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Feedback: a virtual suggestion box

By Mark Lee

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When this blog is going in full swing I hope for it to be a true community. I’m looking into incorporating a forum or a ning group. Or maybe a ning group with a forum? But I get ahead of myself. Baby steps, Mark…

In the meantime, during this “beta” phase of the SixStringLounge, I am going to have a feauture called “Feedback” (get it?) where I throw a topic out at you as a conversation starter.

For this first installment, think of this “feedback” post as a virtual suggestion box. Do you have any questions about gear or guitar playing? Anything you’d like to see happening on this blog?

The purpose is twofold: one, I want to get to know you! I want to see who all is hanging out around these parts, and where everybody’s coming from. I want to interact with you, and for you to interact with each other. Oh, yeah. Baby steps.

The second purpose of this post (and more importantly, your comments!) is quite practical. I am going to use your comments as fodder for a series of posts called “Talking Shop” that I’m going to get going next week. So if your question is good enough, look for it to appear in blog format very soon!

The suggestion box is OPEN! Let me hear your thoughts!

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Tags: Feedback, guitar, suggestion box

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 at 10:59 am and is filed under Feedback. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Comments to “Feedback: a virtual suggestion box”

Brad hill

January 21, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Mark,
How important is the order of your pedals? does it really make a huge difference and is there one generic way to accomplish most of what you want to do?

#53

Craig

January 21, 2009 at 4:52 pm

Hey Mark,

My name is Craig (we follow each other on twitter. I'm craigmcclellan). I'm a senior guitar major at Belmont University in Nashville. I started playing in 10th grade because I loved you and Brad. Now I'm about to graduate and hopefully be a professional guitar player.

My question for you is on your process for coming up with guitar parts to songs. I know everyone goes about this in different ways and would love to hear your take on it.

Thanks for making this blog. I think it will be a fun place to interact.

#55

Chris

January 21, 2009 at 6:36 pm

I'm a beginner. I'd like to know the alternate (translated easier) versions to playing some chords. I realize probably not all chords have these easier alternates, but I'm sure some do.

#56

Andrew

January 21, 2009 at 6:39 pm

Do you think PRS guitars are better than Epiphones? Which do you prefer? Which has a better sound?

#57

Albert

January 21, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Hi Mark! Great site you're putting on for us. =) My question is along the lines of Chris's. How do you figure out/play inverted chords on the guitar. I'm interested in knowing how they work. Thanks!

#58

Pokinatcha

January 21, 2009 at 6:55 pm

My 11 year old son wants to play & has a couple years of piano under his sleeve. What's the best way to get him started?

#59

Jason Durham

January 21, 2009 at 6:57 pm

What would be a best case scenario for an acoustic pedal board rig, in your opinion. Do you go through a preamp di like a Radial, or just run direct and let the house tweak?

#60

Robert

January 21, 2009 at 7:27 pm

Hey Mark! Very Nice! Could you describe over the course of the next couple of weeks the gear you use live, and in the studio? It would be neat to learn some of the tools you've picked up over the years.

#63

Robert

January 21, 2009 at 7:34 pm

Nevermind, just realized you've already done that, and I'm a moron! My apologies!

#64

Cathartic Sarah

January 21, 2009 at 8:38 pm

Hey, Mark, we follow each other on twitter (strat4jesus) and we're friends on FB. Everyone's asking about pedal order, but I would like to know what specific pedals you actually use.

#65

Angie

January 21, 2009 at 8:58 pm

I'm with Chris & Albert, above. I've never learned how to read tab, I just love to play chords. I'm sure tht whatever you choose to teach us, we'll like it!

#66

Michael

January 21, 2009 at 9:04 pm

Hey Mark, would love to see chord progressions for the Revelation album, thanks.

#70

Cathartic Sarah

January 21, 2009 at 9:07 pm

Ha, I just looked around the website and answered my own question. Thanks for the pictures of your rig!

#67

guitarist wannabe

January 22, 2009 at 12:18 am

How do you handle switching between picking and strumming? Did you ever take lessons specifically geared towards fingerstyle? Were they worth it?

#69

marklee3d

January 22, 2009 at 6:35 am

Yes it actually does make a huge difference what order your pedals are in. Does that mean that there's a way you're SUPPOSED to do it? Not at all… Most guitarists set it up a certain way. Look for a blog post on this

#72

marklee3d

January 22, 2009 at 6:37 am

Wow - a senior guitar major. You could probably play circles around me. Seriously!

That is a great question… Again probably worth doing a whole post around it…

#73

marklee3d

January 22, 2009 at 6:41 am

Both PRS and Epiphone make great guitars. I played Epiphones onstage for over five years.

I think it's up to the individual player to find a guitar that meets his or her needs.

That said, yes, in my personal opinion, PRS guitars are the best! I like that many of their models are very versatile and give you more than one pickup option (magnetic/piezo, single coil/humbucker). Plus they hold tune extremely well. Great live guitars…

#74

marklee3d

January 22, 2009 at 6:43 am

I do actually intend to take the next several weeks and talk about some of the gear I use live!

#75

Sheldon

January 22, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Well, your back on the blog! Good! I'm Batting around a few PRS guitars for future purchase, { when I get a good job, I mean.} and I have always liked your brown guitar. Is it a SC 250 quilted maple top?

#76

Dan_Gross

January 22, 2009 at 4:26 pm

Some thoughts top-of-mind:
Gear:
–Effects in "order of importance." Some people slowly build their equipment so it would be nice to know what to buy first.
–The "all-in-one" vs. "single effect" balance. I know some people use "all-in-one" pedals to get a set of base effects relatively cheaply, but a discussion of where you might want to be redundant (eg you'll still want to have a dedicated "X" pedal) and what are the relative pro's and cons would be cool.
Playing:
–Hopefully you'll make use of your new Flip. Getting chord progessions for songs are nice, but sometimes when you see how it's played you realize it's easier than it looks. Case in point for me is "I've Always Loved You." Sounds like you'll handle more basic stuff before getting to that but you get the idea.
–Exercises you've used to develop fret and picking hands.
–Tips on keeping the practicing "fresh." Sometimes practicing the same songs, doing the same exercises, etc over and over can get monotonous and make you not want to pick up the guitar. I know I personally keep a book of 60 or so songs that I'll play random songs out of while I'm working on what I "need" to do, or perhaps I'll look at the charts for this week's worship tunes even if I'm not playing, but I'd like to hear from someone who has to play more or less the same songs night in and out…

As I indicated in the Beginner post I consider myself an advanced beginner. Been playing with some regularity for a couple of years but really haven't pushed myself. Have only really played acoustic, but have interest in electric. Can do basic chords and since upgrading guitars (from an el-cheapo to an Alvarez) I have had some success with barre chords, but still can't get them to ring out consistently. Really a strummer right now, with flat/finger picking being another challenge that I'd like to attack at some point.

Thanks again for putting this together! I look forward to learning from whatever you have to offer!

#77

david

January 30, 2009 at 12:13 am

First I'm amazed that someone as ..hate to use the word famous..so how bout so well known is willing to cut time out of their day to be interested in sharing what they know with us little folk
In my past life I played with a blues band but that life was all about hard core partying and other things that we're certainly not worth of a life well lived. When I came to know Jesus guitar playing was one of the many things that dropped out of my life. Sold all my gear … 20 years later…I find a renewed passion for playing, but now I find my passion for playing worship songs for our small group, Little Kids ministry (called Jesus and Me) and that's pretty much it. I'm cool with that. To me, I feel like at our little church there is a need for someone with my skill to help and since I have the skill I look at it as just a great opportunity to serve…secretly though..late at night my wife (a drummer) and we just let loose and jam…neighbors arn't very happy but..

I'm thinking that most people here are follower of Jesus, yes? And you're players or are planning to play right? Let me encourage you, if your not, to find places to serve with your music at church, in the small places. Our people love to worship and sing to the Lord, and if you can help and serve in that small way…I can't tell you just how powerful and moving that is! Personally I don't think I'll ever be a "Mark Lee" though it would totally wicked cool to play with Mac, Tai and David I'm cool with that because God will use us as we are willing to serve….sorry I've totally digressed.
…anyway, recently I bought an old fender Stratocaster (Always loved'em), Line6 PodXT live and a little fender junior. It's perfect for what I do. Probably overkill

So what I would love for you to share are more complex playing patterns that you use with Third Day…There are tons of Third Day basic tabs and chord charts, but they seem to be the parts that Mac might play on acoustic guitar, and then you layer your guitar part on top of it. I'd love to learn what you are doing in those parts.

Finally here's a link you might want to share, it a blog called "For YOUR Glory " the kid writes some beautiful arrangements for worship songs…they're beginner arrangements.. for all kinds of worship songs you could play. Graham uses video and it's worth your time to visit. The link is http://grahamchoo.blogspot.com/.

sorry this is so long winded

always in grace!
david

#89

Paul

January 30, 2009 at 3:57 pm

Hey Mark. Love the blog. Good to see a Christian perspective on the art of the guitar! I'm a fan of vintage pedals (although most are too expensive for me to own!) I was wondering what your favorite all-time pedal would be. I know, a tough question considering the range of effects, so a list would be fine And do you have a preference for analog pedals or digital?

#99

Dan_Gross

February 3, 2009 at 4:22 pm

You know, just to add to the "find places to serve with your music" comment, don't forget the kids! I know some people are not "kid people," but if you are, Sunday School is a great place to build up your chops. Most songs are a basic I-IV-V progression (read: simple) and if the key is hard you can use a capo to help you. I think the kids prefer singing along to live music versus CD/tape, and it makes it easier to teach them a song when you can "play" with the arrangement.

#143

Dan_Gross

February 3, 2009 at 4:27 pm

One way I was just thinking of handling the "what to purchase when" question is perhaps to start a discussion on "How to start from scratch on an $xxx budget." Just get a feel of where you'd spend the money….for example, if I had $500 (which, unfortunately I don't, but I do have an acoustic guitar ;-), would you spend $450 on a guitar and try to find an el-cheapo Amp on craigslist or some-such, or relatively cheap guitar and decent amp, or buy a Squier-type combo and spend the rest on your "pedal board?" Or somewhere in between?

#144

Adam

February 3, 2009 at 7:51 pm

Mark, I play in a band that does about 75 dates a year and I'm constantly struggling with having to leave behind the family, especially my young children. My son will be starting tee ball soon and the season will fall right in the middle of an upcoming tour for us. I couldn't live with myself if I missed his games but on the other hand I am also committed to the guys I play with. Do you have the same struggles and what kind of advice can you give me?

#146

AndrewG

February 6, 2009 at 12:11 am

Mark- Do you think you can do a blog post about Amplifiers and Half-stacks? As in which are the best ones and which amps make different sounds compared to others? if possible…Thanks!

#172

Wes

February 19, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Hey Mark. Gotta say that I was ELATED when you began using PRS guitars…I have 3 in constant rotation when I'm leading worship and would love to see you elaborate on your PRS collection; what you have, which ones see the most action, the prettiest, etc!

#317

Dan_Gross

February 20, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Logistical Question: Any guidelines/thoughts around user-submitted links? Generally I know don't link to NSFW type stuff, etc, but I get that there's a "flow" you're going for here, and know also there may (or may not) be some professional/artistic sensitivities involved with some sites that could be linked. I'm talking things like "tab" (or specific topics on other "learn guitar") sites, "non-3D-affiliated" music companies, etc. I know this is a general guitar site, and not a Third Day site, but I'm still aware of who's running this joint…thoughts?

#370

Wes

February 21, 2009 at 2:23 am

AMEN!! Avoid "canned" music when possible…playing for kids is such an awesome experience (and a ministry)….you may find, like I did, that you have as much or more fun singing with the kids then they do! Also, it is always awesome to watch kids you played for grow up to have a passion for music as well.

#392

Wes

February 21, 2009 at 2:28 am

The SC 250's are AWESOME (Mark….is yours a Private Stock??) Play a few PRS models when you are going to purchase….for instance….the SC245 has a slightly shorter scale (24.5" as opposed to 25"…hence the name), different pickups….even a slightly different bridge….there are many options out there which make PRS guitars extremely versatile…..they are an investment, but I strongly suggest saving up rather than going for an SE. As with most musical equipment, you get what you pay for!!!! I love my singlecuts, and will never go back to anything else!

#393

Tim

February 24, 2009 at 12:05 am

Here's a couple suggestions for content:
1) What are some good drills to improve/maintain dexterity
2) Recommend 5 songs by 5 different artists that would be good to learn different styles or techniques.

Thanks for setting up the site Mark!
-T

#580

marklee3d

February 24, 2009 at 12:34 am

Tim, if there were a prize for “Best Suggestion” you would get it! Those are brilliant ideas. I will add both to my rapidly growing list of future blog posts…

#582

Cam

February 24, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Hey Mark, I've been playing guitar for a few years now, and playing for my church for about a year. I still suffer from a bit of stage fright as I play. I know that me being nervous hampers my ability to play in front of people. How did you over come being nervous while playing in front of people (assuming you ever were nervous)? And do you have any tips on getting over stage fright?
Anyways, I love this site and look forward to more posts from you.
-Cam

#637

Sheldon

February 24, 2009 at 8:15 pm

I'd say, from experience, play as much as you can in front of people. I just started playing with my church band, and wasn't sure how it would go. But since I had played in front of that crowd with some friends a few times before, it was a lot easier, and made it more comfortable for me.

#642

Dan_Gross

February 24, 2009 at 8:33 pm

The discussion in the "buying a guitar" topic + your tweets this weekend about looking for your "stuff" has had me thinking about a "what's in your guitar case/gig bag?" I've thought about putting my own thoughts in said "buy a guitar" topic (as in, what else you should buy/have), but rather than spreading more of my ignorance there, I'd let the good Dr. explain.
I'm thinking of things people immediately think of (picks, capo, tuner, strap, instrument cable for electric), things they may not (cloth to wipe down neck, spare strings, "humidifier" for acoustic guitars), and the "optionals" (bottleneck (if you start playing that style), cleaners like "Fast Fret," (I know some who swear by stuff like that, though many say wiping with a cloth suffices), etc)…

#645

jessface77

March 8, 2009 at 11:03 pm

Hey Mark! GREAT site, i am loving it. I am actually going to be teaching a beginning guitar class, and your site is doing WONDERS on my lesson planning, as i am NOT a teacher. Thanks! I noticed that you don't have anything in your posts about STRINGS! What brand would you recommend for absolute beginners? I remember playing D'Addario lights a lot in my early years, (I really loved the colored ends!) but the G would bust almost every Sunday on my guitar. I've switched to GHS in recent years, but what would you suggest? Thanks again!

Jessica

#1364

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