Hey

Smiley · Post by **Smiley** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:59 pm

Hi I'm new here. I joined because I wanted some advice.

I'm 13 and me and my best friend want to start a band. I play guitar but I don't consider myself very good at it yet and i want to learn how to play lead guitar. My friend is interested in playing the drums. We are really into my chemical romance, Avril Lavigne, Green Day, panic at the disco, evanesance that sort of thing and I think since hearing thier music we'd love to make our own band. Does anyone have any advice for us :?:

thanks

Smiley

millenium_03 · Post by **millenium_03** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:23 pm

Welcome Smiley.... Those group aren't the type of music I play... but my best advice is PRACTICE... PRACTICE.... PRACTICE... all together !!! Playing alone is something but in a group the timing is very important !

Post by **olly** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:19 pm

Welcome

Yes I would second this - practice is the key. Some of the types of music you mention are a great starting place as the chords can be learnt quite easily and the lead is relatively simple.

Playing together will quickly improve your ability to play in time.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress

Smiley · Post by **Smiley** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:49 pm

Thanks for the advice. It might take some time though as at the moment my friend hasn't played drums before and I'm not very good at the guitar. From what I've read lead guitar sounds very complex but I can already play very little green day and my chemical romance melodies but I've been spending a lot of time practising them. I have been playing for 2 and a half years but i don't feel as if I'm getting anywhere. My dad can help me and I have lessons at school but things like homework really get in the way. We have already decided on a possibility for a name for the band and have been writing lyrics for our own songs so i guess so far so good. Will keep you informed of any miricles!

Smiley

Post by **olly** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 8:51 am

You're heading in the right direction. A little bit of practicing regularly goes a long way - much better than not playing at all then playing for 5 hours on a Saturday.

Consistency is the key when it comes to improving.

Also even if you do not see dramatic improvements you probably are improving all the time. It's just these are not so hard to notice as they are small improvements in the right direction.

Take a recording of your playing then compare it a month later - you will surely hear your improvements then.

Good luck

Smiley · Post by **Smiley** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:27 am

thanks

millenium_03 · Post by **millenium_03** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:45 pm

There is just one thing I don't understand Smiley... you are telling you don't feel good at guitar playing and that after more then two year you're kind of stuck... And the song you play, you have practice those for long period...

You also make composition ????

You are young... 13 years old. You have plenty of time to be a rock star, just play and have fun that is the purpose of the guitar. Get to the NEXT level, improve your playing ability... (I play guitar for more than 20 years) You'll see later you'll be able to play all what you want.

Take it one step at the time..... Choose song that every member in the band will want to play. Choose song that you (the band) will enjoy and have fun to play... Practice it !!!

Post by **olly** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 1:37 pm

Once again, brilliant advice there

Smiley · Post by **Smiley** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 10:55 am

Thanks for the advice. I see what you mean and I am taking a lot on at once I guess I'm just expecting everything to fall into place. I just feel like nothings happening for me but I wont give up because I'm really into it now. I'm going to talk to my music teacher when I get back in school, he's in his own band and plays lead. You probably wouldn't have heard of them but not really my kind of music

millenium_03 · Post by **millenium_03** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:00 pm

Smiley... don't give up... as I suggest you, take you guitar playing to the next level. Take some lesson if needed, just to add up a little something.

Building a band is not as easy. As I understand, you sound more like playing with friends. Playing as a GROUP with friend can be pretty fun. But face it, probably you and your friend are'nt at the same playing level. That can occur frustration. The music I played was with musician that was on the same level and sharing the same music vision.

Playing with a friend that is way far lower player then you can be boring in a long time, because you want to get your music higher. And playing with a friend who is way far a better player than you can be frustrating too, because you can't follow him !!

Your music teacher might give some nice adviced !!!

Smiley · Post by **Smiley** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:32 pm

okay thanks for all the advice everyone!