LazyLightning72 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 1:33 pm
Ok,
Now that I am getting back into playing after such a long time, I want to use this as an opportunity to fix some really bad habits I have.
One of the worst habits I fell into and never corrected came while learning a song. I could learn the different parts, sometimes by ear, others with tab. I’d get to where I could play it and move onto the next one. I never stopped to learn any “theory” of any kind. I could play the solo to a song, but have no idea what scale was used, etc...
When I came back to playing in ‘13/‘14 (After many years without playing at all, didn’t even own a guitar during that time) I tried to do what I’m setting out to do now. I learned the 5 position of the minor pentatonic, but knowing and using them in a meaningful way are two different things. Unfortunately right as I started to make any headway I broke my neck in 2015. Well everything, including playing guitar came to a screeching hault.
Without learning these things I am having a VERY hard time, when it comes to doing my own soloing, or even improv.
Anyhow,
Its time to fix this. I doubt anyone following my gear threads has any question I’m trying to play similar to Jerry. I have no delusions that I will ever play exactly like him, because I am not him. I do however believe it is very possible, to learn to play in a way that is similar in many aspects.
Every time I look up where to start with scales, modes, whatever, I see one of two answers. Either the 5 positions of the minor pentatonic is suggested, or the major scale because it is the start of all “theory”, that everything, chords, modes, etc... all come from knowing the major scale/positions
From some of you that already have a grasp on some theory, what is the best way to approach this? Should I just start over where I left off with the minor pentatonic, or learn the major scale first?
Not sure if anyone else mentioned this but I would learn triads. I wish I had leaned them earlier. Scales will weigh you down. However, you do need to learn your major scale positions up and down the neck. Anything beyond that is a bit excessive. Modes are not even that important although they will make sense to you as you progress - they are just the major / minor scale.
Triads are the secret sauce. Whenever you hear people say ‘melody’ or ‘chord tones’ they are essentially referring to triads. Jerry was a master at stringing together triads. Learn them on each set of strings (1-3, 2-4, 3-6). Learn them up and down the neck. These are all the notes that make the guitar sing.
Whenever you learn a song learn the chords and progression first, don’t worry about the key or the scale. Then when you solo play the triads that follow the chord progression.
Yes, there is more to it then that but that is essentially Jerry’s mindset. He’s not thinking about scales at all.
Sorry for the long winded answer!
There are some great lessons on YouTube for triads!