Guitar Nine Columns: Guitar Technique

Taking a much closer look at the `diminished` sound and its theoretical sources.

Neo-classical guitarist Tom Hess talkes about two components that you must balance in order to enjoy the process of practicing and see consistent progress.

Dave Issacs is here to help you get back to the basics and improve your playing.

Exploring a less common approach to two-handed tapping.

How to approach the chromatic scale on the guitar.

Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas believes it`s easy to memorize pieces, and has even more tips to help the uninitiated.

How to use a metronome for maximum effectiveness.

Even the simplest idea can be rekindled with the help of little embellishments.

Can you sound musical, creative and original using the same scales as everyone else? Michael Shouse says yes.

You can make your own scales with these tips from Mike Campese.

Here`s a second look at playing 3 note per string scales as 16th notes.

Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas believes it`s easy to memorize pieces, and has some tips to help the uninitiated.

Part four of Scott Allen`s exploration into the wonderful world of arpeggios.

Nick Kellie helps you to improvise through this standard chord progression.

Develop both dexterity and versatility with these fretboard exercises.

Here`s a closer look at playing 3 note per string scales as 16th notes.

Part three of Scott Allen`s exploration into the wonderful world of arpeggios.

Use the entire neck of your axe with these three octave ideas.

Here`s how you can go about creating a whole host of chords quickly and effectively.

Part two of Scott Allen`s exploration into the wonderful world of arpeggios.

Mike`s ideas will help you move up the neck very quickly.

Kevin Buck tackles the most technically challenging piece ever written.

Exploring the best use of swept arpeggios in a rock guitar player`s bag of tricks.

Simple knowledge of pentatonics is all you need to utilize the modes in your lead guitar playing.

If you`re sitting there with a pick in your hand, throw it away, you won`t need it.

The Mad Scotsman is here with the first in a series of lessons featuring cliche busting musical ideas.

What does it mean for one`s playing to be considered original? Let`s find out.

Here are seven common problems guitarists encounter when learning to sweep pick, and what you can do about them.

Enlist those underutilized picking hand fingers to facilitate string skipping and wider intervals.

Before you come down for one technique or another, check out Philippov`s discussion on the issue.

Examples and tips intended to help everybody who seeks ways to improve on their instrument.

Give your picking a boost with German`s crazy ideas.

Here`s some ideas to help you reach the front gate of shredhood.

An inside look at how one key can affect the sound of another.

Think in terms of five, as you work on these 3+2 ideas.

Terry Syrek will slap you silly if you even attempt a wank tap.

Patrick DeCoste is back to help you push the boundaries of harmonics.

Patrick DeCoste returns to bring music theory to life.

What`s the best way to organize vast amounts of musical information in your mind? Kevin Buck has some ideas for you.

Regular rehearsals and practice sessions can help take you to the next level.

Neo-classical guitarist Tom Hess lays out an effective, step-by-step plan for developing speed.

Revealing an altogether more subtle harmonic concept.