Thread: 10 Things All Guitarists Should Be Able to Do

I don't think a guitarists has to do anything. You can play guitar just because it's fun and you enjoy it.

I guess he does clarify that they are things people playing in live bands should be able to do though. I guess I can agree with that on some level.

I'd say there's some VERY solid advice in that list. Great post.

Yeah, I saw that list as well. It's full of lots of good info. And yes, it's geared primarily to people who are gigging. Although, I think it's also more geared towards original acts, though it applies to lots of types of players. I only say this because as much as I agree with the "Don't Saw the Lady in Half First" point, it's really hard to put off all the good stuff til the end of the 3rd set in a bar/pub cover band. I do try very hard to organize every set so that there's a peak at the end though. So I guess it still applies :P

I agree with Hollowbody about that article, it's definitely subjective. My 3 things a guitarist should do:

1. Play
2. Enjoy
3. Repeat

;)

Originally Posted by TWRC

I agree with Hollowbody about that article, it's definitely subjective. My 3 things a guitarist should do:

1. Play
2. Enjoy
3. Repeat

;)

Definitely!!! 100% agree to that. I've found that more than anything, crowds respond to how the band acts on stage more than to how they play. If the band looks enthusiastic and is having a good time, it's just infectious, the crowd can't help but get into it. But if the band is kinda wooden and looks like they're going through the paces, it doesn't matter how well they play, nobody will care. If you don't enjoy it, everyone will know and they won't enjoy it either.

Me? I always want to improve my vibrato. When I make a really good bend/vibrato (the only one I'm really any good at), man, that's were enjoyment peaks. (I'd really appreciate it, if anyone could point me to some good vibrato vids)

Originally Posted by Robert1950

Me? I always want to improve my vibrato. When I make a really good bend/vibrato (the only one I'm really any good at), man, that's were enjoyment peaks. (I'd really appreciate it, if anyone could point me to some good vibrato vids)

Watch BB King. He has some of the greatest vibrato ever. I've always wanted to improve my vibrato technique, but never really got around to it.

Originally Posted by Robert1950

Me? I always want to improve my vibrato. When I make a really good bend/vibrato (the only one I'm really any good at), man, that's were enjoyment peaks. (I'd really appreciate it, if anyone could point me to some good vibrato vids)

HAHAHA! Hollowbody, you stole my post! I was going to mention BB King. Just watch how he wiggles his hands after each long note. He is definitely the best at it.

Another person to watch for vibrato technique is Eric Johnson (I think he stole his technique from Cream-Era Clapton). WOW!

However, Dave Gilmour has always been my guy when it comes to vibrato. Very subtle but his bending and vibrato technique just can't be beat.