Charas-Project

Off-Topic => All of all! => Topic started by: Dragonium on August 11, 2007, 09:27:18 PM

Title: The Guitarist Thread.
Post by: Dragonium on August 11, 2007, 09:27:18 PM: Yes, there was one of these a while back, but it died. Anyway, I'm noticing that Charas has quite a number of guitarists, and I figured we could use a discussion thread kind of thing.

So, to all you guitarists out there, how's things? How long have you been playing? What gear do you use? What are you playing lately? What are you learning? And other great guitar-related questions!

I'm playing some Amon Amarth at the moment. I've been playing for like a year and a half and Amon Amarth is just about on my difficulty level. xD

I suppose this thread could be used for other instruments too.

Well, discuss away.
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Post by: SonicChaos7 on August 11, 2007, 10:58:54 PM: I'm a complete and total newb, so I'm not exactly sure if I belong in this topic, but yeah. All I have is an acoustic which my dad gave me, but I changed out the strings recently. The style of music I'm aiming for is the heavier forms of rock, mostly metal. As for what I'm playing... I suppose chords.
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Post by: Shady Ultima on August 12, 2007, 12:38:19 AM: I've been playing guitar for 2 1/2 years, and I don't claim to be very good. I was a pretty good bassist, but I got sick of not having a band, so I learned guitar, and I love it (I loved bass too though) I'm putting together a band to play my tunes, which I have tons of, we're just looking for a lead guitarist, since my guitar playing is very simple, mostly all power chords...

I have a Tokai electric guitar, which is a rare, 1970's model. I also have an Alcivar acoustic, but it's starting to sound like crap. I either need new strings... or I need a new acoustic. Since one of the pins that holds the strings in broke off a while back, I think I'm just going to buy a whole new acoustic, when I can afford it.
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Post by: Almeidaboo on August 12, 2007, 07:17:31 PM: I've been playing for 6 months now and I'm already better than Mr. Mister and MT11 together...not.

Anyway, I've gotten to that point where you do get better, but really slowly...I know things go like that, and for someone who works all day I actually am playing quite...ok.

I came across a major problem though: i was doing the (i dunno the terms, so try to understand) "G" natural minor scale...and i was placing all the flats (bemol...I got "flat" from a translation site) and a got a sharp in the middle of the freaking scale (on the F note, to be precise. From the 7th to the 8th grade of the scale). This' weird cause in the score I can't place both flat and sharp notes, I gotta put either one or the other...

So yeah, I'm still trying to figure it out, and my teacher doesn't know how to note it on the score too...

...

I bet that wasn't even readable, but it was the best I could do xD
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Post by: Desimodontidae on August 12, 2007, 07:30:14 PM: I've been playing for a little over 2 1/2 years. most people say I'm good but I don't think so. In fact I know the opposite is true. I don't really practice. I fuck around, mostly. If I hear a liff or a rick (heh) that I like, I'll learn it, by ear if I have to (which I hate doing, but I do have to do sometimes) then I'll just fuck around with it over and over. And actually learning riffs takes me no more than 20 minutes, and it only takes that long usually if it's a really, really hard riff.

I've been trying to expand, and learn all kinds of different shit. Not so much for music, but just for playing styles. I've been trying to structure my shredding. I've been working on my arpeggios and economy picking, the former I practice Jason Becker riffs, the latter, Paul Gilbert.
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Post by: Ben on August 12, 2007, 07:45:34 PM: Ive been playing since i was thirteen...which makes it thirteen years.
I Am currently playing my Epiphone/GibsonSG through some fancy VOX amp that i bought...i also have a no-name multieffect pedal that makes everything sound like its a shitty computer generated effect.

I like to play mostly country and blues...I love to play metal, but speed is not my forte...

Ive never played guitar in a band...but have however played bass in three bands as a teenager...I have a hard time finding people that like to play the stuff im into. I like to sing while I play, but im pretty much restricted to keeping rythim if im using any sort of vocals.

I havent recorded anything since i was 18...and id like to find out the stuff i need to record stuff with my computer.
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Post by: Shady Ultima on August 13, 2007, 02:56:32 AM: I wish I could jam with some of you guys lol. Especially Des (no offence to the rest of you, he just seems to be into his guitar more than everyone else on here, except me lol)
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Post by: ZeroKirbyX on August 13, 2007, 03:25:25 AM: I've been "playing" for about a year and a half. That means for a week of two I'll be into it, then I won't touch it for a few months. This is one of the weeks I'm going back into it. When I do play, I generally play classic stuff like Zeppelin or the Animals. Been thinkin about trying to learn to play blues.
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Post by: Ben on August 13, 2007, 04:07:26 AM: zeeks...move to canada, be my tattoo apprentice, and start a band with me. we'll get crazy tail and get stupid rich. this plan is flawless. well write songs about rpg making so thickly veiled in metaphore that people will think were singing about getting high.
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Post by: ZeroKirbyX on August 13, 2007, 04:16:38 AM: Flawless! I love that plan. Plus I'm on the edge of getting kicked out so it all comes together!
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Post by: Ben on August 13, 2007, 04:33:20 AM: kicked out.......

......like a fox.
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Post by: drenrin2120 on August 13, 2007, 04:35:46 AM: I've been playing guitar for about a year and 8 months. I've got a Simple Peavey for an electric and a Washburn for an acoustic, both around the same price range. I practice less than I'd like. My amp is busted and so is my electric, I'm not exactly in the greatest financial position to replace or fix either. So I'm getting a better job. =P

I guess I play power chords decent, I like to make variations of chords and mess around with them. I play generally punk, ska, or (I guess) metal. But I like to play more acoustic things to. I've been experimenting with using my fingers instead of a pick, the sound is so nice on the ears and generally soothing, unless you hit the wrong note =/ I stopped taking lessons, which may or may not have been a good idea and I'm looking into different scales.
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Post by: ZeroKirbyX on August 13, 2007, 05:07:56 AM: Quote
Originally posted by gemini
kicked out.......

......like a fox.

That rocks in a box whilst wearing socks.

Drenrin, its good you started finger picking. I started early on and it gives acoustic such a great sound when you play it.
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Post by: Dragonium on August 13, 2007, 11:48:51 AM: Mine's a Schecter Demon FR. It's pretty awesome. Trouble is, I could do with a new amp. At the moment I have a Line 6 Spider II 15w practice amp, and it sounds bloody awful.

Been playing for a year and 9-10 months, or thereabouts. I should be better than I am. I've never had a guitar lesson and I haven't practiced seriously for a few weeks now. =/
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Post by: Tomi on August 13, 2007, 06:26:38 PM: I have a crappy acoustic guitar that I only play when I feel like learning a new song. I only actually know like 8 chords, but just look them up if I need them to play the songs I learn. Right now I'm learning Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls because it's a sweet song, its pretty easy if you special tune it, and its my girlfriend's favorite song, so I'm pretty sure I'll get some brownie points for being able to play it. ;)
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Post by: Linkizcool on August 14, 2007, 12:04:25 AM: Quote
Originally posted by Shady Ultima
I have a Tokai electric guitar, which is a rare, 1970's model. I also have an Alcivar acoustic, but it's starting to sound like crap. I either need new strings... or I need a new acoustic. Since one of the pins that holds the strings in broke off a while back, I think I'm just going to buy a whole new acoustic, when I can afford it.

You can order a whole new set of pins from www.lmii.org (http://www.lmii.org) or www.stewmac.com (http://www.stewmac.com), and then just get them slotted in a guitar repair shop. It'll make your guitar sounds like it's new.

I have a cheapo Firstact electric guitar, which you can see in the Photo thread, and I'm making my own guitar which i'll post a topic about one i feel like it :P. I tend to play kinda funky metal rock stuff, kinda like Stadium Arcadium-style Chili Peppers.

As for my acoustic, I have an introductory Guitaras Almansas Classical guitar, that plays better than 1000-dollar guitars, plus it's an import from Spain which makes it uber cool :) . On this guitar I play pure Nouveau Flamenco kinda stuff, and some Colombian Folk.

I also play clarinet pretty well, and I wanna start playing the Fujara, which is a huge flute kinda thing from Slovakia. Check it out here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujara)
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Post by: Almeidaboo on August 14, 2007, 01:28:01 AM: Ya, I got a Washburn Rockmaster that goes like: I'm the devil itself. It sounds really heavy, so I love it.

But I've been thinking about getting something different...so I wanted a opinion.

Since guitars here are pretty expensive here in Brazil, I'm between a Epiphone SG Special and a Fender Squier Telecaster...

What you guys think? The price difference is ignorable.
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Post by: Shady Ultima on August 14, 2007, 01:34:34 AM: Eh, the guitar cost me $100, and it doesn't sound all that great anyways. I'll just get a new one lol

And Almeida, get the fender... well, I dunno, I'm biased, I love Fender.
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Post by: Almeidaboo on August 14, 2007, 01:45:52 AM: I'm a fender freak too....but I gotta look at this rationally! They both cost near the same...The Epiphone has 2 hambuckers, which makes it more versatile. But the Squier...it's awesome sounding and it's awesome looking!
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Post by: Shady Ultima on August 14, 2007, 01:48:27 AM: If you want 2 pickups, go with a Strat. They're my #1 favourite guitars
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Post by: Ben on August 14, 2007, 02:52:19 AM: that epiphone sg is the exact same as mine.
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Post by: Shady Ultima on August 14, 2007, 04:19:57 AM: I hate SGs to be honest. I've played on them (and Les Pauls) multiple times, and I just do not like the feeling of the necks. My guitar has a strat neck, and I love it.
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Post by: MrMister on August 14, 2007, 04:35:56 AM: playing for about 12 years
currently playing nothing, miles from guitar. otherwise Steve Vai, Satch, devin townsend(ziltoid the omniscient album)...
I play Ibanez RG's exclusively
other guitars don't compare if you play a strat that you got in a starter pack you are gay and will quit guitar in a month
if you play 'smoke on the water' or 'seven nation army' a lot you are gay and will quit guitar in a month

white pickguard on black is the sign of the faggot

edit: ugh shady once again your prove you suck at music
burn yourself in hell
you know nothing
you are nothing
be nothing
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Post by: ZeroKirbyX on August 14, 2007, 05:15:08 AM: Oh so we're talking about guitars now? Johnson acoustic, $90. Not a bad guitar. Good enough for someone as bad as I am.
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Post by: Almeidaboo on August 14, 2007, 01:01:15 PM: Yo Gemini, can you post me a sample of the SG's sound or something? I could go to the store, but it's far away from where I am...The Fender sound I already know, so...

Plus, how does it feel? Is the arm too thick or something?

I like stratos too, they all versatile and stuff...but I already got one, I'm looking for a more heavier but cleaner sound.
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Post by: Shady Ultima on August 14, 2007, 05:05:16 PM: Quote
Originally posted by MrMister
edit: ugh shady once again your prove you suck at music
burn yourself in hell
you know nothing
you are nothing
be nothing

I don't hate the sounds of SGs, I just don't like the feel of their necks.
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Post by: Moosetroop11 on August 14, 2007, 07:37:51 PM: I can't go a day without playing on some sort of guitar. I've been playing over half my life.

I've got an acoustic, and a Wilson Emerald (no idea what that is even, I got it second hand) a vintage Metal axxe, and a double neck legend (standard 12 and 6 string), a crappy small starter bass and a banjo. I mainly use the metal master pedal, but I have a boss overdrive pedal. I've got a Fender bass amp (which I'm sharing with my band's bassist. Well, technically it isn't ours yet but we're finding money) and a 100W carlsbro which is my main guitar amp and comes with a channel switch pedal which comes in handy. My practice amp's a Dean which doesn't sound too bad if you've got headphones plugged in.

The strings I use are Roto Pinks. They're a nice light type.

I'm in a band but we do nothing because no-one in it except me is ambitious. I'll probably join a band in university.

I've never been a fan of SGs but that's only the look, I've never played one. I was thinking of caving in and buying a Les Paul like everyone else in the world... I'd buy the double cutaway version, but that doesn't look nearly as good.
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Post by: Dragonium on August 14, 2007, 08:10:55 PM: Quote
Originally posted by Almeidaboo
Yo Gemini, can you post me a sample of the SG's sound or something? I could go to the store, but it's far away from where I am...The Fender sound I already know, so...

Plus, how does it feel? Is the arm too thick or something?

I like stratos too, they all versatile and stuff...but I already got one, I'm looking for a more heavier but cleaner sound.

SGs tend to sound pretty okay-ish, I find. Nothing extraordinary, but nothing terrible either. But then your amp is three quarters of your overall sound, so the actual "guitar sound" doesn't come into it much.

I never liked Fender too much. They tend to be pretty overpriced and they don't get the sound I need. At least, the ones I've tried.

Schecter necks are pretty damned thick.
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Post by: Almeidaboo on August 14, 2007, 09:06:35 PM: I also intend to buy some Les Paul someday...but a Les Paul gotta be a GOOD Les Paul.

Hmmm...I'm still torn...well, I got time to think, since the guitars cost around R$ 1,200.00 and I got....R$ 0.
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Post by: Moosetroop11 on August 14, 2007, 09:13:50 PM: Quote
Originally posted by Dragonium
three quarters of your overall sound, so the actual "guitar sound" doesn't come into it much.

That quarter still makes a huge difference. I use all my guitars with the same amp settings generally and they do sound completely different... Although I agree that the feel and weight of the guitar is the first thing you should worry about.
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Post by: Dragonium on August 14, 2007, 09:25:32 PM: Isn't it generally the wood and the pickups that affect the sound the most? I have active pickups and basswood, so I get plenty of versatility.

Also, Jim, get the hell on MSN.
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Post by: Ben on August 14, 2007, 10:50:48 PM: Quote
Originally posted by Almeidaboo
Yo Gemini, can you post me a sample of the SG's sound or something? I could go to the store, but it's far away from where I am...The Fender sound I already know, so...

Plus, how does it feel? Is the arm too thick or something?

I like stratos too, they all versatile and stuff...but I already got one, I'm looking for a more heavier but cleaner sound.

I cant right now, as I dont have the proper stuffs. HOWEVER....tomorrow is payday... and this weekend has a trip to the music store in place...

Ill post a sample of my shizz when i get a usb adaptor thing
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Post by: Almeidaboo on August 15, 2007, 01:49:42 PM: So, how many of you actually study music, like musical theory, harmonic field and stuff? And who does play just for kicks?

I currently have classes every saturday, and I have to go through all the theory and stuff...I find it amazing and super interesting, though the action in cooler...
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Post by: Shady Ultima on August 15, 2007, 01:53:38 PM: I did in HS, but I haven't since then