Video Question: Stage Fright

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Date: July 18th, 2008 | Length: 13.2 | Instructor: Brad Henecke

Abadcoverband asks, "Hey there, I'm new around here and loving the site. All the instructors are so talented and it really blows my mind that I was missing out on so much - I've had to pay high prices for tutors once a week and I've learned more in a few days here than in a month elsewhere. So thanks! :) So, on to the questions. The first one concerns scalloped frets - I'm considering purchasing the Steve Vai JEM 77VBK guitar, and I've noticed that the frets closest to the bridge are scalloped. Could you tell me a little bit about the pros and cons of scalloping, and the differences I would expect between a scalloped and unscalloped guitar? Second, I was wondering if you had any suggestions or tips to deal with improvising on the neck, and dealing with stage fright. I recently turned down an offer to join a friend's band as a lead guitarist because I'm really unsure if I could handle the spotlight and not just end up embarassing myself. Do you know of any ways to deal with performing in front of people or tips to work up to it? When I perform in front of friends I really feel the pressure and often times my mind goes blank and I mess up the verse. I've considered busking for some money downtown but again...I'm kind of a shy guy. If you had any tips for improvising a solo, say...a back-up measure to get me out of a bad situation - let's say I forget a verse, but I know in a roundabout way how it should sound - that would be great. Thanks for your time and have a great day! -Matt" 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.

Other Video Responses:

Guitar Choices - February 12th, 2008 (2 minutes, 11 seconds)

Ric2play asks, "I am looking for a good quality low cost acoustic. Any suggestions?" View Response

Strumming - December 11th, 2007 (3 minutes, 11 seconds)

Zcarter asks, "Is there any correct way to "strum" when using the guitar? I have been strumming a specific way for a long time and I think it works okay, however one of my friends said if I keep strumming this specific way, it will be more difficult to play songs in the long run. Does it really matter how I strum? Currently, I hold the pick in between my thumb and index finger, but I think it may be a different way than most people... Thanks! Zac" View Response

Scales and Improvisation - October 10th, 2007 (2 minutes, 43 seconds)

KevinT says, "HI, I checked out Brads scales lesson and have a question. I always warm up with minor pentatonic 1st position so I know it blindfolded, I am working on the others. My question is that when I just start messing around with improv it always ends up still sounding like scales. How do I get away from that? Thanks" View Response

- September 24th, 2008 (6 minutes, 20 seconds)

Nachob asks, "Hey guys! I wanted to ask you something about guitar strings... Last month i had to change them on my guitar because it where breaking, so i went to the shop and the guy made me choose between different prices and qualities. I finally chose ones not too cheap and not too expensive. My question is: Is there a lot of quality differences between strings or is it something mostly for the ear-experienced? Do you suggest buying always the best ones or is it okay to use some cheap stings for an apprentice like me? Thanks! Nacho.- (feel free to rephrase or modify my question, i know my english isn't perfect, hehe.)" View Response

Strumming - December 14th, 2007 (4 minutes, 40 seconds)

Zcarter wrote "Hey Steve, Is there any correct way to "strum" when using the guitar? I have been strumming a specific way for a long time and I think it works okay, however one of my friends said if I keep strumming this specific way, it will be more difficult to play songs in the long run. Does it really matter how I strum? Currently, I hold the pick in between my thumb and index finger, but I think it may be a different way than most people... Thanks! Zac" View Response