So I play guitar outside almost every day during normal day/evening hours. Like generally around 2pm/8pm Lately I only been playing an hour an a half because of other things.
So it was a normal day. watched EStars, in celebration of Boxer's two victories I got two energy drinks, drank em, and went outside and proceeded to play like I usually do. So I play Yngwie's first album rising force. I nailed Blackstar pretty okay, Far Beyond the Sun went well, I think I did a good solo and played pretty cleanly, and then I went onto the third song. Now your Ships are Burned. This is a fairly difficult song, I was in the zone, and was playing it considerably well, the notes were fast, clean, accurate, good solo, I was in the second solo at the end, just before it ends, and then my neighbor across the street walks up, obviously to tell me to turn it down.
Now I know what he means to bring up, so I immediately stop turn down the cd and my guitar and then he starts threatening me with the law and how he will get the neighbors to back him up for shutting me down. And I apologize and he keeps going on about how I am driving him nuts or something and that I shouldn't play every day. But maybe every other day.
He has spoken to me probably 6 months earlier, which I admit I have been too loud before, but I turn down when it gets later and I respected his decision and thought well I can still play in day hours.
I'm kinda a neighborhood celebrity, people recognize me, they know my name, little kids are picking up the guitar, older people enjoy the music too, highschool kids always are asking me to play things, and they think its cool that I am the neighborhood guitar kid. I like playing for people, I like to be intense about it. I like alot of styles, I play neoclassical, blues, blues rock, hardrock. Alot of stuff.
Now I understand this neighbors concern and troubles, he practically gets half of my "concerts"and the amps are semi directed to his house, and the volume is considerable enough to be heard. I guess I have "broken the peace" but I generally get smiles from people.
I only have 2 weeks left in virginia before I go out on my mission, so I mention that to him, and that I wont be able to play guitar for a long time, but he just kinda doesn't listen and just walks away.
I don't really have a serious problem, but it did throw me off for the rest of tonight. Ah well, I could've gone without the whole social services and neighborhood petition threat he threw at me. He is a board member of the community, or president I think, so he has influence. So I better not be on his bad side, but that was kinda a bummer.
I guess I either don't know how to measure my sound or something. Oh well, I was in the wrong, but today was a good day, at least how my hands felt, yesterday was kinda off for me, but it turned out better after I played for a couple hours, got some new ideas for songs, and felt a little less stiff.
I'm kinda a neighborhood celebrity, people recognize me, they know my name, little kids are picking up the guitar, older people enjoy the music too, highschool kids always are asking me to play things, and they think its cool that I am the neighborhood guitar kid. I like playing for people, I like to be intense about it. I like alot of styles, I play neoclassical, blues, blues rock, hardrock. Alot of stuff.
Plug in some headphones into your amp, that's how my friends/roommate practice or play guitar when they don't want to disturb other people around them.
I'm kinda a neighborhood celebrity, people recognize me, they know my name, little kids are picking up the guitar, older people enjoy the music too, highschool kids always are asking me to play things, and they think its cool that I am the neighborhood guitar kid. I like playing for people, I like to be intense about it. I like alot of styles, I play neoclassical, blues, blues rock, hardrock. Alot of stuff.
Combat-EX?!
Nothing like that dude. And get the eff out of here troll.
On July 15 2009 11:27 micronesia wrote: Why do you play outside? Is that a necessity?
Well, I started playing outside my house about 2 years ago, I used to play at lunch in highschool with a little amp, its fun to do, it's been helping me preform better, get over nerves. And its just nice to be out in the summer and sweat out and play good music, just don't play too loud, or you'll get your neighbors mad after a while.
But I've had alot of people come up and tell me that they thought they would be annoyed but they like how I play. I've had some offers from some wandering musicians to jam and stuff. It's just something I do.
I know this type of thing happens when you are a LOUD and proud musician, but ah well, was hoping people had similar experiences?
I'm kinda a youtube celebrity, people recognize me, they know my name, little kids are picking up on my godly gameplay, older people enjoy the vods too, highschool kids always are asking me to play things like ZvZ which I suck at, and they think its cool that I am the neighborhood progamer. I like playing D-'es, I like to be intense about it. I like alot of styles, I play reaver sair, the bisu build, 1 gate, 2 gate. Alot of stuff.
Okay I regret doing this. this was a jam 2 years ago with some random guy that was in the military a friend of my brother was on drums. I am the guy in the limozeen shirt.
This is just a simple blues jam, nothing fancy. My goodness, I had long hair... His solo was pretty nice. I never saw the guy ever again. it was a one night blues stand.
Use headphones or put the sound down. How powerful is your amp? (tube/ss?) and how is he going to get everybody against you if you're the cool guitar dude.
Doesn't really sound like a threat. It just seems he is tired of hearing it every day, I would be too. I suggest you get some headphones, and maybe put on a show once a week for people who like it. That seems reasonable, playing outside everyday does not.
On July 15 2009 11:45 FragKrag wrote: Use headphones or put the sound down. How powerful is your amp? (tube/ss?) and how is he going to get everybody against you if you're the cool guitar dude.
Its not a tube, and well he has influence in the neighborhood. Its pretty loud, I agree I should play quieter and less frequently and not as long. I just wanted to vent a little, I am completely in the wrong!
On July 15 2009 11:46 Manifesto7 wrote: Doesn't really sound like a threat. It just seems he is tired of hearing it every day, I would be too. I suggest you get some headphones, and maybe put on a show once a week for people who like it. That seems reasonable, playing outside everyday does not.
Yeah I agree. I have headphones, but yeah I listen to music everyday with them on all the time, so I get a little tired of my ears getting destroyed in that vain, I could just close the garage door, and play closed, but yeah. I dunno, it was going on for a while, I may as well tone it down.
This was at my church talent show, yeah I unplugged the guitar trying to slide it against the mic stand. Most of it was caught, kinda reverby, hope you enjoy this, it was 2 years ago as well. This is something I probably wrote in 2005, taking alot of ideas from stuff I liked such as DBZ, van halen, yngwie, satriani, ritchie blackmore's rainbow all sorts of influences in that one piece.
I haven't really had too many gigs in virginia, so I only really get to play at my garage, nobody to play with...boo.
On July 15 2009 11:45 FragKrag wrote: Use headphones or put the sound down. How powerful is your amp? (tube/ss?) and how is he going to get everybody against you if you're the cool guitar dude.
@ Headphones - Yes @ Cool guitar dude - Understand that OP's perspective of people's opinion of him may not be accurate. Yes, he is well-liked, yes he is popular.
But there will ALWAYS be some fuckers out there who rally against you if someone like that neighbour brings up the matter.
@ OP - I am going to save up for an electric guitar, any advice? I'm a noob and all but I do want to pick it up.
If you're using that stack outside, I have no idea what the fuck you are doing tbh. If some kid was playing guitar on his lawn with an amp like that, I'd be pissed too.
On July 15 2009 11:45 FragKrag wrote: Use headphones or put the sound down. How powerful is your amp? (tube/ss?) and how is he going to get everybody against you if you're the cool guitar dude.
@ Headphones - Yes @ Cool guitar dude - Understand that OP's perspective of people's opinion of him may not be accurate. Yes, he is well-liked, yes he is popular.
But there will ALWAYS be some fuckers out there who rally against you if someone like that neighbour brings up the matter.
@ OP - I am going to save up for an electric guitar, any advice? I'm a noob and all but I do want to pick it up.
Start with something in the 200$ range. My first electric guitar was an ibanez grx20, i got it when I was 14. it was a decent guitar with some humbuckers, black, it did its job. but really don't spoil yourself, start small you might not have a big desire to play all the time.
On July 15 2009 12:00 FragKrag wrote: If you're using that stack outside, I have no idea what the fuck you are doing tbh. If some kid was playing guitar on his lawn with an amp like that, I'd be pissed too.
that wasn't my big stack, I use a smaller marshall amp. mg series. I would say the poor neighbor gets most of the blast. The walls soak up the sides alot. Basically am playing the settings half volume and the master volume is under 3 usually. So its more of a I just play too dang much.
Everyday.. wow man you gotta stop. Not much to say there. If you play once a blue moon and he bitches then fuck him, but I don't think I could be subjected to even Eric Clapton every single day.
Edit: I will admit I am sorta a freak though. I can listen to a song over an over or an artist for a very long time every day. I like to learn eveything by the artists I love.
I would honestly, 100% be so very annoyed at listening to someone playing their guitar after about the first day. There are so many options better than blaring it on your front lawn. Living close to your neighbors comes with some certain basic responsibilities and you should really respect those.
Edit: I'm also noticing this is more of a thread to show off your guitar skills rather than ask if you should play outside. For proof I point to the random videos of you playing.
On July 15 2009 11:45 FragKrag wrote: Use headphones or put the sound down. How powerful is your amp? (tube/ss?) and how is he going to get everybody against you if you're the cool guitar dude.
@ Headphones - Yes @ Cool guitar dude - Understand that OP's perspective of people's opinion of him may not be accurate. Yes, he is well-liked, yes he is popular.
But there will ALWAYS be some fuckers out there who rally against you if someone like that neighbour brings up the matter.
@ OP - I am going to save up for an electric guitar, any advice? I'm a noob and all but I do want to pick it up.
It isnt about asking if I should play outside, in fact I asked NOTHING about advice, or whether I should play or not, I was venting. I dont care for sympathy , or if I was somehow right, I know Im wrong.
And its my blog. My events. I like derailing it.
Thats an interesting guitar, maybe cool to bring it along and record some quick idea or something.
On July 15 2009 11:45 FragKrag wrote: Use headphones or put the sound down. How powerful is your amp? (tube/ss?) and how is he going to get everybody against you if you're the cool guitar dude.
@ Headphones - Yes @ Cool guitar dude - Understand that OP's perspective of people's opinion of him may not be accurate. Yes, he is well-liked, yes he is popular.
But there will ALWAYS be some fuckers out there who rally against you if someone like that neighbour brings up the matter.
@ OP - I am going to save up for an electric guitar, any advice? I'm a noob and all but I do want to pick it up.
Start with something in the 200$ range. My first electric guitar was an ibanez grx20, i got it when I was 14. it was a decent guitar with some humbuckers, black, it did its job. but really don't spoil yourself, start small you might not have a big desire to play all the time.
k so I'm at the point where I'm trying to get good at lead guitar cause rhythm is kinda boring me now... I'm not taking lessons anymore so I'm really just trying to learn myself. so a question: when you're picking fast (doing scales and solos and whatnot and not like the same note over and over), are you supposed to angle your pick or keep it parallel with the string? Or is it personal preference?
and to go on topic a little: I would just play it safe and try not to push things until you move out
I'm kinda a neighborhood celebrity, people recognize me, they know my name, little kids are picking up the guitar, older people enjoy the music too, highschool kids always are asking me to play things, and they think its cool that I am the neighborhood guitar kid. I like playing for people, I like to be intense about it. I like alot of styles, I play neoclassical, blues, blues rock, hardrock. Alot of stuff.
Combat-EX?!
Nothing like that dude. And get the eff out of here troll.
On July 15 2009 11:43 HooHa! wrote: Okay I regret doing this. this was a jam 2 years ago with some random guy that was in the military a friend of my brother was on drums. I am the guy in the limozeen shirt.
This is just a simple blues jam, nothing fancy. My goodness, I had long hair... His solo was pretty nice. I never saw the guy ever again. it was a one night blues stand.
I have to say that generally people who do what you do really, really irritate me. My neighbor last year had a 1x12 combo tube amp that he would play every day, very loud, with his door open. I guess he did this to be social or something, I really don't know. Now this guy was really friendly and everything like you seem to be, but it still drove me insane because I'd constantly ask him to turn it down, and he'd say "OK" and turn it down by like 1 decibel. You mentioned that it was during the day, but frankly time of day is irrelevant. If the guy is home and is bothered by your playing, you should stop or go inside and play. I mean playing loud outside like that in a populated area is inevitably going to piss people off, that seems like it should be common sense.
On July 15 2009 11:17 HooHa! wrote:I'm kinda a neighborhood celebrity, people recognize me, they know my name, little kids are picking up the guitar, older people enjoy the music too, highschool kids always are asking me to play things, and they think its cool that I am the neighborhood guitar kid. I like playing for people, I like to be intense about it. I like alot of styles, I play neoclassical, blues, blues rock, hardrock. Alot of stuff.
On July 15 2009 13:43 cgrinker wrote: Go get a really big extension cord and plugin like right in front of his bedroom dor. Then knock a rip a solo off and then go on your mission.
Finally someone with a sense of humor on these boards.
On July 15 2009 13:30 blabber wrote: k so I'm at the point where I'm trying to get good at lead guitar cause rhythm is kinda boring me now... I'm not taking lessons anymore so I'm really just trying to learn myself. so a question: when you're picking fast (doing scales and solos and whatnot and not like the same note over and over), are you supposed to angle your pick or keep it parallel with the string? Or is it personal preference?
and to go on topic a little: I would just play it safe and try not to push things until you move out
Good question.
Eric Johnson likes to keep it parallel for example, They give a slightly different sound really. I would angle the pick a bit though, add a little crunch. I sorta fist my hand when going fast, but the best thing to do is start slow and clean, really slow, each phrase, so then you can work up to speed cleanly and you can be relaxed, because you don't want to stress your hand.
If you want to burn through scales, learn economy picking, which isn't just straight alternative picking( up down up down etc.) But its more of minimizing the movement involved like down up down down up down down or something, so in theory it is faster than alternative. I generally don't FOCUS on the right hand too too much, maybe if I am practicing a lick and I want to phrase it differently and maybe give it more spike. Such as arpeggios , you can sweep them, or pick it individually, or legato and pick it. Really, learn how to do it any way you can, fast, slow, fluctuating, picked, sweeped, legato, sliding.
I personally mostly do alternative picking, and I cheat a little bit with legato-ing some notes in the scale, basically if it sounds good then its good. Work on your ears.
Good question. So either or. Also look up your favorite guitarists or go through the TL thread of those videos and reasearch guitar instructionals, theres got to be something, and really don't just copy, but learn the formula, how it sounds that way, how to build up to it, how to train your hands to do it.
On July 15 2009 11:17 HooHa! wrote:I'm kinda a neighborhood celebrity, people recognize me, they know my name, little kids are picking up the guitar, older people enjoy the music too, highschool kids always are asking me to play things, and they think its cool that I am the neighborhood guitar kid. I like playing for people, I like to be intense about it. I like alot of styles, I play neoclassical, blues, blues rock, hardrock. Alot of stuff.
yeah that's what YOU think.
I don't let it get to my head, I just think its cool that kids that are little are picking up the guitar and their mom's come up to me and say they think I am their guitar hero. And hey I have made a few friends off of playing and taught some starting musicians some things and they are pretty dedicated now.
I mean, I've grown up in this neighborhood and people haven't really applied themselves that much to exciting things. So its good change. Mostly kids just drone off and fail school and get involved in bad things in my neighborhood.
EPT
