By Jerome Tan
Ok, I guess you are here to find out some secrets to help you learn to play the lead guitar and I hope these secrets will go a long way to assist you in your development as a lead guitarist.
First, I’m going to shed some light on playing lead guitar. A lead guitarist always shows off his style in his solos, riffs and licks. Be it a wicked-sick solo, a heart-melting lick or a toned down riff, it all affects the music which the band plays. A good lead can sometimes change the mood of the crowd instantly.
Enough said, now let’s dive into some of the world’s most kept secrets in playing lead guitar!
Secret 1: Learn pentatonic scales!
Yes! Pentatonic scales are essential in getting your fingers in shape of quickly switching from string to string, without mistakes. It is the MOST important scale to master as it is the most commonly improvised scale to create solos in most styles of music.
Secret 2: Don’t rush into playing the guitar
What I mean is that playing lead guitar is a slow and progressive process. If you start by learning fast solos, you will never get far as you would be demoralized and frustrated. Take it slow, start with soloing slowing and pay attention to your picking and finger movements. FOCUS is the key.
Secret 3: Get a METRONOME!
A METRONOME! I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough. The metronome will help prevent you from going too fast or slow when you are playing your scales. BUT, its most important role is to get you up to speed. How to do that?
1. Set a speed which you are comfortable playing your scales
2. After playing a few times without making any mistakes, up the tempo by a little and continue playing.
3. Keep doing this and you will be able to play scales at a lightning pace.
Secret 4: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
Enough said, practice makes perfect.