Studying music theory & scales/modes, all that stuff, is so easy, even a little kid can learn it all. I wished I learned music theory when I first started playing guitar and I would have been a much better guitarist now. Theory is interesting stuff, and if you want to be called, an actual “musician”, you have to learn this stuff. You are not a real musician if you don’t know theory.

Most people make the mistake that famous guitarists like Jimmy Page, Randy Rhoads, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton, all use complex stuff in their lead guitar playing but not really. Those guitarists I just mentioned, use the simple and basic scales like most guitarist uses: the typical minor pentatonic scale and various blues scales, using modes to go along with them. Randy Rhoads uses a lot of Phrygian stuff in his solo playing. Why? Because Phrygian is a good mode for classical and metal, both. Randy is a classical guitarist, that’s how he always played his electric. Jimmy Page uses Pentatonic scales in almost everything. See? Nothing too complicated.

After I learn all this theory stuff, I would be able to come up with my own style of lead guitar soloing. I would be able to figure out what scales & modes is best for me to use. I really am trying to focus on my playing. I would like to be respected as a guitarist, so if I wanted to be respected as a real musician, I figure I’d get my shit together and learn better guitar. Go from amateur to pro. That’s my dream that I’m trying to achieve.

I’m enjoying myself and it’s feeling good. If I want my own band one day, this is another reason why I need to get better.

Kev