Rant

[RideTheCrash]

Yeah, he isn't going to develop much more, if he doesn't play different types of chords, he just says "none of the music I listen to uses them so why bother?". If I prove a point he'll just say okay or brush it off, so getting a point across is hard.

I tried to explain how most new recordings today are really butchered. Asked him where he hears these "old" "bad quality" songs he says the radio...

 

[RideTheCrash]

Actually, kind of ironic, this one just plays power chords and my other guitarist only plays open/barre, he can play power but he says he's never down with getting the rhythm correct.

I picked Fortunate Son because it's a great song and it's the only one I can really pull apart and learn, so much rhythm and guitars and stuff going on in most their stuff it's hard to get it all.

 

[esactun]

Yeah, he isn't going to develop much more, if he doesn't play different types of chords, he just says "none of the music I listen to uses them so why bother?".

I somewhat suffered from that attitude myself. Hence I'm still the king of power chords . Now that I listen to much more diverse music than I used to, I'm really wishing I spent more time on the fundamentals of axe-slinging. I should really be much better than I am, considering that I started playing in 1989

Of course, if one gets into complicated and screwy rhythms, unnecessary time signatures, creative use of dissonance, a plethora of tempo changes, and mournful guitar harmonies, one can go pretty far . Some of my stuff and stuff from bands like Autopsy spring to mind

The problem is that none of this is of much use to me if I want to play a jazz piece! Time to practice, and practice, and practice...

 

[gartulan]

Re: Maybe I'm wrong, but a different angle

For those people in their 30's, do you remember when Run DMC teamed up with Aerosmith to re-do Walk This Way? I found it SO aggravating to hear everyone referring to it as being by Run DMC, and then openly asking "Who's that?" when you tell them that it's by Aerosmith, but Run DMC is playing with them on it. That was probably less than 10 years after its original release by Aerosmith. Same thing here, I'm thinkin'. [/B][/QUOTE]

NO kidding--I am not in my thirties yet..knock on wood j/k
but I hate it when younger people do not acknowledge musicians that come before them. If kids like punk, how come I never hear about how op ivy or bad brains are so cool...
Moreover, I really hate when hip hop artists sample a popular classic rock chorus and get assloads of cash for someone else's work. I believe (puff daddY?) got sued by sting to the every breath you take thing....I digress.

 

[Ah2]

While I guess your friend is not going to go anywhere musically.

Maybe I was a little off base with my music snob comments.

If your friend is unwilling to try a new chord or add some variation to his playing then I pity him.

I just don't like the reactionary attitude that insists if someone doesn't like the music you listen to you must therefore hate the music they listen to.

All my favorite music sucks

 

[geekgurl]

He can't play any other type of chord and he refuses to learn.

I think it's time to find a new jamming buddy, if possible.

I know this one 14 yr old guitar player who can rip many guitarists I've played with professionally (I'm in my early 30s). He can play the blues, knows about chord changes (and not just the easy 7th chords) and he's only been playing for 3 years.

What does he have that your friend does not?

1. A family member who's a killer guitarist mentoring him (this said person actually had a hit record on Warner Bros. many moons ago and has also played with some jazz greats -- this guy is a friend of mine and that's how I heard the 14 yr old)

2. An open mind and passionate heart to progress on the instrument.

We aren't all so lucky to have #1 at our disposal, but you can seek out ppl to play with who are BETTER than you are. It's uncomfortable sometimes, but if they are not belittling egotistical maniacs but rather nurturing and supportive, there's nothing better.

And #2, well, THAT is a state of mind ... one your 3-chord friend does not have but it seems you have at least to a degree ... or you would not feel the need to rant.

So, I hope you can find some musicians to jam with that allow you to stretch out.

Peace.

gg

 

[RideTheCrash]

It's funny how my dad (he's 49) can pick out all these samples modern artists have sampled into their music.

I tried to get him play chords like...

8
8
9
10

For something like Wipe Out, but he has like Hendrix hands, but he can't get it right and never wants to learn. My other guitar player is much better than I am on guitar, he hasn't been playing as long (not like I have) but he's great. He has a real passion. *Sigh* even the band at my church I play with, when we jam it's all pop-punk...

 

[win_by_default]

Hence I'm still the king of power chords

Billy Joe Armstrong is the king of power chords, my friend. not that it's bad, i love green day.