Improvisation

[Guest]

So I’ve been thinking recently about how I approach improvisation and noodling in general. Before I joined this online community I had a good understanding of theory and play relatively alright, but never have i really gelled them together until recent. Its very interesting because the more i think about the notes of the fretboard, the more ‘in-tune’ i am with the progression thats being played. Its even better when i think about the intervals however this will affect technique in some cases. Also, the more I use my ear, the more weird things are expressed on the guitar.
I guess im generally just wondering how does everyone else view their fretboards? Do you find you progress more with technique, sacrificing theory (or vice versa)? Or are you fortunate enough to say ‘Hey, Im a complete badass with both!’?

 

[idssdi]

To be honest I’m not sure I’ve improved a lot on technique. I did get better at some gypsy stuff and tapping etc. But lately i’ve spent most my time thinking about note choice and combining that with the techniques.
For example when you do like a tapping or sweeping run on which note do you end and stuff like that

 

[Richard O'connor]

I’ve always relied on technique and my ear. My theory sucks which I hate but studying on my own also sucks and I struggle with it.
I’d definitely work more on theory for improvising though. My ear gets me so far but I deffo need more theory to help push me further

 

[Sayonil Mitra]

Just talking about technique, rather the need of it, I hope this video makes you think.

 

[Calvin Phillips]

I’ve always just recorded and improved and listened back. If it sounded good I’d keep it and try to do it again. Always had issues playing the same thing twice. However since coming to the school here definitely dont see that issue as much anymore. I could recognize sounds before but I couldn’t tell you what they were. Getting a lot better at finding those sweet spots and knowing what they are.