How do I start playing different styles?

[Dominik Gräber]

I mainly listen to Metal / Rock and some Pop or acoustic stuff. So that is what I play. But I would really like to start playing other musical directions such as Blues or Spanish music (one after the other of course).
How do I get started?
@brian @syn I would be extremely thankfull for some advice on this!!

 

[Brian Haner Sr.]

I think the first place to start is ALWAYS by listening to the music you want to play. There are hundreds of blues players and many different styles under the “blues umbrella”. Pick a song you like. Find out who that guy (or girl) is, and then work on that song and that style. Just learn it one lick at a time. Blues is not terribly complicated (like classical or be-bop). It’s definitely doable. There are a TON of blues lessons out there on youtube. Find a guy you like and start working on it!
Good Luck!

 

[Filip Tomiša]

I guess find some blues or spanish songs you like and start learning them. You will probably realise that there are different techniques involved in that type of music and you will start learning them and eventually just progress. I don’t really listen to that type of music so it might not be the best tip but it’s something

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Thanks for the advice! This can get a little of a challenge because that really is not the music I listen to (yet). I will search for something I like though!

 

[Filip Tomiša]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFBoQpXSjGU maybe try learning this . It’s bluesy and you might like it

 

[Ed Seith]

Joe Bonamassa is a very “white rock” kind of blues that more rock listeners or players might identify better with than classic blues.

 

[idssdi]

Honestly, I’m gonna say exactry the same as PG did. Personally I play a lot of different styles(at least I think I do) but especially my gypsy jazz and uses playing/improvs come purely from what I like to hear when I’moved listening to that stuff.
So, if you want to play a shitloads of different styles try to listen to a shitload of different styles too that will really make sure your fingers will do what your ear likes to hear when you play it!

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Thank you Guys, I will Look around and listen to a Bunch of stuff!

 

[Jake Young]

You know I have to recommend some Stevie Ray Vaughn!! His feel and pure passion when he’s onstage is unmatched and inspiring as hell!! He poured his heart out every time he was on stage. His tunes are tricky to pull off the way he did, but his licks are mostly all pentatonic style licks!

 

[Jeff Pogan]

Honestly dude just start listening to other styles! Immerse yourself in those genres you want to reach into and then their licks and melodies and stylings will become second nature as far as hearing and ideas.
The next step is to analyze what those musicians are doing. What scale are the using? What keys do they play in? What kind of progressions do they use? What kinds of tones? Etc etc
But it’s important to FIRST immerse yourself in the music. That way it becomes second nature when you begin to break down and analyze the stuff to apply it to your playing.
Then you’ll learn HOW to apply and when appropriate times and places are to utilize your new licks and styles. Just try to throw some blues licks into your metal solos for example. It won’t always work but part of learning is learning what DOESN’T work.
Cheers!
Jeff

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Thanks @jeff, it is hard to find a start to these genres but I will search and listen to a bunch of stuff.

 

[Jeff Pogan]

@dominik Find what you like and let it come naturally!