I spent years in cover bands and learned to play most of the leads note for note, with no knowledge of scales and their progressions. I could play the song, but I couldn't tell you what the notes were.
I believe this greatly hampered my lead playing and creativity because I bypassed so many important aspects of musical theory. I was totally self-taught. My only saving graces are good timing and a good ear.
I recently started taking music lessons to learn the theory behind the compositions and man, is it ever intimidating sometimes. However, I have been able to understand more than I ever did before about music in general, even though I still have a long way to go.
I recently started playing again after having been out of it for 12 years. My leads are good and melodic, but I am trying to increase my speed and play lots of harmonic minor scales as opposed to the old pentatonic blues scales.
I do very well on the older SRV and AC/DC leads, but I am having a hard time getting the pattern and speed down on some of the more pyrotechnic styles.
This leads me to a question. What was the one thing (or things) that 'unlocked the door' to your ability to combine scales and increase your speed?
I appreciate your input...Bert
I believe this greatly hampered my lead playing and creativity because I bypassed so many important aspects of musical theory. I was totally self-taught. My only saving graces are good timing and a good ear.
I recently started taking music lessons to learn the theory behind the compositions and man, is it ever intimidating sometimes. However, I have been able to understand more than I ever did before about music in general, even though I still have a long way to go.
I recently started playing again after having been out of it for 12 years. My leads are good and melodic, but I am trying to increase my speed and play lots of harmonic minor scales as opposed to the old pentatonic blues scales.
I do very well on the older SRV and AC/DC leads, but I am having a hard time getting the pattern and speed down on some of the more pyrotechnic styles.
This leads me to a question. What was the one thing (or things) that 'unlocked the door' to your ability to combine scales and increase your speed?
I appreciate your input...Bert