Keira WitherKay wrote: wonder if steve vai works out....................... ???? nnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh

I thought the same thing. I was really starting to think that I should rather be playing guitar during the time I normally workout. Im not getting any younger and I still have so much to learn. I guess its all down to making the most of your guitar practice time and focusing on the quality of your practice not just the quantity. Balance is key but hard to find sometimes.

Thanks Guy, I found some other threads for anyone interested. Seems that using lighter weights and gloves with wrist straps helps relieve stress on the fingers but in general seems weight training is a good thing in moderation:

http://www.delcamp.net/forum/en/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=32844

May be a silly question but I would like to get your feedback on this. I like to keep fit and gym regularly - mainly doing free weights. I have been trying to focus on practicing more but find it very hard to play after going to the gym as my forearms and hands are less responsive (obvious I know). So I try to practice before join to Gym or non Gym days. Im not a muscle head so I am of average build (No pumpkins under my arms and I do have a neck) but I am wondering if in the long run free weights are strengthening my playing or limiting it in any way?

I got the Schecter from Music connection quite some time ago. It really caught my eye because its matt black with pearl like bat inlays on the frets. Also put the zakk wylde active EMGs in it. Will post pics 2nite.

Bob Dubery wrote: Welcome!

You do know that in pantomime it's always the villain who enters from stage left?

? I thought it was fitting because I didn't see too many metal nicks on here and we have that status I guess.

DonovanB wrote: welcome to the forum!

MetalHead wrote: the first thing I learned was how to palm mute ?

and Em? 8)

MetalHead wrote: We did a gig and it was probably one of the best feelings I have ever had.

There are feelings I wish we could bottle and sell. That is the first. The other is just before a big rugby game when you are about to run on. You get so psyched up and your adrenalin pumps. What a rush.

All I wanted to learn is what makes the guitar go Ghug, Ghug, Ghug!!

As far as the adrenalin rush! i still smile when I think about it. When our set was done, it felt like we had only been there for like 15 minutes. I wanted to replay the entire set over again. The crowd was also very cool though, a group of bikers who had a blast!

Squonk wrote: Welcome ?

This forum will definately keep you motivated.

How was your BC Rich Warlock, I have always wanted to get one, Just looks so metal ?

The warlock was a good axe for the price. Not made out of great materials. It was a little heavier & bigger then most of my others but I really liked the action on it and the neck felt great for my playing style. The stock pickups were pretty decent for crunching distortion but of course I would go with active pickups (They make me sound better then I am ? ).

Yeah, everyone has their own passion and Im not one to judge. Just being part of a community of guitar players is great for me.

Hey Boys & Girls,

How glad I am to have found all of you. Although I have been playing guitar for a few years, been a member of a band and done a gig, I am still pretty much a beginner. A few years ago, my best friend inspired me to go out and buy my first electric guitar. I really loved listening to mainly metal and rock but I never thought I would actually play the guitar. The motivation was that I would be able to jam with a band and the beginning of a fantastic journey.

My first guitar was a Behringer starter pack with included a strat style axe and mini amp. It cost me like R1200 or something but proved to be just what I needed to fall inlove with electric guitars. I started practicing on it and the first thing I learned was how to palm mute ?

Since then I have had many guitars and amps, a Ibanez classical box, a Ibanez RG, a BC rich warlock, a Jackson DKMGT and a Schecter Damian 6 with Active EMGs which is what I now play. The Schecter is not as well made as the Jackson or the Ibanez but I just like the way it feels to play. I don't practice half as much as I should as life seems to want to pull you away at every turn but Im trying!

I eventually started playing with the band and after one of the guitarists left I got to fill the gap and really play some music with the guys. We did a gig and it was probably one of the best feelings I have ever had. After that, keeping the band together was difficult and we all kind of went our own ways except for me and my best mate. We still have dreams of starting something up again and motivate each other but finding the rite committed members is difficult.

Wow, this has turned into a looooong intro which Im sure has bored you by now.....Lets just say I am really happy I found this site and all of you guys and girls and I hope to chat to alot of you in here very soon.

Cheers!