So I've come to the conclusion that in order to build my speed I'm going to work at a solo over an extended period of time...i'm not really fast...yet...I hope to be one day. I think the key to speed is just practicing and building up technique and coordination, so here's my plan...The solo I'm working on is Whispers in the Dark by Skillet, check it out if you get the time please . But here's my plan, starting out with the solo playing at 50 bpm...which is all I can do right now, work on it everyday and gradually increase the speed...4bpm per week...I'm thinking, I don't get to practice as hard as i'd like everyday, that's why it's kinda slow...I don't know. If you have any comments, suggestions or anything please say something, you guys give great advice and have helped me quite a bit. 4bpm gets me done with the solo by May 1st, we're doing our first "show" ever. I'ts for a bunch of people we know so it's going to be kind of fun, and getting up to speed is going to be crucial. Please give your input, thank you so much guys and gals. Rock on!








_________________
Ben Kasica of Skillet Rocks!!!

Divided by Zero!
David Wagoner ~ Lead Guitar
Jacob Hutchison ~ Rhythm Guitar
Cody Severance ~ Bass Guitar
Aaron Bell ~ Drums
Looking for ~ Keyboard

Sounds like you've got the formula down.
start slow, gradually increase.
don't get frustrated, though, if it seems like you're taking longer than you'd like. it'll come to you. it's like a zen thing: open up and relax and it happens.


then you think about it, get excited and fk up.
that's me anyway








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/ignite454

k...it's just isn't it natural to get frustruated? what do I do when I get like that, leave for like 10 minutes grab a snack or drink and then go back and try again...I'm not certain?








_________________
Ben Kasica of Skillet Rocks!!!

Divided by Zero!
David Wagoner ~ Lead Guitar
Jacob Hutchison ~ Rhythm Guitar
Cody Severance ~ Bass Guitar
Aaron Bell ~ Drums
Looking for ~ Keyboard

cut the solo part into 4 and work on it in little groups even or more would help like the beginning to the bends from the bends until the pause and the rest








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/toddnelsonproject
http://www.myspace.com/straitjacket85
81 Gibson V
86 Carvin V220
84 Kramer Striker USA w/ EMG KH20
PODxt Live

Well, what I do is go smoke a cigarette in the sunshine.
Hippie alert:
Sounds silly, but I've noticed if I sit in the Sun for a few minutes and reflect on only good things (no guitar thoughts, unless they are positive), I feel better.
In fact, my wife was telling me that some book she read (like, A Billion Steps to a New You, or some such shit) said if you take a walk in the sunshine for a few minutes everyday, your mood will improve.
I tried it, and it works.
Except I don't walk. I sit in the porch swing, that's not on the porch, so technically it's just a swing. In fact, I don't have a porch. Just a step. Sorry. Sometimes I like to get silly.
It works, though.
I'll take my acoustic and sit in the swing and play. Very relaxing, you know. Just the dogs and the birds and me in my porch swing that isn't on a porch.








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/ignite454

i guess my big question here is...is this enough time to do this? Is it too much time? Could I do this? If I could get this solo by May I'd be the most stoked person ever, it'd be like my guitar dreams coming true right before my fingers...like should the pace be more/less/or is it good? I do break it down into sections...
1.) begginning (start to right before the slides up the neck)
2.) 1st middle (slides up the neck to right before big hammer and pull part)
3.) 2nd middle (hammer/pull)
4.) last (sustained note then quick part)








_________________
Ben Kasica of Skillet Rocks!!!

Divided by Zero!
David Wagoner ~ Lead Guitar
Jacob Hutchison ~ Rhythm Guitar
Cody Severance ~ Bass Guitar
Aaron Bell ~ Drums
Looking for ~ Keyboard

It sounds like a good plan.
Breaking it down is an excellent idea, Todd.
Just take it at what ever pace you can handle. With patience and diligence, I would think you could accomplish it.
Let us know how you're coming along.

Why are you still reading this?
You've got a solo to shred.








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/ignite454

BrotherLawson wrote:

Well, what I do is go smoke a cigarette in the sunshine.
Hippie alert:
Sounds silly, but I've noticed if I sit in the Sun for a few minutes and reflect on only good things (no guitar thoughts, unless they are positive), I feel better.
In fact, my wife was telling me that some book she read (like, A Billion Steps to a New You, or some such shit) said if you take a walk in the sunshine for a few minutes everyday, your mood will improve.
I tried it, and it works.
Except I don't walk. I sit in the porch swing, that's not on the porch, so technically it's just a swing. In fact, I don't have a porch. Just a step. Sorry. Sometimes I like to get silly.
It works, though.
I'll take my acoustic and sit in the swing and play. Very relaxing, you know. Just the dogs and the birds and me in my porch swing that isn't on a porch.

I wanna hang out at your place! A little porch jam session.








_________________
You left us far behind,
So we all discard our souls.
And blaze through your skies,
So afraid to die.

I drink Pepsi and smoke Camel Wides.
Just show up and we'll do some porch blues.
Except I don't have a porch. Just a step.
But I do have a swing... 2 seater!








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/ignite454

well i'm getting ready to go to bed...grrr... 2:00 here, work tomorrow till 8:00 pm then work on english paper till 10:00 then practice for 2 hours, not a great plan, but I'm getting rid of my weekend hours so I can practice more guitar haha, but that is kinda why. But yeah the solo is pretty much all I'll be working on, that and chords, but that's normal, and I def. will keep you guys updated thanks.








_________________
Ben Kasica of Skillet Rocks!!!

Divided by Zero!
David Wagoner ~ Lead Guitar
Jacob Hutchison ~ Rhythm Guitar
Cody Severance ~ Bass Guitar
Aaron Bell ~ Drums
Looking for ~ Keyboard

Good luck, bud








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/ignite454

you have 2 months plenty of time to get it down. when breaking it down seems to make it like you are getting somewhere as if you try the whole thing it won't look like you are stuck. I read about doing it in one of the guitar magazines...lol








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/toddnelsonproject
http://www.myspace.com/straitjacket85
81 Gibson V
86 Carvin V220
84 Kramer Striker USA w/ EMG KH20
PODxt Live

straitjacket85 wrote:

you have 2 months plenty of time to get it down. when breaking it down seems to make it like you are getting somewhere as if you try the whole thing it won't look like you are stuck. I read about doing it in one of the guitar magazines...lol

Where would we be without Andy Aledort?








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/ignite454

lol did he say do to do that also








_________________
http://www.myspace.com/toddnelsonproject
http://www.myspace.com/straitjacket85
81 Gibson V
86 Carvin V220
84 Kramer Striker USA w/ EMG KH20
PODxt Live

If ur trying to build up speed, seek out Sal Salvador's Single String Studies For Guitar. Cop that book and you'll be building chops in no time. Very efficient and sounds like exactly what you need. The whole transcribing faster solos thing is cool too, but this is something beyond learning someone else's licks and it'll teach u a bit about harmony as well. Or probably the best advice would be, once u find that book..find a nasty, fast, ambidextrious drummer to play with, one who is just always implying double time even when inappropriate. At that point u HAVE TO play fast, just to keep up, but it seems to happen organicly, that was my experience anyway. After playing with a super fast drummer for a few months you'll be smoking by default, it just seems to happen that way. Hope this helps. Peace