John M asked:
I got a guitar about 2 months ago and I’m mostly playing some riffs/licks from Metallica songs (mostly working on Master of Puppets and Day That Never Comes). I don’t use music sheets (can’t read music), but I play by using tabs. Will I ever be good if I don’t know how to read music? Also, any tips on how to hold the guitar or how long the strap should be when I stand and play?
Tags: Guitar Strap, Metallica Songs, Use Music
Learn How to Read Music Notes
you should take guitar lessons. its way easier once you can play music. because thats really the only way u can get involved with anything like a band. or even going solo u should be able to read music because many people can play it by ear.
music reading tipshttp://www.SpeedyMusicReading.com
learn how to read notes, i would recommend learning theory too. If you learn scale patterns and such you can improvise and do your own music. you really can’t call yourself a guitarist if you are just good at copying
you shouldn’t have to rely on tabs to play.
the strap should put the guitar comfortably around your stomach or at least so you have an easy reach. hold the neck up a little, guitars have a balance and if you find it you wont even know you are holding it.
guitar is a life long pursuit, there is no defined moment when you consider yourself learned, because you are always learning
when i started playing learning tabs and riffs, it never satisfied me. I could never consider myself a guitarist doing that. although alot of people do.
note to Zach S. yeah talk about heavy – play a les paul on stage? holy cow. – and I totally second the strap locks – good investment – you will wonder what you did without them.
music reading tipshttp://www.SpeedyMusicReading.com
Switch, different guitars have different balance points. SG’s are neck heavy. I’d recommend a large, wide strap, preferably out of leather, for playing guitar. It makes it much easier to hold, doesn’t twist on you, and doesn’t slide. A straplock would also be a good investment. heightwise, do whatever is comfortable.
Yes, you can be good if you don’t learn sheet music. It is actually hard to learn it on the guitar as the same notes appear several times on the fretboard. I’d recommend a teacher if you want to learn theory or read sheet music.
Learn How to Read Music Notes
like 2 years till you really start kicking into gear. I’m quite good and can’t read, well I can but I can’t put it on the guitar to well. Five years really soon, but still lots of room for improvement. Whatever is comfortable for you for the second question. Many rock guitarists hold the neck thumb on top, others who play classical or rock put the thumb right behind. try everything, see what works for you, everyone is different. GOOD LUCK