Re-learning the guitar? New toys?

[VaSteve]

(OK, I searched there were 194 threads with guitar in the title). Now there's 195.

I have been playing on and off for some 20 years. I learned just before the internet became easy to use. I would pull tabs off of Usenet and the UNLV archive using FTP. It was a pain in the ass. Kids have it too easy these days. Anyway...since my kids aren't babies any more and I'm afraid to wake them up, I have been playing a little more.

I play both acoustic and electric. I wouldn't ever consider myself good. In fact, I would say now, that while I'm "better" I'm less confident. So, I don't really have any desire to play out. I don't have time to find a garage band and I don't have time to get out for lessons. I also probably have a ton of bad habits that I don't want to reveal.

Acoustically, I'm all rhythm and chords and what not. I'm OK with what I can do there....no finger picking. I play such that I can sing (poorly) along and have an all right time with it.

Electric, I like to go down the basement and thrash (not actual "thrash") around and make some noise. I can do a some riffs, but I like just monkeying around. Lately I have been pulling up "more difficult" songs and trying to play with some of the tabs I find online and the record. Just a little at a time to see if I can get it to sound similar.

When I started playing, I would mess with CDs and figure out the songs so that I could have some fun with it and occasionally type them in for the tab archives. I never had one of those "A to B" CD players where you could loop a section and really learn it. I have heard they existed.

Anyway, with I tunes and ipads and a real job with money, I can put the computer near the guitar stuff and afford new toys. I was thinking of getting some software or new toys to generate backing tracks or something so I could play riffs on top.

Mentally, I'm still stuck in 1992... the thought of paying for it well.... In actuality, I don't know what's out there. What kind of trainers or toys are available? I know there was a lot of stuff way back when, it has to be overwhelming now.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Free Guitar Backing Tracks @ GuitarBackingTrack.com

iReal b

I also get a lot of mileage out of my BOSS RC-2 loop pedal.

[Rick Lee]

Check out songsterr.com. Its bare bones version is free and pretty good. It's made my life easier.

[WolfeMacleod]

I hated Digital for the longest time.
Got an AxeFX II at the beginning of October. Holy schnikeys, it sounds good!

Other things...
Jammit

Guitar Tricks


tons of stuff.

[McLovin]

+1 on songsterr.

Also, don't forget youtube! Lots of guys have video'd lessons for songs.

I just finished learning the acoustic version of The Rain Song from youtube.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

I hated Digital for the longest time.
Got an AxeFX II at the beginning of October. Holy schnikeys, it sounds good!

.

That thing looks pretty amazing, but $2800, yikes!

[VaSteve]

Wow, thanks guys. Even with this short list, it's a little overwheming.

This stuff looks a little annoying on the iPad, I might have to rearrange some stuff down the basement. Looks like there's enough content out there to keep my interest when I get frustrated with one or the other.

I'll have to report back.

[Black968]

Try this one. I have been using it for 5 plus years Great all around site for tabs and equipment reiviews.


ULTIMATE GUITAR TABS ARCHIVE | 300,000+ Guitar Tabs, Bass Tabs, Chords and Guitar Pro Tabs!

[VaSteve]

Thanks Black968. I know all about that....that was the UNLV archive, which became OLGA (OnLine Guitar Archive) and then somehow morphed into that site. I actually have stuff I typed in and posted back in college (mid 1990s) on that site. Then, that part chafes a little. Someone is now making money off lots of enthusiasts' work.

They even have a wikipedia page about it, which I just found. On-line Guitar Archive - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I've kinda been in a rut and hadn't played much so kinda wanted some new ideas. Moving the computer closer to the guitar has been a decent start.

[Rick Lee]

I'm gonna get a cheapo adapter to plug into my iPhone so I can play with headphones along with my computer. I also have a music stand next to my amp where I can put my laptop and look stuff up. It's so easy these days, it's almost criminal. Back in the day, it took real effort and a good ear to learn stuff. The Internet has made me so lazy. Can't even bring myself to pay for good Asian porn anymore.

[Don Plumley]

I'm in this same boat. I posted this thread, bought the Apogee Jam, use GarageBand (it plays in the background), and went through some lessons from GuitarJamz.com, Songsterr is next on my list. The two that Wolfe posted looks good too. My biggest problem is time...

[VaSteve]

OK, still having fun with this. I really need to rearrange to get the guitars closer to the computer. I'm thinking of picking one of these up to play with my self. (Yeah, that sounds bad, but so does my playing....)

http://www.amazon.com/DigiTech-JamManSolo-Guitar-Looper-Pedal/dp/B003AAEGZ2


Anyone have one?

[Nostril Cheese]

Rocksmith is a pretty good utility that follows the Guitar Hero format, but you use an actual guitar and it teaches you basics. Both my kids love it. I'm an experienced guitarist and I love it as well.

Rocksmith

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

OK, still having fun with this. I really need to rearrange to get the guitars closer to the computer. I'm thinking of picking one of these up to play with my self. (Yeah, that sounds bad, but so does my playing....)

Amazon.com: DigiTech JamManSolo Guitar Looper Pedal, Blue: Musical Instruments


Anyone have one?

There is an app for that... actually dozens of apps that allow you to do loops, change keys, slow down parts, and all other cool stuff for rehearsing and learning songs and solos. I have Amplitude but there are many others. Software based loop tools tend to be a lot more flexible than stand alone stomp boxes.

7 Of The Best iPhone Apps For Guitar Players - Rock Your Guitar

[stealthn]

Apogee Jam and Ampkit as well as Garage band