Playing songs is what it’s all about! And a balanced practice routine should help you to achieve the skills you need, to be able to play the songs you want to play.
But what songs should you be working on? Many students fall into traps of either playing songs that are too easy or far too hard. So how does one find the balance?
I recommend that all guitarists work on three types of songs at any one time. I call them 'Campfire', 'Developers' and 'Dreamers', and here's why this can be such a great way to stay motivated on guitar.
Campfire songs are ones you can play with ease. Ones you can remember and play confidently. Everyone should have at least 10 songs they can play at a party, so think about that kind of situation when you decide on your list. Think about where and with whom you might play them, and then choose appropriately. Songs that people like to sing along with in my circles are Wish You Were Here, Heart Of Gold, Hallelujah, Free Fallin', Time Of Your Life ...but if your social circle's taste is more country, etc, then obviously choose accordingly.
Pick songs that are easy to recall even after a few beers. Revise them every few months to keep them current in your mind, maybe with some extra revision if you have something coming up where you might be put on the spot.
Denne historien er fra October 2021-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 2021-utgaven av Guitar Techniques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PAT METHENY
Nick Mellor offers an insight into the jazz great's 16th-note lines, and his approach to improvising over static Minor and Dominant 7th chords.
MARTIN MILLER
Another fabulous JTC guitarist demonstrates his impressive techniques for us, focusing on an approach called Rythmically Dependent Alternate Picking.
THE KINKS' RAY DAVIES
This month Stuart Ryan takes a virtual trip into to North London to get to grips with the acoustic style of the original Muswell Hillbilly.
STEVE LUKATHER
This month Andy G Jones looks at the fluent soloing style of the LA guitarist who co-founded Toto in 1977 then ruled the 80s session scene.
JEFF HANNEMAN
This month Charlie Griffiths Shows No Mercy as he lays down the gauntlett with five shred licks from Slayer's undisputed master of attitude.
10CC
This month Martin Cooper checks out Eric Stewart and Lol Crème, whose distinctive styles helped give this UK band its unique sound.
T-BONE WALKER
From the heart of Texas to the cool West Coast, join David Gerrish on the journey of this hugely influential electric blues guitar innovator.
FERDINANDO CARULLI Andantino In G (Opus 241)
This month Declan Zapala goes back to basics to explore core classical technique with this emotive miniature by the pioneer of classical guitar playing.
THE CROSSROADS Steely Dan's Mu Chord
This month John Wheatcroft shows us how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker dressed their harmony to the 'nines, as he explores their trademark chord voicings.
GET YOUR MOJO WORKING! 60 Years Of Blues Licks
From the Kings to Jimi and Eric, Blackmore, Stevie Ray, Gary Moore, John Mayer, JoBo and beyond, Jon Bishop introduces six decades of blues guitar innovation.