This Round Is Done!

Let's do another round where we just play the guitar. I got this sweet new guitar that sounds crystal clear and want to show it off. What better way to do that than to have a round of just guitar.

Let's say you can use effects but keep it minimal. In fact, if you can get the sounds of the room into the submission then that'd be interesting. Also try to keep it to just one take with a minimum of editing.

Those are just suggestions. Most important thing is just do it with one guitar.

Ideas For Inspiration

Sometimes you have no idea what to make for a song, and get stuck thinking whatever you've made sucks. The competitive aspect of Fret War, even though they're fairly tongue-in-cheek, can stifle your output. I know of several players who've told me they have something in the works and then they don't post it because they don't like it.

So, I thought I'd throw out some ideas to get people's creativity going. These are things I do all the time and they really help me. Maybe you can mention some other ideas in the comments.

1. Relax. A stressed or worried mind isn't all that creative.
2. Do object writing. This is where you take a single random word, and then write about it using all of your 5 senses plus emotions and thoughts about it. It gets your mind flowing through perceiving abstract things in different ways.
3. Noodle while watching TV. With your attention on something else you'll not be focused on your playing, so you'll relax and get your mind in a good frame of mind.
4. Related to object writing, pick a random word and work out a few chords that seem to describe that word. Then build a melody around it.
5. Take chords changes from another song, record them, and then just play whatever sounds good over them. Bound to find one good idea.
6. Play a different instrument then translate it to guitar. I will sometimes work a melody out on piano, transcribe it, and then try it on guitar.
7. Keep a notebook of ideas. I stopped doing this, but it's really helpful. I'd just keep a moleskin on me and if I had an idea I'd jot it down. Song titles, lyrics, whatever. Just write it down.
8. Play the wrong notes. Pick a few chords and then play all the worst notes like you don't care if they're right.
9. Remove timing. Take the beat away and try to play without any timing. This works best if you record some chords in one time, then some melody or solos without listening to your chords, then combine them. It'll sound hilarious and probably something will come of it.
10. Learn a different style than you're used to. I'm currently learning Country. All sorts of different techniques and ideas in there.

These are just a few things to give you ideas. What's yours?