wirt wrote:
I found myself in basically the same spot you are now and my personal solution was to start taking lessons. Like you said, it's hard to know what to learn, but the other thing is that you don't know what you don't know, if you follow. Unknown Unknowns, as it were. Some things cannot be learnt from tabs and videos. How to hold a pick properly, string muting, posture (I shit you not), how to hold a guitar without screwing up your wrists, etc., etc...
+1.
The 'unknown unknowns' (nicely put) are often positive habits you want develop initially, instead of bad/lazy habits you'll need twice as long to undo and redo once you finally have that 'Ohhhhhh.....&%^#&(*$ing *&^(*&^' moment, realizing that's why you struggle with some certain aspect of technique.
Dunno if you saw this :
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/guitar-lessons/progressive-plectrum-rudiments-by-ben-badenhorst/ - I thought it was real good stuff! (Not sure about his shirt though... ?). For stuff like Metallica, picking, palm muting, pinch harmonics and practicing in time (w/metronome or drum loops) are essential techniques, get those down and you'll be a happy riffer in no time.
Hand in hand with lessons - perhaps even a temporary solution, while you convince yourself that lessons are necessary evil :? - is jamming with other people. Doesn't have to be guitarists, I've picked up many cool techniques/tips from drummers, bassists, harmonica players, dj's - plus you'll always get to work on yer rhythm chops - which will stand you in good stead regardless of the style of music (or instrument) you play.
