Hey everyone,
I recently started playing fingerstyle guitar two years ago after listening to Andy Mckee. I found out about many other fingerstyle players as well and I
started to compose. I am just having trouble writing because I compose based on chance. I randomly play different chords in different tunings and if they sound
good, I integrate them into the song. Yet I find that I am losing some creativity and I just keep moving from chord to chord with no change. I need some tips
on song composing and maybe a few style techniques that could help me improve.
Also, Fingernails are a big issue for me as well. I try hard to maintain them but they always break at acertain point. What are some good ways to strengthen
your nails? I have also heard of people using fake nails as well. If anyone can help me, feel free to answer.
Thanks a lot!
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I Need Help in these areas: Fingernail Strength, Composing Techniques and Help, and Helpful hints to become a better Fingerstyle guitarist
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 whouston33wh |
I Need Help in these areas: Fingernail Strength, Composing Techniques and Help, and Helpful hints to become a better Fingerstyle guitarist |
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Posts: 1 10/17/08 23:43:40 |
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Paul Kucharski |
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Posts: 1016 10/20/08 10:21:41 |
In regards to composing, I imagine it may be stating the obvious, but the main thing to concentrate on when composing is to construct an appealing and coherent
melody. One of the biggest problems I see in a lot of fingerstyle compositions is that while they have a lot of great fingerstyle pyrotechnics they lack a
compelling, discernable melody. Seek to build a melody with your chord changes and you'll be well on your way to writing music that will appeal to the vast
majority of listeners (those who could care less about how fancy our fingerstyle technique is).
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Howard M Emerson |
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Posts: 42 11/02/08 06:59:42 |
whouston33wh wrote:Hello Houston, I've used plastic tips and acrylic for well over a decade and never looked back. I highly advise getting yourself tipped out at a good nail salon, or if you're handy and can follow directions, DIY. Being a wood worker and avid gardener, I'd be lost if it weren't for fakes! As far as composing, that is something I take very seriously and methodically, although nobody will ever accuse me of being prolific, 'cause I ain't. Some of my compositions have taken years to 'finish', because I won't rush anything. Although it is sometimes a serendipitous thing, perhaps while throwing some errant chords around, I think it 'happens' best when you have a melody in your head to start with. Then you have to know your way around your tunings, and this is something that I can't stress enough. What I've liked about open tunings since I started using them in the early 1970's is the way they facilitate moving bass lines with chord melodies on top. Being a frustrated bassist/drummer probably pushed me in this direction. Just keep at it and keep on asking more of yourself! Best regards, Howard http://www.howardemerson.com/
Last Edited By: Howard M Emerson 11/02/08 07:26:55.
Edited 2 times.
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gtrfinger |
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Posts: 24 02/20/09 11:17:51 |
A bit of study of harmonic theory wouldn't hurt. There are some good user friendly books out there that dont require advanced knowledge to get started.
<http://www.youtube.com/gtrfinger> |
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