Due to the nature of the guitar, it is common for guitar players to become locked into playing in a certain set of keys that are physically easier to play on the guitar. 

However, this approach, (if done for too long) will leave a significant portion of the guitar fingerboard unexplored... 

WHY STUDY KEYS FOR GUITAR:
When it comes to playing guitar riffs, melodic lines and solos in unfamiliar keys (such as Eb major, or F# minor - and others), any guitar player who does not feel comfortable in the "unfamiliar" key can seize up pretty fast.

The solution is obviously going to be gaining better exposure and further awareness for any and all musical keys. However, there needs to be a plan in place for developing "new key" exposure. The plan has to break down any and all keys that are new or unfamiliar to the musician. It must include both, "Chord Progression" and "improvisation" study.

Without a solid plan covering each area, and without a focused study of all unfamiliar keys, the guitarist will be guaranteed to always feel trapped when exposed to any one of the unfamiliar music keys on their fingerboard.



EXPOSURE TO NEW KEYS:
Although you probably already know how to slide a melodic idea along the neck to a new position, or how to transpose barre chords and scales to another key, there is a difference between theoretically knowing “how” to do something and actually feeling confident about playing in strange and unfamiliar music key.

The good news is that by setting up a routine for practicing "how to play in keys" (that you aren’t used to yet), it will become much easier to visualize the entire guitar neck and to have your guitar playing feel much easier and more creative as a result.



NEW KEY EXPOSURE DRILL #1).
You do not need to have lots of natural talent in order to improve your musical creativity in new keys. All you need is an understanding of the elements that go into making the new key operate well on the neck. Consistency in applying these points into your guitar practice sessions will yield the results.

In the example below, I've organized a chord progression in "Eb Major." Take some time and study how this key sounds and where the chords are set upon the fingerboard.

Eb Major jam: Chord Changes
Practice, then record the chord changes shown below.


Eb Major jam: Melodic Idea
Practice, the starter melody shown below, then expand on this idea, taking the melodic concept into more fret-board regions until the entire neck is covered.





NEW KEY EXPOSURE DRILL #2).
Developing your understanding of how new /different keys operate on the neck is the critical component to boosting your confidence across the fret-board. If you select a unique key at least once per week, you will gain a new-found ability for playing in these keys. And, in a relatively short period of time, there won't be a key that you don't feel confident in.

In the example below, I've organized a chord progression in "F# Minor." Take some time and study how this key sounds and where the chords have been placed upon the fingerboard.

F# Minor jam: Chord Changes
Practice, then record the chord changes shown below.


F# Minor jam: Melodic Idea
Practice, the starter melody shown below, then expand on this idea, taking the melodic concept into more fret-board regions until the entire neck is covered.





CONCLUSION:
There will obviously be a lot of practice involved with developing the general idea of expanding musical creativity across several different keys for guitar players. If you follow the advice in this article you will notice significant growth in your ability to express yourself creatively with your music in many different keys. But, it will take time.

Work out a schedule of every musical key. And, do the exercise above with all of the new keys. Shy away from keys that you already know. If you're great at using "E Minor," or "C Major" avoid them. Focus on those keys that you normally never use.

Doing this type of work will also produce the unintended by-product of helping you to become even better at working within all of the music keys you now find easy to play in.

Take your time and develop all of the musical keys - you will start to notice results within the first month of doing this project. And, you'll be very happy you did the work.