Just Learning
hammertown
Posts: 28
Hi, I know there are alot of experienced guitar players here, but I was hoping for some advice.
What is the best method to learn to play? I picked up a few books, and am trying to teach myself the acoustic. However, I find it frustrating (Read: boring) at times because I don't seem to be getting anywhere.
Should I look at taking a few beginner lessons, so I get the basics down first?
Any others tips?
I appreciate your help
What is the best method to learn to play? I picked up a few books, and am trying to teach myself the acoustic. However, I find it frustrating (Read: boring) at times because I don't seem to be getting anywhere.
Should I look at taking a few beginner lessons, so I get the basics down first?
Any others tips?
I appreciate your help
Don't mean to push, but Im being shoved!!!
Toronto 09/19/05
Hamilton 09/13/05
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Toronto 10/05/00
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I'm in no way experienced, but I'll just pass along my two cents about what worked and didn't work for me as far as learning to play goes.
I bought an acoustic in May of 2001 after graduating from college, bought a few books and was under the impression that I could teach myself how to play. Didn't quite go so well. I tought myself a few chords, but got bored, and frustrated with it really quickly, mostly because I wasn't sure what I was doing was correct or if it ever sounded right, and damn that open F chord, I couldn't get it for the life of me. So the guitar sat for a few years. I'd get the inspiration to pick it up and try every so often, but it probably collected more dust than anything.
Jump to June 2005 and life gave me a little kick in the pants to get off my ass and start doing the things I've been meaning to do, one of which was to learn to play. I looked online in the yellow pages, typed in the word guitar and called up the first place that came up locally and asked if they gave lessons. They did, I booked one for the next day and I've been going to the same guy once a week since then. For me the lessons work and I see an improvement, some weeks more than others. I needed someone to show me if what I was doing was right or wrong or sounded correct or not, and to correct my technique.
Thats just me though. I found lessons to be a neccessity. But try them, worst case scenario you're out a couple bucks. Just try to find a really good and patient teacher and you'll be fine.
A
A minor
C
D
D minor
E
E minor
F
G
with these, you can play 1,000,000,000 songs (give or take)
lessons help, but you can start off on your own
look for tabs online to any song you like
lessons are good cuz you have someone there to ask any questions you may have
but, practicing these chords for at least a year is really the way to start
For me, I got to a different "level" once I started to get some basic scales down.
You can do it, you just have to have a lot of patience and practice a bunch.
Same here!!
When I learned some scales my playing jumped levels, that's the main part where my lessons helped...I took 5 about 2 months ago and it helped alot with soloing techniques and stuff like that. I got so far on my own, but I'm glad I took the lessons too.
They can be pricey though......
"Sorry is the fool who trades his love for high-rise rent, Seems the more you make equals the loneliness you get"
.NJD.
Aaanyway, the bottom line is: YES, it is possible to teach yourself how to play guitar. However, it is not something for everyone. I'm a very perseverant and motivated person, lol, so that kinda helps me keep the focus on my goal and become a better player.
*On another note: Now I play the Strat. I'm gonna attempt to lower the action on the acoustic myself (even though it's an intricate process...) I'll give it a try. I wouldn't go to a professional shop because my guitar is really not worth the money, lol, I could just get another one for what I would spend there . So I'll experiment and try to fix it.
I think for my next birthday I'll get an Epi Les Paul honeyburst.......oh yeah
♪ Juli ♪
They say "a picture is worth 10,000 words"
I think a few hours with a good teacher can really put you ahead rather than trying to teach yourself, especially for the basics.
I studied guitar with Robert Fripp once many moons ago, and one thing he said, "so, you're self taught? That means you learned from someone who doesn't know what they're doing!"
I always liked that one!
Some people are driven to learn by themselves and many many have, but sometimes the extra push from a teacher will help you learn a lot faster.
Sometimes people look at books or websites for hours on end, trying to figure out if what they're doing is right, when really, after few minutes with a good teacher they go,,, "AhA!! THAT'S how you do that!
It's great to learn things like, how to hold the guitar and fingers so they don't labor too much, so you can play efficiently and longer.
Maybe you can learn some chords and scales.
And
Pearl Juli! I was just going to PM you and see how your Strat turned out! I'm glad you like it! It sounds like you got it!
Good luck fixing that acoustic! That's great stuff to learn.
Did you paint it pink yet?
Don't be mankind. ~Captain Beefheart
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haha! No, I didn't paint it pink yet I actually like the original Sunburst finish, though I think a pink Strat in the future would be pretty awesome. I like those new Hello Kitty ones that come in pink and black. Too bad they're Squiers. I guess I could just buy it and make a few upgrades anyway, so it wouldn't be a big deal hehe.
Yeah...I'm gonna need a lot of luck with the acoustic...haha! I need to find some time to do it, and do some more research to see what is that I'm supposed to do exactly. So far I know I gotta do something to the nut, the bridge, the truss rod (sp????) or all of them in order to lower the action, lol. Hopefully it'll turn out allright
♪ Juli ♪
I bet I can walk you through it. I don't want to hijack this thread, but we could do a step by step analysis if you want.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Building_and_repair:_Guitar,_electric/Guitar_Player_Repair_Guide.html
^ There's a book to get you started, but we could do a step by step on another thread if you want.
I think it's great to learn how to do that stuff.
When you're ready, start up a guitar repair thread and I'll help you with tools and the like.
Don't be mankind. ~Captain Beefheart
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well my brother is a guitar teacher and when i started he told me to choose a few 'simple' songs. maybe some with your major chords, G C D. type thing. just work on the transition between the first two chords. once you have that down then add the third chord. and continue. basically break down the songs and not worry about playing the whole thing until you have mastered the 'sections'. also, don't give up, somehow it was a real struggle for me at first and then maigically things just came easier after about three months or so. sooner or later you get 'over the wall' and things progress.
everytime i have to take a crap i sing EVACUATION!!!
EVACUATION!!
"i'll let you be in my dream if i can be in your dream." -b.dylan