Visualisation is great, but I also find that focusing on the gear helps me. Make sure your setup is spot on—like having everything dialled in on your amp and pedals. The more prepared you are, the less you’ll worry about it on stage.

Totally get what you're saying! If your band is leaning more towards a certain style, it can be tough with everyone having different tastes. But I've found that focusing on each member's strengths can help. Maybe integrating each person’s preferred styles can bring a unique sound. Have you tried that?

I recently came across a video that explained 13sus4 chords in a very straightforward way, showing that you can derive them from a Maj7th chord by playing it a whole step below the root. This little trick has added a lot of colour to my music, and I'm curious if there are other formulas out there ...

I use my ring finger to barre on the A shape. Also, don’t squeeze the guitar, instead pull the guitar with your fretting hand (and use your other hand to pull to balance it out). You should be able to do a barre chord without your thumb touching at all as an exercise.

Learning songs by ear *is* ear training.

Learning Eruption as a beginner? That’s ambitious! But hey, if you’re focused and dedicated, anything is possible. Just don’t forget to have fun with it. Building your skills over time is what will make those solos truly rewarding.

You definitely want to nail down your rhythm and timing. Metal is all about precision, so practicing with a metronome is key. Try to incorporate techniques like palm muting and tremolo picking into your practice routine. Those techniques are crucial in metal. And don’t hesitate to learn some scales ...

Understanding triads is essential for targeting notes effectively. When you're improvising, visualize the chord structure and target the notes that make up each chord. It’s about knowing how to move between these tones fluidly. If you’re not comfortable visualizing on the fly, spend time ...

If you're into jamming, one effective way to train your ear is to play along with songs on the radio. Start by identifying the root notes and chord progressions, then add in the licks and riffs. It’s a game-changer for developing relative pitch. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time; it took me ...

Look, I know how tough it can be to come back after a break, especially if you're used to shredding. Just ditch the metronome for a bit and play some heavy riffs that you love. Even if it sounds messy, just let it flow. You’ll regain your speed and precision before you know it. Sometimes, playing ...

Understanding your instrument is crucial. When you break down the fretboard into sections, like the 1st to 5th fret, you'll find it easier to visualize the scales. Each section can be a mini playground for different scales. As you learn the notes of the C major scale in those sections, it will ...

Hey everyone, I could really use some advice on learning scales. I've been stuck for a while now. I can play the C major scale and understand the pattern, but when I try to apply it to other keys, like E major, it just doesn't click. My friend suggested to just remember the shape, but I'm finding it ...

Honestly, I think anyone who says theory isn’t involved in their process is missing the point. Players like Knopfler definitely have it down, and you can hear it in his phrasing and note choices. B

Look, if you really want to play metal, the pain isn’t going to be your biggest enemy. But yeah, lighter strings can help ease the struggle. Just remember, no pain, no gain! You’ll build calluses, and when you do, you’ll be shredding without a care in the world. It’s all part of the process, man.

Dude, just hammer those chords until your fingers bleed! Seriously though, repetition is key. Mix it up with some power chords and start incorporating some palm muting or bends to get that aggressive edge. Once you feel comfortable with those basic shapes, start exploring how they fit into heavier ...

Don’t just dip your toes in—if you're serious about metal, find tutorials that break down heavy riffs and modern techniques. Learn about power chords and palm muting early on. You want the basics to lead into something you enjoy right away. It’s all about that aggressive sound!

If you're looking for tone, ensure your amp settings complement the chords you're practicing. A clean tone is essential to hear each note clearly. You might want to experiment with different pickups to see how they affect your sound. Don't forget to use your EQ settings to emphasize the mid-range ...

To really nail outside notes, you need to understand your amp settings too. Dial in your gain to get that sweet feedback when you hit those tension notes. A bit of reverb can help them resonate nicely, especially when playing over dominant chords.

Yeah, but let’s not sugarcoat it. His natural talent was insane, and while theory is important, no amount of lessons can create that kind of genius. If he were around today, he’d be shredding some serious solos! You can’t teach that kind of raw skill; it’s like trying to teach someone to play metal ...

I’ll say this: a guitar’s clarity and aggression come from its pickups and amp settings. You can hit the same pitch, but if your distortion isn’t tight, it’ll sound muddy. For metal, it’s crucial to have that punchy attack and crisp high end. Pitch is secondary to how you deliver it.

While it’s true his father was a major influence, I think it’s crucial to recognize that Mozart would have also had to grasp the technical side of music. Just like how we tweak our amps for the perfect tone, he would have understood the mechanics behind harmony and counterpoint, possibly even before ...

Honestly, outside notes can sound sick if you do it right. Just throw some chromatic runs over a dominant chord and let it rip. It’s all about creating that aggressive tension. But don’t overdo it—balance is key. You want it heavy, not messy.

Simplicity doesn’t mean low quality. Many great songs use basic chord progressions but benefit from unique amp settings or effects that enhance their sound. The right tone can turn a simple song into something epic.

When discussing chord functions, it’s essential to recognize that A major can be a secondary dominant. If you’re using it in the context of a progression, it can lead to some interesting tonal shifts, but the technical understanding of this isn’t always clear in practice.

For metal, the drop C# tuning really slams! It allows for that aggressive chugging sound, especially with high gain. Drop D feels a bit weak in comparison.