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Anyone play guitar?

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NotoriousT.S.E
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 439
Who here plays? I just started in may/june and I cant stop playing and learning new songs. Currently trying to get my barre chords down right now becuaes iv been avoiding them.
Nov 11 2012 11:53AM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
The body binding seems to be intact in terms of finish cracks but theres cracks aroud the side of the body as well as all over the front and back ad the back of the neck. I bought it from a giy in arizona so the humidity is the same as it is here. Ill look at the neck when i get home today and look to see how well the original binding is in tact. Only thing i wish the seller would have done is keep the original bridge when he got the bigsby put on. He said that they cost like 9 bucks back in the day so he didnt worry about and the shop kept it for parts :(
Nov 15 2012 1:49PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I've heard this many times from people that had Bigsby's put on vintage guitars. I have also heard many of the same owners wish the Bigsby's weren't installed to begin with. Kills the vintage value, but it comes down to individual sentimental value and if it's more fun to play with or without a Bigsby.

I personally don't buy guitars as an investment, or even considering the resale value. I buy the guitar that screams "Buy me, I am the ONE for you." That feeling doesn't happen often, so I take advantage of it when it comes around. I wish my own current acoustic search would be as easy as my electric shopping experience was.

Let me know what you find around the fingerboard binding on that guitar though, I am very curious.
Nov 15 2012 1:56PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Alright ill let you know. I like the bigsby personally. It has sucha different feel than the floating trem on my homemade guitar
Nov 15 2012 1:58PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Any pictures/info on this?
Nov 15 2012 2:01PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
Please explain. I have played a few and have liked them a lot. And if my own opinion doesn't count (which it doesn't because this is the internet) I have heard a lot of respectable guitarists have very good things to say about them. Sure, they aren't exactly a custom 24, but for the price they are great guitars.

Or maybe there has been some drop in quality since I tried them. Granted, I only have played different models, maybe the other ones suck. I can't say anything for that.
Nov 15 2012 2:48PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Ya i built a guitar from scratch (body, neck, everything) and its my main giggint guitar. Ill post pics wheb i get back from school. Hickory body, 24 frets, khaler tremolo, dimarzio PAF pro in the neck and dimarzio Fred in the bridge, 2 coil taps.
Nov 15 2012 2:59PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Even the new custom 24's are shit imo. The pre 2000's prs guitars are very nice but the new ones have just gone to shit. Finish is way too thick and the parts are just decent quality for the amount of money you pay.
Nov 15 2012 3:01PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I've always had a less than stellar opinion of PRS. But when they started pumping out their SE models using Santana, Mark Tremonti, and other guitarists to sell more guitars, I had more than my fill of the PRS bullshit.

You are right, the SE models don't compare to the standard line, but I would much rather spend money on a different company than paying PRS's ridiculous prices for a less than quality guitar (my personal opinion.)

Looking at PRS's new acoustic line is a perfect example of this. They are asking astronomical prices compared to the already saturated market of big name guitar companies.

Out of curiosity, in your opinion that is, what makes a PRS more versatile than a Les Paul? (since that is what you were comparing PRS against.)
Nov 15 2012 3:02PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
And their bridges are absolute garbage. Dont stay in tune for shit.

Ill keep my Taylor 8-10 over any PRS acoustic any day
Nov 15 2012 3:06PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
One-off body shape, or did you use an already created shape to go off of?

Interested in checking out pictures of this beast as well. I don't see Kahler's around much anymore, except for a good friend of mine who is very into them.

I still have a few guitars that I need to finish building myself, but lack of adequate work space and required power tools have kept me from doing so. I have pictures at home of them in progress but it doesn't compare to what I imagine the finished product will be like. The electric is a AAA Koa cap on the top and back with a 2" Honduran Mahogany body, based on a Strat body, but with a single piece Honduran Mahogany set neck. Tune-o-matic bridge and tail piece with dual humbuckers. This guitar will easily weigh 12 lbs or so, more than likely more.

One of my prized possessions though is the custom Sitka Spruce/AAA Flamed Koa slope shouldered dreadnaught that I built completely from scratch while in luthier school. Rough around the edges at a closer look, but it was the first guitar I built myself. It still needs a little work to it, but sounds absolutely amazing.
Nov 15 2012 3:16PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Heres the only pic i have of it on my photobucket. But its a good one.
Click for larger image
Nov 15 2012 4:23PM
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Ski_The_E
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 944
so sick how did you make that?

Nov 15 2012 5:08PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Lots and lots of time and patience and a little knowledge with woodworking, electrical, and painting.

Did I mention patience?
Nov 15 2012 5:27PM
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Ski_The_E
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 944
Wow, +k for impressing me.
Nov 15 2012 6:54PM
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king.tubby
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 122
stoked. my good friend that i jammed with all last winter just moved back. its so much more fun to play with someone
Nov 16 2012 2:50PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
Okay, honestly they are both versatile, but it just seems like PRS does have a wider range of endorsers. Al Di Meola, Dustie and Paul from BTBAM, Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth), and Carlos Santana. You have your jazz, rock and Death metal covered there.

That obviously isn't a true representation of versatility, but it just seems to me that PRS can achieve a wider range of tones. No real way to test that though.

In the end, it all comes down to opinion. i will admit I have never liked the necks of Gibsons, nor the Les Paul shape. It is just boring to me. I personally love a super strat shape and ultra thin neck (a la Ibanez).
Nov 16 2012 5:22PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I'm not even going to get into the wide range of people who play, let alone endorse Gibsons. I don't need to.

Speculating on the tonal versatility between a PRS and Les Paul is worthless, however, you could totally test them out. Assuming both are similarly constructed, using similar pickup and control layouts. Comparing a Les Paul with 3 humbuckers and 2 volume/2 tone pots will differ greatly from a PRS with dual humbuckers and a single tone/single volume pot.

In the end it all comes down to opinion. I'm glad you have yours, and we can discuss this casually without everyone getting disgruntled. I love just about all guitars, except for certain brands I don't agree with (business practices or manufacturing practices.) If we all had the same opinion, music would be terrible with everyone playing on the same guitars there wouldn't be much in terms of musical variety.

With all that said, here is my Les Paul getting some much needed love and maintenance. (not a typical "Les Paul" shape mind you.) 2000 Les Paul Standard Doublecut Plus in Midnight Burst. It has a semi hollow cavity that runs from the waist to the bottom of the guitar and the mahogany pickup block does not connect with the back so air/sound vibrations can flow freely between the right and left side.

Nov 16 2012 6:11PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
Okay, I really like double cutaway les pauls. That is a nice one you have got there.

I agree with you though, pickups make a huge difference. Actives vs. passives, humbuckers vs. split coil, etc. I really don't like actives though. And I own a guitar with EMGs. I want to swap them out. Get some Bareknuckles going.


Nov 16 2012 6:35PM
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Amadeus.
Posts: 3050 - Karma: 382
Just uploaded a cover of No One Like You by the scorps the other day if anyone wants to check it.

Changed up the solo a bit at 2:53

Nov 25 2012 8:15PM
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-Alpha2-
Posts: 355 - Karma: 96
Just thought id throw this out there, has anyone played rocksmith??
Nov 25 2012 11:08PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
lol at guitar face.

I still love your lead tone. Whether it is your actual tone, or your feel it is amazing I don't know... I can't say the same for the cleans though. Either way, very nice.


Hopefully i will be getting some covers up soon. I am busy just practicing technique exercises, or my own songs at the moment (which i unfortunately can't play because I am an idiot and I write shit that is too hard).
Nov 25 2012 11:29PM
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Amadeus.
Posts: 3050 - Karma: 382
hahaha i like to think its a mixture of both tone and feel.
Nov 25 2012 11:43PM
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SKIINGISEASY
Posts: 1552 - Karma: 2,198
I have been playin for 3 years, yet to learn anything on the music theory. Any info that is important I'm missing out on or like an article someone could link me to? That would be sick.

Another thing I think is decently important is knowing the names of all the notes on each strings. It helps out a bit.
Nov 26 2012 12:14AM
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Amadeus.
Posts: 3050 - Karma: 382
You cant just learn music theory from a video. I would suggest buying a text book like this if you wanted to start to learn some of the basics.

Click for larger image

I was able to complete most of this on my own in 10th grade it was pretty straightforward and well written. It has helped me a lot even in my college level theory and ear training classes at conservatory.


Nov 26 2012 12:20AM
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Amadeus.
Posts: 3050 - Karma: 382
You cant just learn music theory from a video. I would suggest buying a text book like this if you wanted to start to learn some of the basics.

Click for larger image

I was able to complete most of this on my own in 10th grade it was pretty straightforward and well written. It has helped me a lot even in my college level theory and ear training classes at conservatory.


Nov 26 2012 12:20AM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
If I were you I'd get a teacher and ask them to just teach you theory and how it applies to your playing.

Theory is just a way to name and identify common musical elements, by understanding and being aware of those elements you can really improve and diversify your playing. It will also help you play with other people, and write music. I think it'd be better to just get a teacher go to the library and take out some books, a lot of the online stuff is really not that great.
Nov 26 2012 12:26AM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
oh man. Go to musictheory.net I just started learning all the basics from that (I know some theory, but not how it applies to sheet music... if that makes sense) because I need to pass an audition for university next year.

Great site and it is all free. Otherwise, just google stuff. Chord construction, scale degrees, and intervals are the building blocks of music.
Nov 26 2012 12:27AM
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SKIINGISEASY
Posts: 1552 - Karma: 2,198
Thanks man! What university?
Nov 26 2012 1:06PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
Concordia or McGill (up in montreal). My problem is that while I am perfectly capable of playing the guitar on a technical aspect, my theory and sight reading are lacking. Which is exactly what is needed to get in. Furthermore guitar is a competitive field. I am really doubtful about my chances, but if I work my ass off I might be able to get in. I don't know though. One can only hope.

Actually, I may as well ask the question to everybody here. Who has gone to university/college for music? What kind of auditions did you have?
Nov 26 2012 3:44PM
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king.tubby
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 122
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G7gZAdwmQRM

this is the kinda stuff i like to play. bluegrassy finger pickin folkiness. song i wrote about my dog.
++++k for imbed.
Nov 28 2012 10:12AM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
*embed


Nov 28 2012 11:27AM
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yuck
Posts: 8384 - Karma: 2,090
hey man i am not in uni for music but i know people who are. all i know is that getting in for guitar playing is really hard. especially at mcgill... if youre theory and sight reading are slow, well, good luck. Schulich School of Music (at mcgill) is for prodigies pretty much. not to discourage you or anything, im just saying its goddamn hard to get into that.

what conservatory level do you have? you can be a great player with no formal training but i think that matters a lot in your education and getting into schools. sight reading is 100% reliant on practice, no way around it. it sucks.

i thought about doing music at school, and in a music course i was taking we did mock university auditions, in the same format and stuff. basically you do your whole application, and the audition consists of a solo, a few scales and maybe some techincal excercises so they can evaluate your playing on multiple levels. i believe audition requirements will be outlined by each particular school. this was all for string bass also, so guitar may not be as classically-oriented unless thats strictly what you are going for. the guy i knew went into a jazz specific education. he was a phenominal sax player and one of the best guitarists i have ever seen i think. killed the airtap shit
Nov 28 2012 1:02PM
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NotoriousT.S.E
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 439
Hey what was pretty sweet!
Nov 28 2012 4:01PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Who sang that cover? They did an amazing job as well!

Nice solo too. I desperately need to get better at sweeping and fast arpeggios! But give me some jazz and i'll be right at home.
Nov 28 2012 6:26PM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,211
Click for larger image
Hey NS! my dad has these instruments that he said I could use, and he can teach me.
a) are these good instruments
b) what are some relatively easy songs I should learn to attract the females
thanks guys
Nov 28 2012 6:36PM
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_DUSTY_
Posts: 1097 - Karma: 686
Just guitar or to sing to? Lots of Beatles stuff is fairly easy on guitar but bitches love it,or try some songs from foo fighters acoustic live cd.
Nov 28 2012 7:53PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
umm... isn't improv in jazz largely based on arpeggios? I always found sweeping to be super easy. It just looks impressive. Alternate picking is damn hard.
Nov 28 2012 7:57PM
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Chinchi
Posts: 1591 - Karma: 4,211
Sing as well, luckily my dad has the huge books with like every Beatles song ever so this should go quite smoothly
Nov 28 2012 7:59PM
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_DUSTY_
Posts: 1097 - Karma: 686
REM is also pretty good for beginners, fairly simple guitar and Michael Stipe generally sings in a good range for most guys.
Nov 28 2012 10:19PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Arpeggios are part of it but i was meaning that when it comes to playing arpeggios really fast my hands just blow up. As for jazz, i typically tend to focus on quality rather than quantity. I try to emphasoze those notes in each chord that differentiate them from other chords even the cjords may all lie in the same key.
Nov 29 2012 1:46PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
Yeah, I know what you mean. I was just thinking in terms of improving using arpeggios outlining the progression. I'm not very good at that yet. I want to start practicing that - following the chords and switching modes/arpeggios in terms of that. 15x harder than any shredding.
Nov 29 2012 8:59PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
Ya thats the fun thing about jazz. The learning curve is pretty high but once you get pretty good, you realize that you've become a 20x better player at almost all styles of music. Learning jazz and theory opened up the guitar for me and allowed me to expand not only as a musician, but as a listener. I enjoy almost all types of music (recorded on real instruments, not computers) because of learning jazz and theory.

Also learning to sight read a chord chart on the fly and being able to solo over it reletively well is a great feeling as well!

Buy a Real Book and some theory books, you won't be disappointed!
Nov 29 2012 9:02PM
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steezbox
Posts: 1394 - Karma: 701
I got a bunch of realbooks in pdf format from some guy on a forum. I have start learning all of the standards. A ridiculous amount of content in there though.
Nov 29 2012 9:10PM
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_DUSTY_
Posts: 1097 - Karma: 686
improvising solo's is very fun but also very hard. Another great thing about jazz is that you can relate it to almost any genre. You can either use tonality or modality in jazz which lends itself to classical (unless you are into a tonal stuff.) It's great for rock and pop and it's also fairly similar to blues.

Get together with other jazz musicians, it's insanely fun to jam with them.
Nov 29 2012 10:16PM
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Stickity
Posts: 7750 - Karma: 769
latin grooves on bass in highschool jazz ensemble was some of the most fun i've had playing bass. me and the drummer went ham on recorda me
Nov 29 2012 10:23PM
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NJurkiewicz
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 697
/threads I play guitar too!
Dec 1 2012 9:50PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
A good solid Bossa Nova has got to be one of my favorite things to play on the Bass. Or a nice fast Samba.

Sudden Samba done by Neil Larson is one of my favorite songs to jam too on both bass and guitar! That whole song is just full of amazing drums, guitar, bass, everything!

Dec 1 2012 10:38PM
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FleeceJohnson
Posts: 34 - Karma: 21
If I were you I would buy a les paul that was made before 2000. IMO the quality has really gone downhill since gibson started making stuff in China. I have a Vantage Avenger from the 1970's that was $300 and it sounds and plays better than almost any of the newer les pauls I have played.
Dec 1 2012 11:04PM
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jake_tom_sully
Posts: 356 - Karma: 242
Can anyone recommend me a loop pedal? Been playing guitar for about 6 months now and they seem fun thought I'd ask for one for Christmas
Dec 5 2012 10:11PM
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-Alpha2-
Posts: 355 - Karma: 96
Stairway to Heaven is also a really fun song to play, not hard, but still fun
Dec 6 2012 4:40PM
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