Secrets to Mastering Lead Guitar Licks and Solos

Secrets to Mastering Lead Guitar Licks and Solos
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jason_Michael_Scott]Jason Michael Scott

Playing lead guitar is definitely a flashy gig. You get to play all the cool solos and you tend to be the center of attention. Being able to play lead guitar licks and solos requires a lot of practice.

But all that practice will pay off, have faith. Below are some secrets that will help you get the most out of your playing. Before you know it you'll be a bona fide lead guitar superstar.

1) Get a Metronome

Lead guitar work requires excellent timing. To help you build up your timing you will want to get your hands on a metronome. You can either get an electric one or an old school weighted one, they both work fine. Build up your speed gradually, don't rush anything. If you take the time to develop clean, smooth playing it will make your playing that much better.

2) Get Your Scales Down

Now that you've got your metronome you need something to play along to it. Start out with the C major scale, or whatever one you like.Again, start out slow and build your speed up gradually. Mix up the order in which you play the notes. For example, play every third note of the scale or play notes in chunks of three or four. Focus on playing smooth and steady, you'll be surprised at the improvements you'll make.

3) Play Along

Take your favorite song or record a chord progression and play along over top of it. The key is to find out what sounds good with what. Once your ear gets used to the sounds you playing becomes more fluid and you can improvise much better. Experimenting is the key, don't be shy and just play.

4) Practice

Obviously. But seriously, more important than the practice is the consistency in which you do it. It's way better to play 5 days a week at a half hour a pop rather than once a week for 2.5 hours. The guitar is not a natural thing for the hand to do so you've got to get it used to being around the neck.

All of the above mentioned, if applied, will improve your lead guitar skills tremendously. Follow them all and you'll get to where you want to be. If you're serious about taking your guitar playing to the next level visit [http://leadguitarlicks.wordpress.com/]http://www.LeadGuitarLicks.wordpress.com.

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