Thinking of taking up the Guitar

[DoTheDrew 0]

HAHAHA

You guys are great. Thanks for all the advice.

[SkyDivinRyan 0]

norman is a great guitar cheap and forms to the way you play

[lawrocket 3]

I agree with the training on music theory. I was in a rut with the guitar until I took classes on music theory, and applied triads, diads, circle of fifths, etc., to it. It immediately expanded what I could do, and the music theory made music come far more naturally. There was just so much less guesswork.

How am I able to pick up songs and play them by ear pretty quickly? Get the key down and the options are limited!

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[cloudseeker2001 0]

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So I guess that leaves me no where with no motivation to be a famous rock or Texas Country star.

Still waiting for someone to step up and fill the void left by Stevie Ray Vaughn.

That could be you, man

Lots of great players can fill it, but the time is not right........Doyle Bramhall II could be damn close!

"Some call it heavenly in it's brilliance,
others mean and rueful of the western dream"

[kschilk 0]

Here's a little gizmo, you might want to look into. The following link gives a detailed description and this is the lowest price I've seen. This site, however....does not have free shipping so it's actually a bit more, than others. http://store.yahoo.com/qualityelectronics/tacdcdintr.html
I recommend going to http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ , I can't find this item on their site but it's in their catalog. You can subscribe to it for free, on their website. I plan to get one (Tascam MKll), soon. The reviews are all good, that I've seen.

"T'was ever thus."

[warpedskydiver 0]

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I have been looking around online and am thinking about picking up the guitar. Was wondering if any one had some advice on good guitars for a beginner as well as tools for self teaching?

Playing guitar can be very expensive and will take up all your time. My suggestion is sell me your rig for cheap since you won't have the time to jump anymore ok?

[DoTheDrew 0]

Sure thing...

20 bucks too much?

[Airman1270 0]

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I'm self taught. I think what worked for me to start off was a good chord book and a songbook. It's more fun if you can play stuff you recognize.

You can get pretty good starter guitars for 200 or 300 dollars... Spend an extra 30-50 bucks on a "set up," too. It'll make it better for you immediately.

For God's sake, start off on an acoustic. Electrics are easier to play, which means that you don't get the basics down as well. Now's the time to build hand and finger strength, and familiarity with it. Wait till later to get an electric. You can do everything on an electric that you can on an acoustic, but not the opposite...But don't set your sights too high too quickly...Get the basics down, and move on from there...
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Hmmm...Our backgrounds are similar, though I started out on an electric. Bought a chord book and a Beatle song book about 32 years ago and got started. Piece of cake. Except for "F." I hated "F."

If you have a real passion for music that will help. Listen to, and learn to appreciate a wide variety of music. (Apologize for ASSuming you don't already.)

Having time to play is key. Try for at least a half hour a few times a week. If you're having fun this will not be difficult, but I don't know your situation. I began when I was 16, and played a lot when I was in my early 20's, single, and had lots of time to play alone or jam with friends.

In those years I'd work the midnight-8:00 shift and go home to an empty house after my family went to work/school. I'd party a bit and jam for as much as three hours at a stretch.

Years later one of the other guys in the church band greeted me as I arrived for practice:

"Jon, you're really wailing on that guitar. How'd you get so good?"

"Drugs."

Of course, this is optional. But seriously, have fun. Within a short time you'll see some progress, which will encourage you to keep at it. Sorta like skydiving.

Cheers,
Jon S.

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