Guitar Help for Common Issues (Page 7.6)

View our archives of member questions. Before our introduction of Live Courses, we would field questions from our members are record video responses from our pool of teachers. This is the result! Please be aware, some of the video quality in these questions is quite poor, but the knowledge is still valuable.

Bad Technique?

Seanman asked "I Like to mute the 6th string with my thumb on open chords like A and C because I often will hit the E string by mistake while strumming. Is this a bad habbit that I should move away from."

Are Scales Necessary?

Jodyd asks "Is it really necessary to learn scales as part of learning the guitar? Once I memorized some scales, how would apply these to my playing?"

Tremolo Picking

dllfiles asks "Just was curious on whats the easiest way to do tremolo picking. Im learning Knights of Cydonia right now, and some of the song is temolo picked. I have a hard time doing that or will I just get better by practicing more? I have a Fender thin pick so that seems to help. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!"

advanced rhythms and timing

Chall1001 asks "I asked this question in the forums but i started thinking that maybe it would be a good question for the videos because timinig is something you need to hear to understand. So i was wondering how to count advanced rhythms such as 32nd's , different groupings besides triplets,and when there are all sorts of different 16ths and 8th notes mixed together. After watching a video Matt Brown did i decided that i need to learn how to count the advanced rhythmic lead parts of a song i make up. If nothing else, just to be able to put it on paper so that i can play it again later."

Tuning guitar

ghanshyam asks "Hello, I am a complete beginner at this so go easy on me. I have an electric guitar, and electronic tunning tool (where you plug the 120mm jack from the guitar into the tuner). When I am tunning what frequency should I use? Do I use the default 440 frequency for all strings? Thank You"

Strumming

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"

Where to go and Genre Picking

Phi716 asks, "I have two questions. Once i have gone over the classes the instructors have, and really picked up on how to play the guitar, other then the obvious anwser of, keep practicing, where do you go from there? Do you just start learning songs, try different things, I don't know. I have learned a lot and I feel right now my guitar learning is at a slow down. I'm just wondering what to really do to get better. Or is the anwser, just keep practicing? My other question, when picking genre's. I am learning a lot from them, but would it be better to learn the finger picking and the speed and accuracy stuff first, then move to genres? Would it make it an easier transition being pretty good at those then learning the actual genres? Sorry for the two questions, love this website, it has helped me a lot. Thanks for all the help."

String Buzz

Rhoadsfreak10 asks, "I am having a problem with string buzz, especially when I'm picking something aggressively. It isn't due to fretting notes and chords in the wrong place because I don't have that problem when not being aggressive. I have raised the action on the guitar, to the point where they are almost more suited to playing slide but that hasn't helped. Any advice?"

Circle of 5ths

Sampaul asks, "Hey Folks! I was wondering if one of you guys could explain in a little more detail the circle of 5ths as it associated with the Major and Minor scales. I've watched Matt's 1st Scale video and I can't quite grasp what the heck he's talking about when referencing the diagram. I have looked at the diagram and for some reason I feel like I'm trying to read Japanese. LOL I must be an idiot! :-) Thanks!"

Strumming

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"

C Major

Redhawk asks, "HELP! I AM STUCK WITH THE C MAJOR. I CANT SEEM TO MAKE IT RING TRUE NO MATTER HOW I GRIP THE NECK OR FINGER THE STRINGS. I HAVE SMALLISH HANDS TO BOOT. ANY SUGGESTIONS?"

Where to go and Genre Picking

Phi716 asks, "I have two questions. Once i have gone over the classes the instructors have, and really picked up on how to play the guitar, other then the obvious anwser of, keep practicing, where do you go from there? Do you just start learning songs, try different things, I don't know. I have learned a lot and I feel right now my guitar learning is at a slow down. I'm just wondering what to really do to get better. Or is the anwser, just keep practicing? My other question, when picking genre's. I am learning a lot from them, but would it be better to learn the finger picking and the speed and accuracy stuff first, then move to genres? Would it make it an easier transition being pretty good at those then learning the actual genres? Sorry for the two questions, love this website, it has helped me a lot. Thanks for all the help."

Plectrum or Fingers

Calumito asks, "Do I have to use a plectrum for electric as I am much more comfortable using my fingers which I've been doing for the last year? Will it be a limitation or does it make no difference? Thnks"

Plectrum or Fingers

Calumito asks, "Do I have to use a plectrum for electric as I am much more comfortable using my fingers which I've been doing for the last year? Will it be a limitation or does it make no difference? Thnks"

Music Theory

Aaron00lee asks, "I'm having trouble grasping a bit of this music theory thing, in Steve's lessons i think there is a lot of music theory and i just cant quite pull all the strings into a big web so i was wondering if you guys could just give me a quick little tidbit of the most important essential stuff, like that 1 3 5 thing...did not really grasp that. Thanks for your time!"

String Buzz

Rhoadsfreak10 asks, "I am having a problem with string buzz, especially when I'm picking something aggressively. It isn't due to fretting notes and chords in the wrong place because I don't have that problem when not being aggressive. I have raised the action on the guitar, to the point where they are almost more suited to playing slide but that hasn't helped. Any advice?"

Barre Chords

Louis Aves asks: "Hi Steve- What is the correct position of the thumb when making a barre chord ? I have tried putting my thumb in line with my first finger and also running my thumb along the neck pointing toward the nut but both cause a lot of pain around the base of my thumb when I move position.The only way I can kind of do it is by bending my thumb in almost a right angle shape and using the tip, not the pad,to press on the back of the neck but this makes for quite a lot of movement and time to get from open to barre chords and vice versa. Any suggestions? (Apart from sell my guitar ! ) Love the lessons Steve."

PRS guitars

Mathias76 asks "I have noticed that Brad and Matt play PRS. It's a very open question, but why did you choose them? I am in the market to buy a top quality guitar, and I keep flip-flopping between a PRS Custom 22/24 and a Les Paul Standard. I know the textbook answer is to "play both of them and see which one you like more," but I was wondering why YOU chose them. Thanks- Nathan"

Barre Chord Shapes

Kylehumer asks: "how do I know which notes I can play that sound good in lead over any given chords I choose?"

Logging On

JReeley Asks: "Can I log onto the site from other computers? The reason I'm asking is because I would like to access the lessons from my office as well."

Proper Posture

Wasp asks: "i asked this also in the forum. just starting out (never even touched a guitar before). i bought an electric (jackson dk2m). was wondering how i should be learning as far as sitting posture. chair? stool? also i should be using a strap always? how to adjust strap placement for learning? should guitar rest on my knee or hang just above it? i know these are stupid questions but want to get started the right and most comfortable way. ps: i read somewhere to adjust strap to where its in the same position sitting or standing? my prob is the only way i can do that is if it is way up there it seems like. (thats what i mean by sitting position, get a tall stool where my legs are kinda hangin down or a chair where legs are parallel to ground? lol srry for the long post but i really nit pick things alot and just want to get stated right. ty and i think this site is awesome and look forward to learning."

New Guitar

Mniswonger asks: "I was playing with an Epiphone dr100 and I hated it!!! It was just too big for me, and I remember in one of the instructionals the instructor said to be comfortable with your guitar. So tonight I went out and bought a new guitar...it was not the one I wanted (could not afford the one I wanted...Martin 000XE). I ended up buying a Martin LXM travel guitar. It's very small, but for some reason it feels much better when I play. My question is, will this hurt me in the long run playing a smaller size guitar? Lets say I save enough to buy a Martin X series in a regular size, will I have problems converting from the small LXM to the larger scale X series. Thank you for your help. Mark Niswonger"

b major

Gr1dave asks: "just started to learn and found your site to be very good, i am currently on phase one with david anthony doing the basic chords but the b major chord he shows is different to the diagram in the lesson set also on chordbook, the chord is completly different??????"

Botleneck

Vegarbakken asks: "Hi! I've just bought myself a botleneck (metal). Do you have any lessons or tips for me? I've bought it because I love to play rough blues, old style, on my acoustic guitar - so if you can post my some cool blues licks I would be glad. Take care - Vegar "

A Shaped Barre Chords

Mav67 asks: "I am facing a major obstacle whilst trying to get down these God forsaken A shaped barre chords. My ring finger will not bend at the top knuckle making it impossible to utilise conventional fingering that most other players use. The only way I can get it is to fret an A chord using fingers 2 3 and 4, then using the index finger for the barre. This is uncomfortable and difficult to move in and out of during chord movements. Can any of you please look into your vast vessels of knowledge and shed some guiding light to help me out? Thank you."

String Bends

Lobserve asks: "I'm having trouble with string bends. If I'm in 5th position and I want to play the 8th fret I use my fourth finger but if I want to bend at the 8th fret I think I should use my third finger. This gets confusing in a solo when I seem to need to switch between third and fourth finger for the 8th fret depending on what I want to do there. Is there a good strategy for this situation? Thanks in advance."

New Guitar

Mniswonger asks: "I was playing with an Epiphone dr100 and I hated it!!! It was just too big for me, and I remember in one of the instructionals the instructor said to be comfortable with your guitar. So tonight I went out and bought a new guitar...it was not the one I wanted (could not afford the one I wanted...Martin 000XE). I ended up buying a Martin LXM travel guitar. It's very small, but for some reason it feels much better when I play. My question is, will this hurt me in the long run playing a smaller size guitar? Lets say I save enough to buy a Martin X series in a regular size, will I have problems converting from the small LXM to the larger scale X series. Thank you for your help. Mark Niswonger"

Tuning Issues

Bridgmanbomb asks: "Hi I am new to the guitar and I just got an Ibanez guitar with a tremolo. Recently ive been having trouble tuning it and I think its because of the tremolo. Its easy to tune one string but whenever I tune another string it messes up the tuning of the other strings. I also notice my tremolo keeps rising whenever i try tuning. Do you have any tips thanks- David"

Simple Tunes

Shorty9 asks: "Guys, Is there anything you can suggest, or put up the tabs to, as a simple little tune/riff/diddy whatever you want to call it. Sort of a, " Mary Had a Little Lamb" for guitar if you will. I practice the drills (phase one with Dave) but sure would like to have a little something to play to break up the routine of doing scales and chord progressions by actually playing a song. I'm 51 and just started this is a great way to learn and relax after work. Thanks Bucky Long"

Loop Station

Kc8tgq asks: "I just recently purchased a Jamman Loop station along with a Mixer, Drum Machine, ect... I was wandering If any of the instructors would be willing to teach a few songs incorporating a Loop station?"

5 in Chords

Garfield asks: "What does the 5 stand for in chords such as G5 & F#5. The same goes for the #7 on some chords. Thank you"

Power Chords

Shelby67 asks: "Are power shords always played with a downstroke?"

Barre Chords

Louis Aves asks: "Hi Steve- What is the correct position of the thumb when making a barre chord ? I have tried putting my thumb in line with my first finger and also running my thumb along the neck pointing toward the nut but both cause a lot of pain around the base of my thumb when I move position.The only way I can kind of do it is by bending my thumb in almost a right angle shape and using the tip, not the pad,to press on the back of the neck but this makes for quite a lot of movement and time to get from open to barre chords and vice versa. Any suggestions? (Apart from sell my guitar ! ) Love the lessons Steve."

Star Spangled Banner

Henry Krinkle asks: "Could you please tell me if version of the banner being taught is the entire piece because i an convinced that there is a section missing? but apart from that your site is exellent and keep up the great work."

A Shaped Barre Chords

Mav67 asks: "I am facing a major obstacle whilst trying to get down these God forsaken A shaped barre chords. My ring finger will not bend at the top knuckle making it impossible to utilise conventional fingering that most other players use. The only way I can get it is to fret an A chord using fingers 2 3 and 4, then using the index finger for the barre. This is uncomfortable and difficult to move in and out of during chord movements. Can any of you please look into your vast vessels of knowledge and shed some guiding light to help me out? Thank you."

Progress When to Move On

Kirwin asks: "Well, This is all nice but, Mr S. Eulberg says you have to practise how much, what is my reference point? When shall I know that I made significant progress so that I can continue with next lesson. Thank you"

A Shaped Barre Chords

Mav67 asks: "I am facing a major obstacle whilst trying to get down these God forsaken A shaped barre chords. My ring finger will not bend at the top knuckle making it impossible to utilise conventional fingering that most other players use. The only way I can get it is to fret an A chord using fingers 2 3 and 4, then using the index finger for the barre. This is uncomfortable and difficult to move in and out of during chord movements. Can any of you please look into your vast vessels of knowledge and shed some guiding light to help me out? Thank you."

Singing

Maddee asks: "I have been playing for about 5 years now and in all that time I have never been able to sing while playing. I seem to be concentrating on the rhythm, the strumming or what chord comes next. As soon as I open my mouth to sing I lose the rhythm. Do you have any simple exercises for a simple guy that can help in this area? Thanks in advance! Keep the great lessons coming! Maddee"

position of left pinky

MillaTK asks: "Hi, first of all, thank you for the great lessons. I'm practicing scales, and I have a problem with my left pinky: I have large hands (if I stretch my left hand, from thumb to pinky, tip to tip, I span a little more than 24cm, that is 9inches and a half), so I can stretch it quite easily to the right fret, even with the other fingers still on the frets. The problem is that the pinky will not stay parallel to the others, so if I fret let's say the 1st string on frets 1-4, the knuckles my first three fingers will be perpendicular to the fretboard or will be slightly bent towards the head, while the knuckle of the pinky will point the other way... there will be a large "V" between fingers 3 and 4. If I use my right hand I can position the pinky correctly, but if I lift it and fret the string again, I'll have the same problem. This makes it difficult to hammer on correctly, as the pinky will not go down from the tip but slightly from the side (though the finger is curled correctly). Is there any particular excercise I can do to correct this? [sorry for the length of the question, but I wanted to be as clear as possible!]"

D Minor 7 Help

Alpha asks: "being practising Steve Eulberg's lesson 5 but i'm having an hard time making the D Minor 7 Chord, can't get the high E string to sound good, any tips? thank you"

Left Hand Problem

Rafldr asks: "Hello to everybody, The first thing I want to say is that I love the course. I consider it perfect for beginners like me Now, I'm having problems when I have to fret a string I touch the one next to it. Also, when I fret the lower strings I touch the higher ones. What should I do about it? Thanks Raf"

Tuning with Harmonics

Ginrose asks: "I'm not a rank beginner, but since it's been so many years since I've played the guitar, I started back from the beginning with beginner lesson 1. Steve demonstrated how to tune with the fifth fret method and an electric tuner. Fine and good. I already knew those methods. However, my teacher years ago taught me to tune using harmonics - The harmonic tone on the 6th string 5th fret is the same as the open 1st string. Long ago that was my preferred method but now I can't remember how to tune the rest of the strings. Can Steve or any of the other teachers help here?"

Harmonic Minor Scale

Zofoblues asks "Hi.This is for brad.I am loving the scales and modes lessons and I would like to know where the harmonc minor scale comes from or is that not really a scale?a friend told me about it and says Randy rhouds played in it a lot.brad your lesson set is awesome and you should be proud of yourself!! Thanks steve"

Bends

Jzcode asks "Brad, Could you give me a better idea of the best finger position to have when doing a bend. When I have practiced doing these, my fingers tips are at a bit of an angle as I push the string up and sometimes the strings seems to ride up under finger nails. That usually results in a un pleasant sound. Should your fingers be straight down on the string? Thanks, JZcode"

Left Hand Problem

Rafldr asks "Hello to everybody, The first thing I want to say is that I love the course. I consider it perfect for beginners like me Now, I'm having problems when I have to fret a string I touch the one next to it. Also, when I fret the lower strings I touch the higher ones. What should I do about it? Thanks Raf"

Vibrato

Robearle asks ": I'm not doing too badly with vibrato with the 2nd & 3rd finger because I can use the 1st as some sort of anchor point or brace. But I'm having real problems with the 1st finger. I've watched brad playing, and he does it perfectly, he makes it look real easy, but I just don't seem to able to get the hang of it. Any suggestions that might help? Cheers, Rob. "

Jane Says Song Help

Sphar1 says, "When I play the song and bar the A chord it sound funny to me. Maybe because I am also covering the E string. Should I be strumming that last string?"

Alternate Picking Strokes

Thomas1603 says, "Hey guys, I've been having a hard time with my alternate picking techniques, I know it's not completely NECESSARY but I would like to be able to improve it since I would like to play a little faster, It's just that I can't seem to coordinate my hand very well. Anything you guys can help me with?"

Online Backing Tracks

Plugy says ,"hi i am working my way through the lessons and on lesson 6 i think brad plays a blues solo in the blues scale over a very simple backing track. can i download a sample of the backing track to practice a blues solo myself as shown on the video"

Missing Tabs

Neve4b4me says, "Matt, There are several songs that you teach that I am anxious to learn but unfortunately there is no tab to go along with your video. For example your lesson on purple haze has no supplemental content to view or print. Is there anyway you can add tablature to follow along with your videos? Thanks Michael"

Viewing Page 7.6

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