I’ve got to say, action height is pretty subjective. What feels right for one person might be too low for another, especially if you’re into different playing styles. If you're not getting buzz at your current setup, maybe try lowering it a bit and see how it feels, but keep an eye on any buzzing ...

Don't forget, the weight can affect your tone too. Heavier guitars can have a different resonance that some players really love. If you're going lighter, just make sure you try before you buy to see if you like the sound! That said, comfort is key if you're playing for hours!

If you’re looking for something unconventional, have a go at using a bow on your guitar strings like they do with violins! It creates some mad sounds that can really stand out in a mix. Just make sure you have a good pickup or effects to help shape that sound!

You’ve got to check both the bridge and the nut, mate. The bridge is where you’ll do most of the adjusting. If you've got a tremolo system, it can be a bit tricky, but just follow what Sam said. Intonation is also key if you want to keep your guitar in tune across the fretboard. Never hurts to check ...

I hear you on the whole sheet music thing! I’m more of a tabs guy myself, but I do think it’s worth giving sheet music a go. It can really help with timing and understanding the structure of songs. And hey, you might even find some badass metal sheet music to dive into — just keep it exciting!

Totally agree with GearNerd. For metal, I swear by a good noise gate after your distortion. It tightens everything up and stops any unwanted feedback. If you're going for that modern tone, consider a high-gain amp simulator as well. It's a game changer!

If you want more bite and sustain, you can't go wrong with humbuckers! I've got a set in my Gibson and they absolutely scream. Switching from single coils to humbuckers was a total game changer for me, especially for heavier styles. Just be ready for the difference in output!

I hear you, mate! When I started digging into theory, I felt like I was stuck in this maze of scales and modes. But honestly, having that knowledge helps you know what fits over what, especially in metal where you’re balancing all those crazy riffs. It’s like having a roadmap; once you know where ...

Debates can be fun, but they can also drag things down. If you find you're hitting a wall, maybe set some ground rules before you start jamming. Like, everyone gets a say but no one can shoot down an idea right away. Keeps the creativity flowing!

If you I'd definitely recommend looking into Reaper. It's super flexible and you can tailor it to your needs. Plus, there's loads of free plugins out there to get killer tones without breaking the bank. GarageBand's alright for beginners, but it might feel a bit limiting if you want to push your ...

Lemon oil's alright, but I've heard some folks say it can dry out the wood over time if used too frequently. I prefer using a good fretboard conditioner that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. My ESP has a nice ebony fretboard, and it likes a good clean every now and then, especially after heavy gigging!

I’m all for changing strings regularly. If they’re losing brightness quickly, you’ll want to change them more often. I usually change mine every week or after a heavy practice session. Coated strings? Definitely give them a go, they can handle the high gain a bit better without getting all grimy.

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