Video Question: Guitar Theory

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Date: February 12th, 2008 | Length: 2.57 | Instructor: Jim Deeming

Breatald asks, "Hi Steve, I am greatly enjoying your lessons...have always wanted to learn, and am making progress. I have tried in the past on my own, but I found that all I was doing was learning by rote. Someone would show me exactly what to do, and I could do it... but that was the extent of it...I couldn't improvise or put anything together on my own. I was also a bit impatient and wanted to sound like Eric Clapton after about two weeks!! Well, I know that's not going to happen sooo...I am on lesson five with you and have made great progress, just strumming chords and enjoying moving them around to produce the simple songs we've strummed so far. However, I can't read music, and in the past when chord theory has been explained to me, or I have tried to read about it, I become utterly lost and confused. I really want to do this....I am 50 years old and don't want to get discouraged again by my inability to understand chord theory....I don't consider myself an idiot...(though some may disagree!!)....I make my living flying Captain on a corporate jet....My question is this....does your experience show that things will eventually begin to make sense as I progress? I am doing fine with the physical aspect of learning, however the theory right now is like trying to drink water from a fire hose. Any advice would really be appreciated. I just don't want to get discouraged as I have in the past. I am really enjoying your lessons, and you make learning the playing part of it easy. Thanks a bunch, Brent" Another benefit of being a member of JamPlay is the video response section. Our expert staff fields questions from our members and provides video responses each week.

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tube amps - March 24th, 2008 (1 minutes, 26 seconds)

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Dmander asks, "Hey, I've had an idea on putting a tremolo bridge on my Epi Sg. I was wondering if you guys think thats a good idea or if it would be better to get a guitar that comes with it." View Response

Bends - October 31st, 2007 (2 minutes, 28 seconds)

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- July 17th, 2008 (4 minutes, 33 seconds)

Jaron asns, "Hello, I've been playing guitar for about 6 months now. For now, the only amp I have is a cheap 15 watt Peavey Audition amp. I notice that most amps have a gain knob on it. My amp doesn't have one all it has is a volume knob, a treble knob and a bass knob with a clean and distortion switch. Without the gain knob I have alot of trouble figuring out getting certain kinds of distortion sounds. I mainly play classic rock. Can you try to help me get a Guns N Roses or a Van Halen sound with my amp? I would appreciate the help." View Response

Right Hand Hammer-Ons, Tapping Question - June 9th, 2008 (6 minutes, 00 seconds)

bator82 asks, "Hey guys, thanks for the lessons. I was just wondering if any of the instructors knew how to do hammer ons with both hands. It seems like even when I know the notes, I have a hard time getting the sustain I want when I have to hammer on with my right hand. Does it have to do with the amp's gain, the guitar's natural sustain, pickup volume and tone, or do I need a compressor, or again, is it all in the technique. If so, are there exercises I can do to help out with right hand hammer ons and even slides? Thanks in advance." View Response