Heya

[Warrior2089]

Hey, I got a guitar for Christmas roughly 3 years ago in the 6th grade, and haven't used it much until I fell in love with the idea of playing hard metal music a few weeks ago. So I'm new but I'm progressing very well -- I can almost play the the full song of Blow me Away by Breaking Benjamin, and it's been only a few weeks!

So I'm new and all and I have a few questions.

Firstly, I'm going to be buying the Boss MT-2 Metalzone Pedal within the next week to get the "hardcore metal" sound. What's your opinion on it? Go to Youtube and search in Boss MetalZone MT-2 Demo, by NoRelent27. That's someone playing it (I love the beginning).

Secondly, how important is it to music theory along with actually being able to play? It seems to me that I could go on and play great songs without knowing advanced music theory due to tabs and all, so how important is it?

Thanks.

- Sean.

[Neal Walter]

Hey Sean,

My son is in the 9th grade and plays metal guitar too. Sounds like you're catching on quick, you probably have a good ear. I checked out the demo on YouTube and Boss always makes good stuff. The real test is how YOU like it, if it sounds and feels right to you then go for it.

As far as theory goes, if you just want to learn songs you can just pick up the tabs and build a collection of 'cover' songs in your head but if you're thinking about writing you own songs, which tends to be the natural process after you've been playing everyone else's for awhile, you might want to think about picking up some theory. This will help you understand what's going on in the song and why everything fits together and will improve the quality of what you're saying musically.

Rock on!!
Neal \w/,

[JeffS65]

Secondly, how important is it to music theory along with actually being able to play? It seems to me that I could go on and play great songs without knowing advanced music theory due to tabs and all, so how important is it?

I was self taught and did pretty well and became a pretty advanced player at one point. Except for one problem; I was always trying to overcome my lack of knowledge in so many situations. I could physically play quite well and had really good dexterity. I had a base understand of scales and keys but nothing more than that. It was that I still lacked knowledge that stopped me from doing any number of things. Eventually you will run in to that brick wall where you find that having that theory will be invaluable.

While I can still play well enough nowadays, I came to GT to learn what I didn't know so many years ago. Theory.

Having that in your pocket makes you a better player because it's like having a toolbox, you have more tools in that box. Learning songs is easier because you understand patterns and modes and helps you creativity too because you do not have to stop and think about if a certain riff will work in the context you are creating in.

Don't make my mistake.