What’s up Tribe!!!
Recently, a member in “Full Blown” sent in a problem/question that I hear often and I wanted to share it with you along with my response. Put this to use Tribe. It’s valid for all skill levels.
The Problem/Question…
“Jerry, I have an acoustic guitar with no cut out so can’t really practice “The Triple Factor” past the 15th fret… all those bended notes sound different than my guitar. What should I do?” – Joe
THE SOLUTION FROM JERRY…
Hey Joe,
How’s it going. Regarding your question about the bending and the cutaway.
I know it can be difficult to get far into the neck but if you can train yourself to do it, you’ll blow people away once you learn how easy it is to accomplish.
As for the bends. That’s an excellent question and well placed.
Follow me on this…
Most (not all) bends fall in the 1/2 step range (bending up only one fret) or a whole step (bending up two frets). I do bends that go far beyond that but let’s talk about 1/2 and whole step bends.
Now here’s the thing my my friend…
You have two excellent options.
One) Force the bend and learn to do it on that acoustic. Again, it’s not that difficult after doing it just a week or two. You’ll get the feel of it and be able to do it. Just don’t give up. We really dig into this deep in FULL BLOWN.
An excellent exercise for this is to do 1234,1234,1234 on each string and (here’s the key) add a bend on the three, then do it adding a bend on the four.
Here’s you a link to the 1234 Coordination Drill…
–> Just Click Here To Jump Over To It <–
I’m telling you, give this two weeks of practicing it for about ten minutes each day – YOU’LL BE SHOCKED AT WHAT BEGINS TO UNFOLD IN YOUR PLAYING!
It’s important that you do this drill all over the neck. Don’t just do it in the easy spots. Go to the hard spots and master it there. Think like that and everything else will always come easier fro you.
Your fingers will be stronger and calluses much tougher.
And option Two (which should really not be considered an option but instead an addition for more “slickness” in your playing)…
Instead of doing a half or whole step bend, nice and smooth like, slide to that note and then back to the origination point from which you started.
By doing this you will literally see slews of possible notes to add in your soloing efforts. Lights will come on everywhere for you.
Joe you are a perfect example for all our members and those considering joining “Full Blown”. Instead of setting your problem aside and just saying I can’t do it, you are looking for a way to unfold the mystery!
By looking for a new way to accomplish something when you feel “stuck” in your guitar playing, you knock down barriers and become what’s inside… A real guitar player.
How does an ant eat an elephant? …… One bite at a time!!!
Consider these options Joe. You’ve got it in you. I hear it in your messages. The final option would be to pick up a cheap electric and even that, I’d still suggest learning the above for the reasons mentioned.
Final thought..
Joe, I’d suggest you check out this video of David in action with Pink Floyd.
Proof positive that you can do what I’ve suggested.
Thanks for your comment.
Jerry
Excellent suggestions. I was always told to work more on an acoustic and you would find the same riffs or songs a cake walk on an electric.
Great suggestions. Also, practicing as often as possible the bending and the 1-2-3-4 drills may help gain the discipline necessary to become A Great Guitar Player. Especially for someone like me, with no self-discipline. And, regarding bending practice … maybe not right now for we beginners but eventually practice bending DOWN to a note rather than up. A friend showed me. It’s difficult to get the feel of bending to the right point with out hearing it but it is really cool. Thanks for the lessons and the forum.
Hello all,
Years ago I played with a lot of different bands and started out as a drummer right out of school.
I started playing guitar years ago and played with some different bands in years gone by. I play mostly alone now mainly because of where I live, not a music center to say the least.
I just wanted to tell you all that I have learned a lot from you guys that would never come to mind otherwise.
Thanks,
James L.
I can confirm that with practice it is possible to work away after the 12th fret and get some really cool sounds. As in anything, the effort put in determines what’s achievable and although there’s no comparison between the two, between an electric and an acoustic for bendability, nonetheless great benefits are to be had from practicing what you can – bend wise – on an acoustic.
Been playing professionally for many years and I concur that if you practice bending and/or sliding up or down to notes your fingers will gain a LOT of strength, touch and your tone will improve dramatically over time.
Whenever I have an important gig or feel like my overall playing & writing is in a rut, I put the electric down and pick up the acoustic for a few days. It’s been my experience if you can learn to play an acoustic really well and do most of your personal practicing & scale drills on an acoustic your touch & tone with an electric will benefit.
YMMV, of course.
Peace :)
NOTE FROM JERRY
Brett…
You’re exactly right. I do the same thing. Another thing I love doing is what I mentioned in a previous post and that’s to eliminate the bottom string. As in entirely!!
I’ll actually take the string off the guitar.
Doing this causes me to find other places to finish a riff and this opens up worlds of new opportunities that I might not normally consider.
Try it and let me know what you think.
Thanks for your comment. We’re all growing together!
Jerry
I really love playing along with you justin. right now i am learning wish you were here. I have mastered the INTRO and the words. now I am learning the solo part. you can also check me out on facebook. feel free to send me any thing you want. I love any thing that has to do with guitar playing. thank you fellow player shawn