Randy120

I did this to my friend's Squire Strat. I did not use a block of wood. I just tightened the screws which seemed to work well.

Erich Andreas - Guitar Sage Paul Davids Marty Music - Marty Schwartz Signals Music Studio Desi Serna - Fretboard Theory

Here is a double stops lesson from Paul Davids. Hendrix style 'Double Stops' | Guitar Essentials

I recommend using the strings recommended by the manufacturer at least for gauge. You don't need heavy strings for good sound. Check the Billy Gibbons video below around 3:13 into the video. Billy plays 7's on his guitar, but his tone is plenty heavy. Billy Gibbons

Les is more. An inventor, innovator, and a great guitar player.

@Eracer_Team-DougH I have been doing the Challenge for years now. I recorded at least 40 songs. As I look back I always think I could do better. The skills build over time. You do your best and learn over time. You start with simple stuff and learn as you go. Work on 1 or 2 songs that you really enjoy playing. Have fun and don't hold back!

It sounds like you have a plan. Make sure you work on songs also. Play to live!

I am still using it, but it isn't my main focus. I am starting Steve's Blues course with many miles to go.

You need to make sure the guitar isn't too dry (crack), or wet (expands). Keeping it in the case is safest. Humidpak is good. A whole house or room humidifier to keep humidity 45%-55% in the winter. A/C in the summer to reduce humidity. I recommend Greg Voros Setup & Maintenance DVD to give you the knowledge you need. Change your strings, and clean the guitar at the same time. Use a good guitar polish. Buy a guitar polishing cloth. Learn to adjust your truss rod so you can do it yourself from time to time. Use Nut Juice to lubricate the nut and keep your strings moving smoothly. If you have a Rosewood or Ebony neck you should use fretboard conditioner once or twice a year during string change. Maple (finished) necks do not need fretboard conditioner (clean only). Tighten all the screws and nuts to make sure they are firmly seated. Acoustic guitars mainly adjust themselves. The occasional small truss rod adjustment is the only real change needed. The rest is just keeping it clean with good strings. Wipe it down after each session, and enjoy.

I want one! Vox Mini Superbeetle Amp Review

Neil Giraldo is a fantastic guitar player. He is what gave Pat Benatar a hard edge.

Keep it up! There is more where that came from.

It seems you already have some skills to work with. I would also recommend the Jamie Aebersold Jazz Improvisation Volumes 1-3 books. Ear training is just going to take practice. I still have trouble picking out the bass note to tell me what is the I, IV, or the V. I jam along with a lot of different tracks trying to find the proper key. I have found that I can play pretty well with certain "grooves", and others make no sense to me. I can play A minor blues with ease, but my funk is just funky. Try simplifying your riffs. Let 2 notes lead to 3 lead to 4. All progressions start simple then build complexity as you advance.

I have to agree with everything Ian said about the challenge. The real challenge is getting the courage to record something. The process if repeated will absolutely help you improve. We are here to encourage you; not beat you down. Thank you all for listening and the nice comments. I have been jamming along with a lot of YouTube videos. I have played the CCR tunes for the last year. I jam with John Fogerty on "Who'll Stop the Rain" then follow that with CCR "Bad Moon Rising". Having fun!

I would say no. One guitar player or singer responds directly to the other. I think Reo Speedwagon has a great example in the live version of "157 Riverside Avenue". Gary and Kevin are going back and forth around 4:00 minutes into the song. 157 Riverside Avenue Call and Response definition

If you are recording there is a free version of Pro Tools available. Pro Tools First has plenty of capability, and the price is right. Pro Tools First

Here is an updated version of the John Fogerty classic. Who'll Stop the Rain

Rolling Along & A Little Bit Rocky - The first part repeats then you play to near the end and repeat the entire song (including the first repeat) to the end. Electric Funk - Repeat the first part then continue. Repeat the second part, but you do not start at the beginning. I have seen the number of times in many songs so it is common. You have to assume some improvisation in each performance.

I don't know any books, but Premier Guitar has several articles/lessons about slide. What Bohlinger Plays Behind the Slide Blues Slide Standard Tuned Sneaky Slide Licks Play Slide In Tune

Old "well maintained" Yamahas may sound good. If neglected it could be a piece of junk. You will not know until you have it in your hands. New guitars, amps, pedals should just work and they come with warranties. Old gear may require work to be functional. You are talking about a 50 year old guitar so there is no guarantee it will play properly.

More likely the guitar was never cared for and dried out. A truss rod is not going to cause the fingerboard to lift. Only a pro can fix this for you so you need to talk to an expert.

I started working on Steve's Blues DVD course. I have three Jazz books by Jamey Aebersold which Steve sold a few months ago. They come with jam along CD and tab to teach you how to improvise. Jazz Guitar Volume 1 Nothin' But Blues Volume 2 The II-V7-I Volume 3

This is my new favorite guitar related YouTube series. Josh is very knowledgeable about everything pedals. Great insights and giveaways too. Overdrives Under $100

He's a player!

I enjoy watching Dave Grohl pull random guitar players out of the audience to play with the band. Up and Coming Guitar Player Joins the Band