subject: Speed on the lead guitar - Learn how the play fast guitar online [print this page] Many guitarists are itching to drop the small stuff and move on to fast playing. I know it is the dream of many lead guitarists to make long-winded notes all in a matter of seconds, and succeed to pull it off to the amazement and slack jaws of the onlookers. However, only a few ever make it to that point. The rest just get fast and pathetic.
The thing about speed playing is that it is not the first step and that is where people get it all wrong. Speed is the following quality after precision. You will need to have mastered both left hand and right hand playing, steadily developing a reputable dexterity in your hands before you should move on to learning speed. This is where most guitarists lose it, they think it's the other way around; speed first, accuracy later. Here are ten tips to help you with this problem:
Make sure you have selected a pick with 'body'. This means a standard pick. At least go for the medium sized gauge pick. I always recommend this for beginners as it is easier to work with. If you are working with a thin pick, you are at least one step ahead to slowing yourself down. Ditch that pick and go for something thicker.
Your strings should be thick as well. I personally recommend that you use a 0.12 string for the first string and at least a .52 string on the sixth point. This will help you strengthen your left in relation to your right hand - and that is assuming you are right handed. You might need a little bit of technical help in adjusting your strings to meet these specifications.
To eliminate unwanted buzzing sounds in your play, set your action to high.
Take the time for a slow warm up before the big play. Like sportsmen before the big game, I advice you to carefully and languidly stroke your guitar, building up for the main play.
Use a metronome for your timing, so you know you are tuned with the music. With time you might not need to use it, but for now, make it your faithful buddy.
By the time you have started to get perfect with the metronome at 120 tempo, it is time for you to begin eight note practice.
Include hammer-on's to your eight notes and eight note triplets.
In addition to your metronome technique, the use of slides and hammer-on's and off's will add a new and fun level of play to your speed playing. You will like it.
Still, as a guitarist, you should not put speed at the top of your priorities. You should concentrate more on your accuracy and rhythm before you even consider the speed factor. Speed is not a measure of proficiency, and can be illustrated with the typewriter. Just because someone can type real fast does not necessarily imply that he is typing anything meaningful!
Speed on the lead guitar - Learn how the play fast guitar online
