r/guitarlessons • u/RecentFinger5134 • 2d ago

Question What to focus on next?

I've started improving on strumming since the last post thanks to a lot of the advice shared here. I can now play most songs since I've gotten Barre chords and chords shifting down pretty well , what major thing should I focus on now? Besides learning music theory, that I've kept in mind.

I've an acoustic guitar, I'm not an electric type of guy. I also don't have a tutor so I'm kind of confused where to go from here. Thank you.

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u/jayron32 2d ago

Learn how to incorporate melodic lines in your strumming. As you add in things like suspensions and extensions into your chords as you strum them, you'll build in melodic lines that can sound like you're soloing while strumming. It's a great technique for acoustic players.

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u/Old-Guy1958 2d ago

This sounds like a great idea. Can you recommend a YouTube video, book, or other resource?

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u/jayron32 2d ago

I wish I could. It's just something I figured out on my own. Another person linked what looks like a promising video though. I'd check that out.

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u/RecentFinger5134 2d ago

could you explain a little more on what you mean by melodic lines? or kindly provide a video

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u/magenta_daydream 2d ago

Get a workbook, such as those by Jason Alexander, like Guided Practice Routine 1 or Guitar Aerobics or Rhythm 365. These will all give you new skills that you may not practice otherwise. Also get an acoustic songbook, something with tabs and staves not just a fake book, and learn a couple of songs you love completely note by note. Following the structure you’ve been learning write some songs of your own and add to them as you build new skills.

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u/Old-Guy1958 2d ago

I avoided it for years, but just started learning the pentatonic scale. Wish I’d have done it a long time ago. I play acoustic as well, so I’m not really doing anything beyond the 12th fret. Still having fun with it tho.

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u/EeplesAndBaneenees 2d ago

Scales! Learn and practice all of the modes and keys! Once you get the patterns down I'm then adding melodies based on that is easy

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u/Few_Youth_7739 1d ago

My guy. Play songs. Meaning, learn entire songs from beginning to end, Challenge yourself. Some have intros, verse, chorus, bridge, endings, riffs, etc. Learn to play a song from beginning to end. Play it a lot. Play it till you can play it perfectly.

Then pick another song and repeat.

Ultimately, the point of music is songs - so start playing them all the way through and let the songs you are learning inform what new fundamentals you want to tackle - scales, triads, CAGED system, etc