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So I have been learning guitar for about two years now. I think I have the basic techniques memorized plus some flamenco strumming, studied enough chords to play most modern songs, and I know the notes on the fretboard. However, I only know tabs and I can understand the hate towards people who only know tabs. I've always wanted to learn how to freestyle and get better at music theory for the guitar. I do like Flamenco a lot but I was also told since I'm starting off, I should start with the minor and major pentatonic scale for Blues. It's easy to learn but hard to master. I don't mind learning it, but will it really help me? Or should I just learn the E Phrygian Dominant Scale for Flamenco first?
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Deviating from only learning tabs to straight freestyling on the guitar
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Reply by Cranky Old Witch
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Freestyle as in for soloing?
Yes, learn theory, yes learn scales, and yes practice those!
BUT ...
At first all of that can be 'limiting'. Makes you think that you can't 'break the rules'.
The 'rules' are afterthoughts. Learning that stuff really helps unlock the sounds in your head, but don't ever let it limit you.
I'd start with the major and minor scales. The pentatonics might limit you at first, but they are easy and accessible. Learn the major and minor first. Approach all of the other scales and modes as alterations of those and you'll get farther.
However much time you spend practicing, spend MORE time playing ... enjoying the instrument, exploring the sounds.
Quick tips for soloing:
Basic: If you play a 'wrong note, there's a 'right' note on either side, get to it.
Advanced: If you play a 'wrong' note, play it AGAIN. Make the tension of that 'wrong' note cool. Make it into a riff.
I love music theory and exploring all of the 'rules' and how to apply them, and how to break them, but ...
There's only ONE rule that counts:
If it sounds good, it IS good.
And that's very subjective.
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