I guess this has become a little series of doing "guitar stuff" in your teens. I never intended it to become this little series but hey, I need to keep writing for the sake of my English grades (don't ask). I would once again like to point out that these ideas are spawned from my personel experience, don't be mistaken that I have no background from which these were created.
I guess that these rules could apply to anyone, but teenage guitarists are limited by several factors which adults are not. First and formost is money, but also practice space, angry famillies telling you to turn down that racket and a brain more likely to get carried away or quit.
This specific article is pretty much a list of miscelaneous tips. If you read Starting Guitar In Your Teens and Being In A Band In Your Teens you may, by now, be a decent guitarists who plays a gig with your band once a month or so. Here's how to keep it up:
01. Ask for other peoples opinions on your playing
Your own judgement can be clouded when making an opinion on yourself, so get other people to make one. Familly are the best, as they won't try to patronise you, nor try to make you feel full of yourself. Friends can be a slightly less reliable source. Obviously I don't know your peers, but I have found that those who don't play are easily impressed, whilst those who do may get jealous if your better than them. Teenagers, particularly boys, always want to appear as the best when it comes to guitar, because in the boys case, it can often mean more chance of pulling. I have been a victim of this kind of thing, and it may be part of the reason why I have been single for almost a year and a half. :P
02. Save your money
If your really serious about your instrument, and your often stuck for cash, don't waste your money. You will need it to constantly maintain and improve your gear. Maybe set aside a guitar fund every month. Obviously I'm sure that everyone has their loves and hobbies, so you will want cash for these, but it's just a thought. Another idea, but not a nessesity, is don't take up smoking etc, because it will eventually mean a constant overhead in your cash. Of course if you want to, do, your loss I guess. Work to a budget and try and minimise waste in it so you can constantly be inproving your gear, your sound and ability.
03. Get material
By material I mean tab books, and a guitar magasine. Mags contain various information, help and tab which constantly keep you updated about guitar news and history. Know your instrument, and read these mags as a constant source of help and advice when your stuck with something. Tab books also will give you a good repertoire of songs to play to impress or to cover, and open yourself up to a wider range of audience.
04. Play Play Play
Keep playing everyday. Play two or three songs along with a C.D. everyday, play a few scales, improvise over a track or in free time and practice new songs. Be commited just like you would be with a piano, clarinet or any other musical instrument. If you slaken off, your ability will go downhill and you may forget useful knowledge.
05. Look like you know what your talking about
Not so essential this one, but it may improve your reputation amongst other teen guitarists. Also, it can be great fun when you see confused looks on other people faces. Think of it this way, about 85% of young guitarists will name Jimi Hendrix as the greatest guitarist ever. Whether you like him or not, it can not be denied that Jimi "wasn't bad". However out of these 85%, i bet that less than a quarter actually own a Jimi Hendrix album, and maybe a third havn't even heard a Jimi Hendrix song. However, it is general concensus now days that Jimi was the greatest, he comes top in almost every listing, poll and contest. If you disagree with this, it is likely that a lot of people will give you shit for it. Agree with what is "cool", but come up with new ideas about the guitar, just don't make them too radical. Also, know the difference between rosewood and maplewood, a singlecoil and humbucker. Know which EQ settings work, and judge guitars. Of course this is not essential, so don't give me shit if you disagree.
06. Finally, the number one rule: have fun playing If you don't enjoy guitar, quit
Enjoy....
5 stars
