hi, A bit of a beginner question but one I haven't stumbled on a good answer for. Basically what are some good exercises to practice strumming? The goal being very accurate rhythm guitar at speed. I have great exercises for timing and hand coordination (playing scales and chords against metronome) but getting dead accurate on common strumming patterns at speed seems to be where I get sloppy over the course of long/fast songs. Pretty basic I know but seems to me foundational and the difference from pretty ok and nailing a song. Cheers (can a yank say cheers?

Kevin Gormley

Always a good question 🙋‍♂️

William Buck

tapping or arpeggiating a chord. Creative stuff too. How you come up with riff ideas or songwriting tips in general.

Peter Healy

Hi Adrian, I am in the process of learning how to record my own Backing Tracks. I was wondering how you go about doing yours? Also could you share any news on any upcoming Courses you are putting together. Cheers Pete

Haroun Haroun

Modal/Mixolydian guitar lead/improve method.. a-la Richard Thompson/Tom Verlaine/Richard lloyd/Robert Quine/Fripp/Ira Kaplan

Cris

Hello Adrian, I have a question about muting. Not rhythmic muting but selective string muting to avoid sympathetic resonance. It seems so critical to getting a clear tone, especially when using distortion. I attempt it but it affects the mechanics and movements of either my fretting or picking/strumming hand in a negative way. Perhaps this is something that just comes with much more experience and motor memory, but is there anyway to practice or develop this technique?

albergo

Do you have any general comments about improvising on acoustic guitar rather than electric guitar?

paul

hello Adrian, I'd like to see some stuff centered around timing, how to go about it fits in with strumming exercises and mixing that with some simple licks all time based of course.........

C#ris

Strategies for picking technique/grips going between single note lines and big chord rhythm up/down strumming.

Richard O'Connor

Hi Adrian. Do you ever find that your strumming becomes erratic or irregular when you are also singing, and do you have any tips for keeping consistent when doing both at the same time?

Barrie

Hi Adrian. I go with Cris about avoiding sympathetic resonance from other strings

Neal Pike

Hi Adrian two questions I've been getting into playing staccato rythmn parts atm mainly the clash where else is good to start with this Also how do I make little riffs and arpeggiated sections into songs

philipp kopfli

hi Adrian, couple of questions.. Palm muting on higher strings what is your technique? could you demo your approach? 2nd question vibrato after a bend again a break down of what you do would be fantastic thx

zachary john moore

Hi Adrian, Do you have any advice on picking? in particular, how to improve note accuracy when playing faster parts, (I was working on Rose Room and had a little trouble with the faster lines), so it would be good to get your take on pick angles, pick type, picking patterns, etc. As I do think its a subject us kind of players don't worry about too much until we hit a stumbling block, as opposed to say metal and jazz players. Thanks, Zac.

James Beard

Hi Adrian. Do you have any tips for creative uses of guitar feedback? Thanks, James.

Robert Bachmeier

Hi Adrian. This is a double down on Zachary's post above. I've been working on Babylon's Burning. Not a tough song to learn, but really tough to get up to speed. I don't want a short cut like using software to slow the tempo, or using alternate picking to make it easier. So I've been working hard on building speed. I'm kind of getting there but when I record myself playing to the backing track, it's pretty obvious that I'm working so hard on keeping the tempo up that my playing is rushed with the occasional botched note for good measure. So any tips on building speed would be great, as well as muting tips, especially muting the power chords without making them sound like a dead thump. I also love your G Dorian lick and want to play at speeds like that, mastering the bending. Is that too many questions? Speed, bending, muting. I'm looking forward to your Q&A.

Jonathon Taylor

Hi, I have just joined. Have to admit your backing tracks you make are top class. Would you consider giving some tips about how you go about making them - particularly laying down the drum parts! Not sure if you are a drummer yourself or using something like ez drummer etc. or even sequencing the midi from tabs etc. my ambition as a bedroom guitarist has always been to play around making my own backing tracks. Perhaps a short insight into your workflow? Gear you use might help us?? Many thanks! Jonny.

Dan

It would be great to see how you create your backing tracks. For example, what software do you use for programming the drums? What is your approach when writing them?

Scott Smith

I would like to see a lesson on string raking, especially in bends.

Paul Hardman

Hi Adrian - I always struggle with using my guitars volume control - I watch players constantly going to the volume control even if they don't move it - I find that when I need to use it I am not quick enough and loose the beat hence - I rely on a pedal boost that is not of the guitar - I wonder if you have any tips on using the guitar volume pot - accepting they can be in different locations - all the best.

Paul Hastings

Hey Adrian, not sure if this is a question about guitar techique or general life advice :). It's about being able to do it when I practice, then when I decide to demonstrate my skills to a friend/girlfriend . . . even an enemy it turns to crap instantly, within 2 or 3 notes. Missing the frets, missing the strings, plain forgetting stuff. I know I'm no the only one, but jesus, it's bad. Any hints, I'm guessing it'd be really shit to get on stage and suddenly stuff it up so magnificently.

Paul Hastings

. . . I also meant to say (I didn't see the shift+return/enter advice, so I sent my message instead of just having a new para. Ah, it works. I was going to give you an example. Having picked up the guitar for the first time in a long time, I decided I'd learn your country solo based on one lick (the video you start with: 'I like a good lick as much as the next man'). So I've spent a long time learning it, then trying to pick up speed a little . . . then I thought, I know it and can play it through without fault . . . if a little slowly. So I tried it with the backing track!! Total shitshow before the first couple of phrases were out.

Paul Hastings

. . . I"ve done it again (Shift + Return/Enter to add a new line) So two things, 1: Maybe a slower backing track - but I can't adjust the speed of the track. OR 2: extensive Psychotherapy. Any hints? Valium?

Nikolaos Bogiatzoglou

Hi, it would be great if you could explain finger rolls. Thanks!

Mike Williams

Jeez, there’s a shitload of questions here already….I can’t muster a tune using slide guitar technique….you may have done a basic tutorial that I have missed…but that’s my question 🙋‍♀️

Emilio Villalba

help with speed during scale practice as well as changing to complex chords smoother w o missing the beat. Also a bit off topic- will you be releasing a follow up to your soloing course, that was fantastic and heard you mention an improv soloing course or something along those lines? thank you!

Brian McSweeney

Hi Adrian. Have you had a crack at The Stone Roses' What the World is Waiting For, at all? I've been having a crack at it for many's the year - help! Weird, I do nail ~80% of what I want to nail. I'm failing on this!