Argh, been playing chords as a rythym guitarist for about 20 years. These fingers exercises are really putting me through the paces (esp that pinky finger).

Thanks for posting them Hoops.

I"m only a starting guitar player and can read the tabs, but have to learn a lot.

Hey Hoops, great idea for a thread. I remember the old one at the CMR
and it helped me immensely back a few years ago when I was first
learning to play. A lot of practicing and playing has occured since
then ... but I will be checking this thread often!

Another question, I have in mind some songs that I would like to translate into a metal version, instrumental, shred type stuff. How do you find the chords to use, is this sort of an ear thing, or do you actually have to write it out in sheet or tab form?

I found this today, does anyone know about this, do you think it is worth it?
http://www.guitartricks.com/guide.php

Also another question has come to mind since I originally posted this yesterday. Is it important to learn to finger pick, to play metal?

I have been writing out songs in tab for about 8 years now for my students. I just listen and write it out. I do make the occational mistake but I do get better the more I do it. It has really taught me to listen.

Out of curiosity, how long have you been playing Hoops?

I think it's 24 or 25 years. This guy SHREDS! I know because I've met him and man, he does shred. It's almost illegal to be good like that.

LOL! Thanks for the compliment Endy.
Endy is right. I have been playing for 25 years. If your curious to hear my work check out my web site.
http://www.unforsaken.ca/Jon/launchpage.html

I've checked out your work before. I especially like the Doorways to Other Worlds album samples. I'd love to get my hands on a copy of that.

I was just wondering.

I plan on my second solo release this summer. I am thinking of printing more of the first one at the same time.

"I plan on my second solo release this summer."

You know I'm buying one for sure!!!

Yes! Jon Shreds and I will be buying his next solo release also!

Here is another exercise for the boys and girls here. You play the whole thing on one string. You can pick which string you would like to play this on. Remember to start slow and work your way up to fast speed.

Frets 5-7-8 play with your 1st, 3rd and 4th fingers
Frets 4-5-7 play with your 1st, 2nd and 4th fingers
Frets 7-8-10 play with your 1st, 2nd and 4th fingers
Frets 8-10-12 play with your 1st, 2nd and 4th fingers
Frets 10-12-13 play with your 1st, 3rd and 4th fingers

-5-7-8-7-5-7-8-7-5-7-8-7-5-7-8
-4-5-7-5-4-5-7-5-4-5-7-5-4-5-7
-7-8-10-8-7-8-10-8-7-8-10-8-7-8-10
-5-7-8-7-5-7-8-7-5-7-8-7-5-7-8
-8-10-12-10-8-10-12-10-8-10-12-10-8-10-12
-7-8-10-8-7-8-10-8-7-8-10-8-7-8-10
-10-12-13-12-10-12-13-12-10-12-13-12-10-12-13-12-10-12-12

Ok gang, how is the practising going? Are these exercises helping any? Any feed back? Anyone like to add some of there own practise exercises?

Excellent Guitarhoops, expecially coupled with the link I posted a few threads above. Thanks.

Here is an exercise for those of you trying to get those arpeggio's smooth.

E--------------------------------------------------------------------
B-------4-1-------------5-2-------------6-3-------------7-4-------
G-----3-----2---------4-----3---------5-----4---------6-----5-----
D---2---------3-----3---------4-----4---------5-----5---------6---
A-1-------------4-2-------------5-3-------------6-4-------------7-
E---------------------------------------------------------------------etc...

The first eight notes match up the fingers. Use the fingers the same for the rest. Keep moving up the neck and then go back down.

OK, for you new shredders. Here is your first scale. It is an easy scale to start off with because it is only two notes per string. It is called the minor pentatonic. It is a five note scale. The red numbers are the root notes. The root note is the key you are playing in. The numbers are the number of the finger you should use to play that note. If you have any questions just ask.

E--l-1-l---l----l-4-l-
B--l-1-l---l----l-4-l-
G--l-1-l---l-3-l----l-
D--l-1-l---l-3-l----l-
A--l-1-l---l-3-l----l-
E--l-1-l---l----l-4-l-

How many of you are still beginner guitarists?

"The root note is the key you are playing in. "

I kind of figured it out but never really knew what it was...

Question... Is there another way to know what key my song or riff is in?