BF2S Forums A couple of questions about Guitar

For strings:
Well it all depends on how much you play. For me, I play ALOT so I change my strings every 2-4 weeks.

For Picks:
Well if you playing normal guitar you probably want to use a pick.

Speed: Practice your scales. You can also find videos on like youtube about good speed building techniques.

Tapping: I'm not a real big tapper, however you can press the fret with the pick you're using, or with your like middle finger, that's somethin good to fing on youtube.

You can also find a cheap/good Amp combo at any music store or online. You should check out like a Line 6 or Fender 15W combo or something.

Liberal-Sl@yer wrote:

1) Is there anything that can help me on my speed? (I can play the notes fine but I can get the speed right)
2) Is there anything that can help on my timing? (I dont really understand timing on either note sheets or tabs)
3) Is it alright if I pick with my fingers (thumb mostly)? (My friend told me I should be using an actual pick)
4) Where can I find a good amp cheap? (Looked everywhere cant find one and I need to replace my 5 watt ASAP)
5) After how much playing should I change my strings? (Once agian friend said 2 months but I wanna be sure)
6) Any advice on tapping?
7) Can anyone find a tab for Amon Amarth - North Sea Storm? (Looked everywhere and could not find it)

1. I just started two weeks ago, and I find that going fast screws me up. Do the song the best you can slowly, then go about medium speed, then work faster. You can't go fast without starting slow.

2. Timing I find difficult at times as well. On tabs, it's near impossible to know the timing, so you should stick to sheet music. Search around for different notes and how they are timed.

3. I use a pick, never tried with my thumb. I think a pick would be more accurate instead of a big sloppy thumb in the way hitting more strings than you want.

4. I have a 15 watt Crate amp for $120. Search Crate Flexwave 15.

5. I dunno about that. Once they break I guess

6. No idea.

7. I checked ultimate-guitar.com, but with no luck. Sorry.

Liberal-Sl@yer wrote:

1) Is there anything that can help me on my speed? (I can play the notes fine but I can get the speed right)
2) Is there anything that can help on my timing? (I dont really understand timing on either note sheets or tabs)
3) Is it alright if I pick with my fingers (thumb mostly)? (My friend told me I should be using an actual pick)
4) Where can I find a good amp cheap? (Looked everywhere cant find one and I need to replace my 5 watt ASAP)
5) After how much playing should I change my strings? (Once agian friend said 2 months but I wanna be sure)
6) Any advice on tapping?
7) Can anyone find a tab for Amon Amarth - North Sea Storm? (Looked everywhere and could not find it)

1) Practice. Playing scales endlessly helps a lot.

2) Tabs aren't renowned for showing timing and you have to have a good ear in order to get it right. There's no sure-fire way of getting your timing right short of plain experience. Listen to the song you're learning and get a feel for it.

3) Since I don't use a pick for what I do, (fingerstyle,) it seems I should say it's okay, but I knw the kind of stuff you're aiming for so I'd say definatly get used to using a pick. You don't have to use it all the time, just make sure you're comfortable with it. Also, don't use your thumb so much, it won't help you much later on.

4) Go to music shops in your area and talk to the staff. Generally they know of people who are trying to sell their gear, or at least know the best ways to get inexpensive gear.

5) The general rule is that you should replace your strings every six weeks, although it depends on the guitar, the guitarist and what type of strings you're using. I hardly ever change my strings but that's 'cause I can't afford to spend thirty bucks on strings ever six weeks. I notice them going flat after about a month though but I just cope. If you find you're not getting a great sounds out of your guitar or you're constantly re-tuning or the guiter doesn't quite sound perfectly in tune it may be an idea to get a new set of strings.

6) Watch other guitarists and just practice.

7) Buggered if I know man. Try their website or forum.

Finger picking is fine. i use four fingers to finger pick...the thumb covers the top 3 strings and I,M,A covers the last 3 strings. If you prefer fingerstyle, by all means use it. People say it's more of a classical guitar technique...but take a look/listen at Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, he plays just as fast if not faster than lots of people who play with picks.