Try alternate tunings, even a simple drop D or full half step. you'll be forced to change the patterns. I do this when I hit a block or think I'm being bland and repetitive.

Use your 7 modes , Ionian, Dorian , Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aelion, Locrian.


Play your Low E note, let it ring out while you play each mode.

Thiis will give you ideas for different "flavours" of a basic sequence of notes (or a normal major scale)

Find sequences that you particularly like (or that sounds good to your ear) , by randomizing the sequences/ intervals.

Then just use your Ear to Expand.

When Im stuck on a particular idea , A change of key, or a change of modes

always helps me to create something fresh.

Try some Jazz. There was an earlier thread on Jazz. It's definitely outside the box thinking

Also:

Try play different rhythmic patterns, listen to some jazz/fusion for ideas. Mix things up a bit with with palm mutes or off beat strokes.
A change of time signature perhaps?...

@ AJB

Does the whole modal thing help quite a bit? I kind of play by ear, but need some kind of push into something more.
Will it pay off to practice modes until you are blue in the face? Do you still trust your ear if it sounds good or not?

where do I start?

I use the modes, but i stick to key c coz still learning - but i use my major scale as reference - find it difficult to hear the different flavors of the modes though...but i`ll def try what u said

Yea , at the end of the day its all about your EAR, and if it sounds cool to you, it will probably sound cool to others too.

"Practice modes until your blue in the face"?
"Practice scales until your blue in the face"?
"Practice chromatic runs until your blue in your face?"

Although boring, it will build up your arsenal of playing....

Learn scales, arpeggios, inversions, modes, chords, voicings, triads, etc...

But do it constuctively. Dont just practice one thing, balance it out.

Draw up a list of your goals and how will you achieve it?

Draw up a practice roster of how many minutes/hours you will dedicate to each concept.

Will def do that - thanx a lot! The first time i`m hearing the word chromatic run, going to google it now...

You can also go and learn other guitar solos, try and analize it, figure out what chords are being used in the rhytmn section, find out what key is it(if it is in one), try and figure out what modes the dude in soloing in.

Thanks

Will try the blue in the face stuff, but with a plan. ?

Chromatic - means colorizing , just a fancy word for boring 1-2-3-4 exercises

They like to refer to pitches as different colors....


Start slow and play

E -1-2-3-4 , then A - 1- 2- 3 -4 then D - 1 - 2- 3 -4 , etc...

then try

E 4-3-2-1

then try

E -4 - 2- 3 - 1

then try

E- 4 - 1 - 3 - 2


and you get the idea... just randomize and do "tongue twisters" for your fingers ?

Struggling to find theory or explanation on what chromatic runs r?? what is it, consecutive notes played fast, how do i make my own??

Oh ok thanx..

Do u know of a good website that has all the music theory? Or does anyone know of a place in Cape town that has music theory classes for guitar, seriously considering attending theory classes but don`t know where?

http://www.dolmetsch.com/theoryintro.htm

this is why i'm glad i don't study music ???

I will give my little toe to be able study music theory every day all week all year

lightspeedchili wrote: http://www.dolmetsch.com/theoryintro.htm

Cool music theory site !
Thanks ...

Hey Quinus

I got your email and replied.

wow I just started reading from that link and it's the first time I've ever started to understand Music theory! ?