7 Blues Guitar Secrets that Can Save you Years of Practice
SECRET 3: Build Your Lead Chops
Let’s explore the third secret: building your lead guitar chops. When I started, I overlooked technique, much like my approach to music theory. I solely focused on feeling, soul, and melody, dismissing the importance of technique. However, I later realized the significant impact it had on my playing.
Improving technique is not just about mindless repetition; it requires focus and attention to body mechanics. Alternate picking forms the foundation, and practicing diatonic scales, like C major and its modes, with three notes per string enhances your skills. This foundation sets the stage for three-note-per-string pentatonic scales.
Pay attention to your picking hand’s form, keeping your fingers close to the strings. Experiment with wrist, elbow, and finger techniques based on what feels comfortable for you. A rhythmic approach, like thinking in triplets (1-2-3, 1-2-3), aids in maintaining consistency as you ascend and descend.
Check the accompanying ebook for detailed tabulations. Practice these patterns in all seven positions, starting on each degree of the diatonic scale. This builds proficiency and helps you navigate the fretboard effectively.
Remember, it’s not just about increasing the metronome speed. Slow down and practice without the metronome to refine your form and understand the movements. Practice super slow for precision, then push yourself to play fast, even if it gets a bit sloppy. Gradually dial back the speed while maintaining accuracy.
In your practice sessions, focus on improvement rather than perfection. Increase speed gradually and work on fragments, not just the entire scale, to target specific challenges. If you’re interested in taking your chops to the next level, check out my course, “Pentatonic Chops,” where I delve deeper into extending patterns into three-note-per-string scales.
In conclusion, building lead guitar chops isn’t about showing off but enhancing your overall playing. Don’t fear that technique will hinder your musical expression; on the contrary, it will make playing more effortless and enjoyable.
