mdc

Stick with the patterns. Patterns are good, but don't just play them for the sake of it. Sing then like I said, and play them to a backing track...

... it's all about the sound.

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whiplash_87

I originally started playing because I loved rock so i started playing guitar mostly due to bands like metallica and Iron Maiden and Randy Rhoads and things of that nature and while I learned a lot of their songs I reached a point where i didnt play guitar much for the past year because I got bored playing other peoples stuff and never knowing how to make anything of my own or to be able to jam over a drum track or anything. So i decided to start learning theory and so far it is getting the best of me I think.

whiplash_87

yeah I understand not to just play the patterns up and down the fretboard and that it just helps make a road map in a way so I try and do that I just see a lot of mixed reviews by this point on these patterns being pointless so I dont really know what to do from here.

mdc

They're (shapes) dissed a lot on this forum. Which is a shame.

You're a guitarist, scale shapes are your friend. Create melodic patterns out of them, sequence them.

Study solos.

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whiplash_87

Here is kind of a dumb question but if I were to not remember these shapes but instead to remember they all use the WWHWWWH intervals for the major scales I just find what notes are in each scale correct? And that will give me the same patterns?

mdc

Exactly.

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whiplash_87

So using the WWHWWWH is what I need to remember for all major scales correct? and then for minor scales the intervals are different correct? Also how do I find minor scales?

mdc

The minor scale starts (and ends) on the 6th degree of the major scale. So what would the formula (WH...) be for the minor scale?

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HotspurJr

Yes. The whole scale just slides up and down the fretboard with the root note to make the same scale in another key.



I think, honestly, part of the reason it's hard is because you're getting some bad advice (basically everybody who's telling you to study modes).

If I were you, and wanted a comprehensive approach to getting better, I'd build a curriculum based on the following things:

First, the functional ear trainer, a free download from miles.be. Theoretical knowledge is only meaningful to the extent that you can hear it, so start training your ear now. This is tricky because you can learn theory pretty quickly, but training your ear is slow.

Then I'd get a good basic workbook on theory. I like Shroeder and Wyatt's "Harmony and Theory." Once you're comfortable with the functional ear trainer, I'd add Wyatt et al's "Ear Training for the Contemporary Musician" - this book goes hand in hand with the theory book.

Then I'd get a book to help you apply this specifically to the guitar. I like "The Guitar Fretboard Workbook."

You could essentially be using all of those tools at the same time. Yes, it's a $40-50 outlay for the three books, but working through those three books, using the ear trainer, and playing could easily take you six months to a year. The goal is NOT to rush, but rather to work your way through as a speed with which you can comfortably assimilate what you're learning.

Which brings me to the last, and most important point:

Don't learn any part of "theory" faster than you can actually apply it in making music. If you learn a new scale pattern, PLAY WITH IT. Make music with it. Only when you are comfortable making music with it should you move on to the next concept.

Music is not made intellectually. Cramming does you no good at all. Enjoy the process, learning to hear and then play new concepts. Make music. Fully explore each new tool and get comfortable with it before you move on to the next one.

whiplash_87

I dont quite understand this

mdc

What don't you understand? The terms "formula and degree" or what?

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whiplash_87

That whole post basically haha, a degree is just one of the notes right? I basically wasn't sure what you meant by that above post.

Vantage

Hey dude, this is a great way to start with basic theory:

http://ebookee.org/The-Jazz-Theory-...t-_1723810.html

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