A GUITARIST IN NEED!!!

[shredmaster]

Hi Jamie,
I guess I better give you some background information first, so you can understand my problem.

My name's Lincoln, and I've been playing guitar for about 6 years, primarily metal (as a side note, I plan on playing solely with a pick, not fingerstyle). In that time, I've had two guitar teachers, neither of whom were very helpful, as they didn't know how to teach very well. For the first few years of playing, all I really did was try to learn songs, which led to a lot of bad technique.

My second teacher helped a little bit, by introducing me to better practice methods, primarily using a metronome, to increase speed. For a while, I spent time solely trying to become faster. This helped somewhat, but after a while, I noticed I kind of hit a roadblock, and was stuck at the same level. No matter what I did, I was not getting better or faster.

After becoming really frustrated, I went back to learning songs. The songs were pretty advanced (Necrophagist, for example), and though I was able to learn them, my technique was bad, I couldn't learn them up to speed, and my playing was awkward. This has been going on for the past year or so, until just recently, when I decided to go back to the basics, and master the basic techniques of picking. Well, as I looked around the internet for advice, I came across your book "The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar," which seemed like the answer to my problems.

My only worry is that I might use it incorrectly. I'm about halfway through, and was just curious as to how to use the techniques in the book. Should I practice speed building exercises while reading the book, and if so, are there certain kinds I should stick to? Or would it be better for me to have a thorough understanding of the Principles before moving to technique and speed building exercises?

I want to play guitar sooo badly, but honestly can't, because my technique and bad habits are hindering me so much. My greatest desire is to start composing my own songs, but until I get my playing in order, I won't be able to do so. Right now I'm lost as to where to go next, and because many consider you one guitar's greatest teachers, I felt if anyone could help me, you would be able to.

I really do apologize for the length of this, as I'm sure you're busy, but I thought an extensive explanation would be necessary for you to see the problem I have. Truly, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Lincoln

[Jamie]

Lincoln, it seems to me the biggest problem you have right now is that you have not yet realized that you have the opportunity to get your practice efforts reviewed by me, for free, in our workshop forum.

And, you have not done so........that is the only problem I see. Other than that, everything you have said is the all too common experience of most aspiring guitar players.

[shredmaster]

Dear jamie,
First off, thank you for the speedy reply, it's much appreciated. I wasn't aware there is a workshop forum where my playing can be reviewed. I'll be sure to check it out, and once again, thank you for the feedback.
Sincerely, lincoln

[Jamie]

No problem Lincoln. Just let me see some playing in the workshop forum, and we will get you started on the path of improvement immediately!