Tips for changing playing style

[neonblack]

So for the last decade or so, I've just been playing riffy noisy mathy stuff. And that's what I play in my band now. But I feel like I'm scraping the bottom of my well of ideas with this kinda thing. I still like to riff but I feel like everything is starting to sound the same and I have a bunch of riffs that I'm having trouble turning into actual songs.

I'm also getting more into surfy post punky stuff and I want to incorporate some of that into my playing.

Where do you start when you're trying to change or enhance your playing style?

[Chankgeez]

Just listen to lots of other styles of music and other instruments. Then steal all their ideas.

[neonblack]

But what if I'm an imposter with no real musical knowledge who can't accurately replicate that stuff? ...asking for a friend

[frodog]

Just one finger ad-lib it.

[Blackened Soul]

But what if I'm an imposter with no real musical knowledge who can't accurately replicate that stuff? ...asking for a friend

No matter.
Be the sponge.
Absorb.
Take from everything what you can.

[Ugly Nora]

Buy a Mel Bay book.

[Jero]

But what if I'm an imposter with no real musical knowledge who can't accurately replicate that stuff? ...asking for a friend

Keeping an eye on this. You know...for a friend.

[Chankgeez]

But what if I'm an imposter with no real musical knowledge who can't accurately replicate that stuff? ...asking for a friend

Never stopped me. Just fake it! Do whatever you can do. That usually sounds better to me anyway.

[Heraclitus Akimbo]

But what if I'm an imposter with no real musical knowledge who can't accurately replicate that stuff? ...asking for a friend

"your inaccurate recreations of things you want to copy" = "your style"

Nothing to worry about... why would you want to be a perfect copyist anyway?

[Eivind August]

Yeah, opened the thread to state that you should listen to different kinds of music and instruments. So I guess that is the trve way. Maybe read up on some basic theory for the musical style or instrument you're listening to - people tend to learn theory faster and more pleasantly when it's in the context of something they're interested in.

[coupleonapkins]

[popvulture]

^^^ AMAZING.

But yeah, changing tunings is one of the best things I’ve found to get out of a rut. You’ve probably tried DADGAD, but if not, it’s one I always enjoy breaking out. Or play with no pick. Or take a string off. Or play a totally different instrument, even better one that you don’t have any idea how to play...

[DrMabuse]

Pick out 15-20 songs that you like in the style you want to learn and make a playlist. Play along with them. Start with a bass line, work up to chords, and start throwing in some leads. Discard the ones where the band couldn't be bothered to tune up to A-440 or whatever pitch you prefer. Rinse and repeat. Treat it like calisthenics. Ask yourself "what if a three guitar band like Skynard covered this?" and be the third guitar. Start embellishing with fills and leads. Cheat and look at a tab site like ultimate guitar if you're completely lost. Learn those songs like you're going to start a cover band that plays casinos and weddings. Figure out what scales the bands you like are using. Cull the playlist, and add new stuff to try. Things will eventually start to click. You may end up in some weird places, but you'll learn something. Rinse and repeat and incorporate the new things you find into your own stuff. Good artists borrow, great ones steal, and the best ones make it sound like nothing you've ever heard before.

[MechaGodzilla]

Ditch some pedals and get weird with your hands

OR

get more pedals and do less with your hands

ad nauseam

[Chankgeez]

Ditch some pedals and get weird with your hands