Guitar Nine Columns: Guitar Technique

Discover how learning scales actually fosters creativity.

Why you need to stop dividing your fretboard in 5 today.

How to create amazing guitar solos using open strings and pentatonic scale patterns.

3-string picking ideas that are great for developing your picking, and to help create lines.

One of the oldest concepts in the book, adapted for modern rock guitar playing.

Why do people still use the CAGED system? Here are some answers.

In part 2, you`ll learn how to create amazing blues guitar solos using open strings.

Chris takes you through every inversion on string-set G-B-E, allowing you to bust one out when called upon to do so.

And... a tasty lick to get your fingers working.

Confused about the modes? Here is a way you can practice the modes that may help.

Don`t waste another second of your time learning the guitar scales by using the CAGED system.

Is there any real benefit to learning more than one scale system? Here`s one opinion to consider.

In part 3, you`ll learn how to easily play fast solo lines and riffs on your guitar.

Chris covers a classic 1980`s example of style over substance.

Here are the true reasons for Vai`s world-class guitar playing and the lessons each one holds for you.

focusing on picking and moveable shapes that will help to create longer lines.

Playing a chord progression accurately does not necessarily mean the progression will sound good.

Studying other styles of music such as jazz, will only make you a better, more rounded acoustic guitar player and musician.

Mike shows you moveable type patterns for the harmonic minor scale, and some ways you can get some fresh new modern type sounds.

Here are more true reasons for Vai's world-class guitar playing and the lessons each one holds for you.

If left unquestioned, these kind of thoughts can start to really build up and hurt your progress as a musician.

An expert knows to practice simpler things.

Don't go with what feels easy as opposed to what is right.