Search found 35 matches

by sam54
Wed Mar 18, 2026 9:32 am
Forum: Introduce Yourself & New Member Welcome
Topic: Playing the changes or not
Replies: 5
Views: 46

Playing the changes or not

Voice leading the changes is one of the practices to develop fretboard orientation.
by sam54
Tue Mar 17, 2026 7:57 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Diminished chords: underrated or overrated?
Replies: 5
Views: 83

Diminished chords: underrated or overrated?

I find diminished chords to be a great way to add suspense and tension to a song. They may not be used as frequently as major or minor chords, but they definitely have their own special quality.
by sam54
Mon Mar 16, 2026 9:21 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Learning Music Theory Online
Replies: 9
Views: 133

Learning Music Theory Online

I've been using the Justin Guitar beginner course videos and they have been a great help in understanding music theory. Definitely recommend it for beginners.
by sam54
Sun Mar 15, 2026 11:47 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Approaching the ii Chord in a Progression
Replies: 6
Views: 76

Approaching the ii Chord in a Progression

Odd question, but say you have a progression like a I-V-ii-IV. What do you like to play over the ii? Every time I hit the ii chord, I play usually play the arpeggio or slide into it with a sixth double stop, but I’m wondering how other people approach it? Sorry if this is too general a question. The ...
by sam54
Tue Feb 24, 2026 8:15 am
Forum: Guitar Techniques, Exercises & Practice Tips
Topic: Learning Guitar Theory Without a Guitar
Replies: 8
Views: 15919

Learning Guitar Theory Without a Guitar

Active listening and visualization can be a great way to learn guitar theory without having a guitar in hand. Try to focus on rhythm exercises and ear training to enhance your understanding of music theory. Keep exploring different resources to expand your knowledge.
by sam54
Mon Feb 23, 2026 2:54 pm
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Great solos for beginners
Replies: 7
Views: 2321

Great solos for beginners

Check out the solo in Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits. It's not too difficult for beginners and has a lot of emotion.
by sam54
Mon Feb 23, 2026 2:54 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: How get past the intermediate stage
Replies: 7
Views: 217

How get past the intermediate stage

I can relate to feeling stuck as an intermediate guitarist. Remember to embrace where you are as a player while still striving to improve.
by sam54
Sun Feb 22, 2026 9:36 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: How do you go about learning songs when they are hard to hear?
Replies: 2
Views: 210

How do you go about learning songs when they are hard to hear?

I just go to Youtube. Sometimes seeing someone else play a cover of the piece helps. Also it helps if you can visually see what they are doing!
by sam54
Thu Feb 19, 2026 8:03 am
Forum: Digital Gear, Modellers & Plugins
Topic: Are Amp Sims Good Enough For Professional Recording?
Replies: 2
Views: 1741

Are Amp Sims Good Enough For Professional Recording?

Amp simulation software keeps improving. Do you think amp sims are good enough for professional recordings now?
by sam54
Wed Feb 18, 2026 8:40 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Musician AI Hypocrisy
Replies: 8
Views: 3065

Musician AI Hypocrisy

I think it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people might not mind AI-generated visuals, while others prefer the more traditional approach. As long as the music is good, that's what matters most.
by sam54
Mon Feb 16, 2026 6:31 pm
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Seeking Dark Moody Chords
Replies: 8
Views: 8681

Seeking Dark Moody Chords

Try listening to some of your favorite songs and analyzing the chords and progressions used. This can give you inspiration and ideas for creating your own dark and moody chords. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try new things to find the sound you're looking for.
by sam54
Fri Feb 13, 2026 8:39 am
Forum: Guitar Techniques, Exercises & Practice Tips
Topic: Drop D tuning - String Breakage Issue
Replies: 4
Views: 1666

Drop D tuning - String Breakage Issue

It happens to everyone at some point, glad you were able to correct the tuning direction.
by sam54
Wed Feb 11, 2026 1:01 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Feeling like an impostor in the music world
Replies: 8
Views: 210

Feeling like an impostor in the music world

Don't let one encounter shake your confidence. Remember that music is a personal journey and growth comes from challenges and setbacks. Stay true to your passion and keep pushing yourself to become the best musician you can be.
by sam54
Wed Feb 11, 2026 1:01 pm
Forum: Gigging, Live Performance & Stage Gear
Topic: Frustrations with unprofessional bandmates
Replies: 11
Views: 292

Frustrations with unprofessional bandmates

There are always serious musicians out there, but they're often taken.
by sam54
Wed Feb 11, 2026 1:01 pm
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Understanding Chord Progressions – Why Certain Chords Sound Good Together
Replies: 2
Views: 2126

Understanding Chord Progressions – Why Certain Chords Sound Good Together

I find myself using I–V–vi–IV quite a lot. It works in so many styles.
by sam54
Mon Feb 09, 2026 9:04 am
Forum: Acoustic & Classical Guitars
Topic: Choosing Between Mahogany and Rosewood for a First Fingerstyle Guitar
Replies: 3
Views: 8427

Choosing Between Mahogany and Rosewood for a First Fingerstyle Guitar

I’m shopping for a new acoustic mainly for fingerstyle and light solo arrangements. I keep hearing that mahogany and rosewood bodies sound very different, but it’s hard to tell in a shop when I can only play for a few minutes.
How would you describe the practical difference in tone and feel?
by sam54
Mon Feb 09, 2026 9:04 am
Forum: Acoustic & Classical Guitars
Topic: Tips for Getting Better Volume and Projection Unplugged
Replies: 3
Views: 453

Tips for Getting Better Volume and Projection Unplugged

Fresh strings help more than people think. Old strings lose brightness and don’t project as well.
by sam54
Sun Feb 08, 2026 2:11 pm
Forum: Guitar Amps & Cabinets
Topic: Solid State vs Valve for Home Practice
Replies: 4
Views: 216

Solid State vs Valve for Home Practice

I mainly play at home and occasionally record demos. I like the feel of valve amps but I can’t always turn them up enough to sound their best. Are modern solid state or modeling amps good enough these days for tone and feel?
by sam54
Sun Feb 08, 2026 2:11 pm
Forum: Acoustic & Classical Guitars
Topic: Transitioning from Steel String to Nylon – Technique Adjustments
Replies: 2
Views: 289

Transitioning from Steel String to Nylon – Technique Adjustments

I’ve played steel-string acoustic for years, mostly strumming and light fingerpicking, and I recently picked up a nylon-string classical guitar. I love the warm tone, but I’m finding my right-hand technique feels clumsy, especially when playing fingerstyle passages.
For those who made the switch ...
by sam54
Sun Feb 08, 2026 1:27 pm
Forum: Guitar Tone & Rig Building
Topic: Do Expensive Guitars Really Make A Big Difference In Tone?
Replies: 4
Views: 322

Do Expensive Guitars Really Make A Big Difference In Tone?

Higher-end guitars often feel better to play, which indirectly improves tone.
by sam54
Sun Feb 08, 2026 11:56 am
Forum: Guitar Maintenance, Setup & Modding
Topic: What Basic Guitar Maintenance Should Every Player Know?
Replies: 3
Views: 213

What Basic Guitar Maintenance Should Every Player Know?

Even small maintenance habits can keep a guitar playing well. What basic maintenance tasks do you think every guitarist should learn?
by sam54
Sat Feb 07, 2026 2:11 pm
Forum: Guitar Maintenance, Setup & Modding
Topic: How Often Do You Change Your Strings?
Replies: 3
Views: 151

How Often Do You Change Your Strings?

I change them when they start to feel rough or lose brightness.
by sam54
Fri Feb 06, 2026 1:16 pm
Forum: Guitar Maintenance, Setup & Modding
Topic: Have You Ever Modified A Guitar?
Replies: 3
Views: 155

Have You Ever Modified A Guitar?

Upgrading pickups, changing hardware or cosmetic mods can transform a guitar. Have you ever modified one?
by sam54
Fri Feb 06, 2026 8:34 am
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Struggling with Fat Fingers
Replies: 2
Views: 231

Struggling with Fat Fingers

Hi everyone,
So I have seen other threads with concerns over fat fingers and nearly all the replies are always saying how it's just practice but even playing just one string using the smallest possible area of ringer finger tip it's seemingly impossible for it to not be touching another string.
The ...
by sam54
Fri Feb 06, 2026 8:34 am
Forum: Songwriting & Composition
Topic: Collaborating with AI - Thoughts?
Replies: 5
Views: 489

Collaborating with AI - Thoughts?

I recently had a bad experience where someone used AI to change my song without my permission. It made me feel sick to my stomach. Is this common? Has anyone else had a similar experience?