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I'm a newbie looking for advice on how to improve. Hear me at bandmix.com/jmershon. I would appreciate constructive criticism on how to play better. I've never worked with a band, but would like to learn to be able to...what should I do?

You need to loosen up...you're playing so stiff...robotic like. you have to be able to feel the song you are playing...You can't just play the chords and notes; if there isn't some feeling and soul in the guitar it sounds flat and stiff.

Practice...you have potential...just keep practicing. I can't see how you would really get into "dreams"....doesn't sound like your style...so practice songs that you get into. You're playing like somebody who is walking in shoes that are too tight for them.

Constructive criticism...don't take it personally...I'm just being honest. It just didn't seem like you enjoyed playing those songs...and if there is no joy in what you play, that projects to the audience.

you're right, I hear that, too. I sort of freeze up a little when I push the record button...I'm so worried about playing perfectly that it sounds mechanical and soulless. I guess I need more practice! Thanks!

I would say your delay and chorus levels are turned up way too much. Your tone should come from your fingers. Effects should be used to enhance, not used as a crutch.

My first piece of advice would be to practice with the effects turned very low. You just want a small amount of delay, just enough to not sound completely dry. Not sure if I'm hearing a Chorus,Flanger, or phaser, but you should probably lose it altogether.

Yeh, too much echo.. (unless you're Joe Walsh or Steve Vai, then it's OK -in moderation) Sounds like you've got talent tho..Rock and Roll!..

From one newb to another. Yes, practice clean!! Then use you effects sparingly. Think of it like adding salt to your food man. Do you want to taste steak, or salt?
I would really like to hear some clean renditions of the covers you have done. It will be quite revealing for you.

hmm where to start.

What everyone said about the FX - ditch them.. play dry (IMO). You seem to lack the most basic skill of accentuating the notes and timing the rhythms. I'd recommend strongly that you go way back to the basics and learn a few starter songs with strong hooks for rhythms and practice nailing those rhythms perfectly..

Using who lotta love as the example, you are hitting the correct notes, but not at the correct times and your note emphasis is inaccurate, so it just sounds wrong, without being technically wrong.. know what I mean?

Also use a metronome or click track to play along to, which will build your rhythm playing dramatically over time.

Hope that helps, and sorry if it's harsh.

Wow, yeah. Way too many effects. I am listening to "Girls Girls Girls" while I write this, and I can't tell what I'm listening to because you are using a PHASER! Which isn't even on that song!

There's way too much drive on your distortion as well. Cut back the drive/overdrive.

Kramer mentioned a metronome (I figured someone had to).

Here's an even more fun idea: Download Powertabs or Guitar Pro (Guitar Pro is better, but costs money; Powertabs is free) and use it to play along to the song so you have some background instruments. A lot of Guitar Pro files are complete, meaning bass, drums and sometimes even vocals (done with an oboe or something similar). I like to use the tabs as tools, and turn off the guitar parts. Then I've got a makeshift band. It's midi, so it doesn't sound great, but it sure is fun and it helps a ton with timing and getting that "band feel".

Something else: Actually listen to your recordings and use them as a practice tool. Record yourself during practice, and then listen to it. Figure out what you're doing wrong, where you're off, what needs improving. Work out those parts.

Practice SLOW. Slow it down and make sure you get every note perfect, then speed it up.

Hi Jmershon.
Would love to hear but I cannot right now since I'm moving.

Welcome to the hubbub.