Ask Patmac - Guitar Lesson World

AskPatmac is a new feature of Guitar Lesson World, where I will answer your questions!

How it works:

1. Connect a Microphone to your computer or use your phone’s microphone.

2. Leave a voice message of around 1 minute or less with your guitar-related question.

3. I’ll listen to the messages and answer new questions on the site.

AP-014: How do I measure signal latency?

Question How do I measure signal latency to improve my real-time use of modeling software? Answer If you use modeling software like Amplitube in real-time, you will need to understand signal latency. The round-trip latency […]

AP-013 What are your Favorite Exotic Chords?

Question What are your personal favorite 3 “exotic” or less commonly known guitar chords that you recommend for intermediate/advanced guitarists? Answer Exotic chords usually require a special rule to use it well. I don’t recommend […]

AP-012 What are the biggest chord mistakes for beginner guitar players?

Question What are some of the biggest mistakes you see beginner guitar players make when learning: a) basic guitar chords and b) barre chords. Answer a. Every individual is different, but a common issue is […]

AP-011 What are the two fundamental CAGED chord voicings?

Question I am trying to learn some theory and got confused about a statement that was made by an on-line instructor. I had been using CAGED theory as the basis to connect octaves, scales, and […]

Patmac answers an improvisation question about the guitar.

AP-010 How do I select scales for guitar solos?

Question … Something I don’t understand is, for example, say a simple 3 chord song such as Can’t You See by Marshall Tucker is D-C-G. If I were to make my own solo up to […]

Ask Patmac your guitar questions about practicing

AP-009 How do I keep up with the chord changes?

Question: When I try to improvise over a backing track, I always get kinda lost. I’m always concentrating on which notes I am playing and not on which bar I am on. Do you have […]

AP-008 How Do I Memorize Songs?

Question I started my music course this week and had to play a song from memory. I struggled to recall the chord progression without my safety net. Any advice on how to improve this please?

AP-007 Why are chords major or minor?

Question Why are chords called major chords or minor chords? ~Tony Answer Major and minor chords have a difference in one particular note, the third. Let’s look at how it gets that name through a […]

AP-006 How do I order my guitar practice?

Question Love your website! I am taking lessons from a guitar instructor here in Los Angeles for a half hour once a week. However, not a lot can be done in such a short lesson. […]

AP-005 – Why do guitars have dots?

Question I am a rank beginner to the guitar. I am trying to learn the function of the fretboard. The guitar I have borrowed is classical with 12 frets. How do I transfer what I […]

AP-004 What is the Decorative Ring Around the Sound Hole of an Acoustic Guitar?

Question What is the official name of the decorative ring around the sound hole of an acoustic guitar? ~Bob

AP-003 Can I vary the timing within a measure?

Question In making an arrangement with any song. How close must a person stay to the original timing. I have been told I can vary within a measure, but must be with count 1 of […]

AP-002: Do I always have to play a C scale over a C chord?

Question: I will paraphrase a question that I received from Alan Mullins. In a I-IV-V progression, do I always have to play a C scale over a C chord? Answer: The short answer is no, […]

AP-001: Gold vs Nickel Plugs on Guitar Cables

Question: What are your thoughts on gold or chrome plug for your cable? ~Eric Lopez Answer: Eric, thank you for your question. This is a question that can have an impact on your tone and […]