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Bongo 2026 Collection

Help! Got the tools but,

If we talked to our friends the way we talk to ourselves, we wouldn't have any friends at all.

How 'bout we cut ourselves some slack and just freakin' play!
 
Play in a band (or in several bands)

It keeps the motivation high and obliges you to play things you will normally not play in your bedroom.
I played jazz / jazz-rock during several years in a big band not because I am fond of Jazz but because I was learning a lot (now I know all the nasty chords with seventh eleventh ....). Well, the other guys of the big band were also good drinkers, so I believe it was also part of the motivation !!!
 
Smelly,

I'm in the same boat. Great guitars, good effects, nice amp that gets the tone I like, but limited playing ability.

I've bought a few things that are helping, but it's slow progress.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/John-Petrucci-Rock-Discipline/dp/B00006L57W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1213807144&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: John Petrucci - Rock Discipline: John Petrucci: Movies & TV[/ame]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Gilbert-Intense-Rock-Vol/dp/B000IU3XYM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1213807182&sr=1-1]Amazon.com: Paul Gilbert: Intense Rock, Vol. 1 and 2: Paul Gilbert: Movies & TV[/ame]

These two DVD's are really helping me build my chops, as I previously had little to none.

This little number is probably outside of your 50 quid mark, but it's been a lifesaver for me.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Tascam-MPGT1-Portable-Guitar-Trainer/dp/B000NW8JIU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1213807234&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Tascam MPGT1 Portable MP3 Guitar Trainer: Musical Instruments[/ame]

I can take any MP3, load it on this bad boy, and play along with it. It will change pitch, so I don't have to retune. I can slow the track down to learn tricker parts. I can create a loop, so I can focus on one part of a song that's giving me trouble. It's very portable. I usually wind up putting the trainer in the case with the guitar, and taking it with me wherever I go. I work by myself occasionally on weekends, and when I have downtime, I break out my guitar and the trainer.
 
I apologize for reviving this thread but I got to throw my 2 cents in

I feel the same way, I sometimes feel l suck very bad. I don't know why I feel this way. I have been playing for 6 years and sometimes I feel like I will never be able to play the way I wished I could.

I have become obsessed with Petrucci's playing. This really motivates me to keep on playing. It is hard at times to practice as much as I wish I could due to school taking most of my time.
 
"A warrior must know first that his acts are useless, and yet, he must proceed as if he didn't know it." Don Juan, Tales of Power

just sayin'
 
if you want online lessons i would try this web site, guitarmasterclass.net they have some cool stuff there and you can choose your level of what you want! give it a go :)
 
Thanks again all for your kind helping comment, I tried JP's rock thingy, not for me _ I'm old!

I've managed to get some of the lick library materials - Seeing Jamie Humphries playing SRV on an AL has kicked me in the right direction....

It's all about how much time you spend with the instrument I guess, I work around 60-70 hours a week and try and spend every minute possible with my wife and children who I love above all else,

That said I have just made a decision to start buying more gear again so perhaps skills aren't that important when you have processors valve amps and of course a train load of balls in your vault!

That said I will practice considerably, I'm really worried Strummer will make me play at next years bash!
 
Smellybum5150 said:
<snip>

That said I have just made a decision to start buying more gear again so perhaps skills aren't that important when you have processors valve amps and of course a train load of balls in your vault!
<snip>
Click to expand...

Ah, I knew you'd come around to my way of thinking ;)

'He who dies with the most toys wins' - Bumper sticker
 
Two suggestions I'd offer is
1) try composing some of your own songs and see where it takes you
2) get out and play infront of people if you don't currently

I had like the perfect storm of good musical things happen to me about 6 years ago.

1) I discovered the Luke guitar with its amazing cleans
2) I put together a band with sax, flute, and vibes
3) I started writing songs instead of just jamming

I got better by accident. Not so much as a guitar player, but as a writer...and it turns out most people really like listening to songs.

I'd also look into getting a copy of STEVE MORSE's OPEN EARS book. Insightful ways to improve by one of the most talented players in a long time.

Good luck
 
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