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Starting to play acoustic-New years resolution-Any suggestions?
1/6/2012 12:09:44 AM
I am an absolute noob, Can you experienced guy's and Gal's give me some excercises to do to strengthen my fingers and work on my tecneque? (SP)...I want to start right and not develope any noob habits.
1/6/2012 1:29:34 AM
Learn your chord shapes and just strum away while changing from one to the others. Takes time and can be frustrating but it's worth it.
3 chords and a prayer is all you need for most songs. Learn an easy song real quick and it will cut down on the frustration. Somthing like black by pearl jam
3 chords and a prayer is all you need for most songs. Learn an easy song real quick and it will cut down on the frustration. Somthing like black by pearl jam
1/6/2012 11:57:11 AM
A good teacher is your best bet. And don't think it's better to wait until you can play a little to get one. You need one more now.
A good teacher will jumpstart the process and keep you from getting frustrated.
If I can't convince you of that a great series of books are the Skeptical Guitarist. Check out this link.
http://www.skepticalguitarist.com/gfromsratch/scratch.htm
A good teacher will jumpstart the process and keep you from getting frustrated.
If I can't convince you of that a great series of books are the Skeptical Guitarist. Check out this link.
http://www.skepticalguitarist.com/gfromsratch/scratch.htm
1/6/2012 12:46:23 PM
Justin Sandercoe will get you started.
1/6/2012 12:59:32 PM
The technique you are trying to develop depends on the music you want to play, really.
Fingerstyle playing will involve both right and left hand dexterity. Travis picking is different than classical technique. Jazz and modern fingerstyle is a mix of both (kind of). And, are you interested in playing with five fingers or four - or three with an anchor? WIth a thumbpick? Flatpicking involves a different technique, as well. I'm a hack in terms of flatpicking but there are considerations, as well. Bryan Sutton and Tony Rice pick differently than Gypsy players and older jazz guys like Eddie Lang. If you like country music it's probably best to concentrate on drinking heavily and crashing your truck while racing to your 3rd shift gig at the saw mill...
Let us know what you are interested in and we can probably dig up some excercises for you. In terms of pure basics, run the major scale two octaves back and forth - slowly. If someone knows how to post a PDF or other stuff I can put some stuff up.
Fingerstyle playing will involve both right and left hand dexterity. Travis picking is different than classical technique. Jazz and modern fingerstyle is a mix of both (kind of). And, are you interested in playing with five fingers or four - or three with an anchor? WIth a thumbpick? Flatpicking involves a different technique, as well. I'm a hack in terms of flatpicking but there are considerations, as well. Bryan Sutton and Tony Rice pick differently than Gypsy players and older jazz guys like Eddie Lang. If you like country music it's probably best to concentrate on drinking heavily and crashing your truck while racing to your 3rd shift gig at the saw mill...
Let us know what you are interested in and we can probably dig up some excercises for you. In terms of pure basics, run the major scale two octaves back and forth - slowly. If someone knows how to post a PDF or other stuff I can put some stuff up.
1/8/2012 7:40:35 AM
Oh a little Blues,Country, Just about anything really
1/10/2012 9:00:03 PM
like others said , a good teacher will help alot. My younger bro is going that route & is learning alot & correctly. I play by ear , never learned how to read but can pick up a song if heard enough. I found it hard at first especially singing & playing but it can be done & it's a great pass the time kinda thing , plus The womenz like it when you play & sing them a nice diddy.
1/13/2012 9:15:48 PM
Originally Posted By FlyGuy007:
Oh a little Blues,Country, Just about anything really
Oh a little Blues,Country, Just about anything really
Here are a few places that can get you going a bit.
http://www.ericlugosch.com/lessonhome.html - This is a fingerstyle primer with mostly Travis-picking and Piedmont type stuff. Really good stuff but if you are not familiar with basic chords it could be a bit tough.
A few beginners books that could help (but Blues and Country are a big world and this might not be up your alley) would be Beginning Fingerstyle Blues by Galbo and Berle (with CD). Kenny Sultan's Acoustic Blues Guitar (with CD). Keith Wyatt's Beyond Basics Blues Guitar (this book is the basics - with CD). Progressive Fingerpicking Guitar by Turner and White (with CD). Contemporary Travis Picking by Mark Hanson (with CD). Fingerpicking Beatles by Eric Schoenberg. I've had all of these books (still do) and they are gtg. Look above for the JustinGuitar recommendation, too. Youtube is a great reference and I am there all the time looking through other peoples material.
Good luck!
1/20/2012 9:23:38 AM
Don't get too wrapped up with any one style just yet. You may know what you like to hear but it may not be what you wind up liking to play. Just don't over think this. Learn your basic Cowboy chords first. You have to know them to play acoustic. They are really the building blocks that everything else will rest on later. G, C, D, E, F, Em, Dm, Bm; that'll keep you busy for a while. Just pick songs you can strum to that include maybe three or four of these chords and work on them. You'll soon find that the chords more or less happen in a certain progression and you'll be making changes without even thinking about it. Then you're ready to hit the gas and head out for the highway.
One day you'll start wondering about theory and scales. That's a good, if frustrating, thing. For right now just learn those chords by rote.
One day you'll start wondering about theory and scales. That's a good, if frustrating, thing. For right now just learn those chords by rote.
1/21/2012 3:29:14 AM
If you really want to play, it is going to be work and you will live in a state of frustration for a while, then it will be cool,
until you start to move to the next level, then frustration again. I taught myself how to play and picked up what I could
from others as I went. A Good Teacher that you can work with is the way to go. As far as bad habits, I am not so sure there
are any bad habits. No two people play the same, what some would say is a bad habit I would call style. Find what works for you.
until you start to move to the next level, then frustration again. I taught myself how to play and picked up what I could
from others as I went. A Good Teacher that you can work with is the way to go. As far as bad habits, I am not so sure there
are any bad habits. No two people play the same, what some would say is a bad habit I would call style. Find what works for you.
1/28/2012 12:20:26 AM
Have learned a lot from him and Marty Schwartz
1/30/2012 11:04:29 PM
A teacher is out of the question, The closest one would be around 45 miles one way and that's too much driving.
1/31/2012 7:59:31 AM
Originally Posted By FlyGuy007:
A teacher is out of the question, The closest one would be around 45 miles one way and that's too much driving.
A teacher is out of the question, The closest one would be around 45 miles one way and that's too much driving.
I hear you. Lot of driving for a guitar lesson. A good starting point book is the Skeptical Guitarist. It provides a good base. Give it a few weeks and then jump to easy song lessons on youtube and you should be off to the races.
Linky to book
1/31/2012 11:15:34 AM
I know my instructor holds Skype lessons.
It may not be the best alternative but it is an option to look for.
It may not be the best alternative but it is an option to look for.
1/31/2012 6:22:35 PM
Yes I can. Open you phone book and search all of the appropriate BB's to find the best guitar tech you can possibly find wherever you live, or are willing to travel, or wherever you are willing to ship your guitar, and spend the $100 or so to have it once and for all set up the way it should be, Because NONE of them are at the factories, I don't care which manufacturer (Martin is traditionally THE worst, Taylors can be OK, it depends). The action will be at the correct height with the nut cut for whatever gage strings you elect to use and the truss rod will be adjusted properly and to whatever extent possible (because perfect is impossible) it will be intonated and play like (probably better than) a CS Gibson electric.
What's more, if he she know's what he/she's doing and they're personable enough to talk you through the procedure they are performing, you will walk out with a guitar that not only play's you never imagined, but you will understand why and how. And when you apply (and you will) what you learned to what you are playing, you will actually play better because you will understand better how what you are doing is accomplishing what you are trying to do.
I'm rather biased,and I live in Reno so it's a drive, and he's become a very good friend one the years, like this guy a lot http://www.guitartech.us/. You will be extremely pleased. THEN, play the hell out of it.
What's more, if he she know's what he/she's doing and they're personable enough to talk you through the procedure they are performing, you will walk out with a guitar that not only play's you never imagined, but you will understand why and how. And when you apply (and you will) what you learned to what you are playing, you will actually play better because you will understand better how what you are doing is accomplishing what you are trying to do.
I'm rather biased,and I live in Reno so it's a drive, and he's become a very good friend one the years, like this guy a lot http://www.guitartech.us/. You will be extremely pleased. THEN, play the hell out of it.
2/1/2012 1:15:28 PM
Originally Posted By FED-up:
Yes I can. Open you phone book and search all of the appropriate BB's to find the best guitar tech you can possibly find wherever you live, or are willing to travel, or wherever you are willing to ship your guitar, and spend the $100 or so to have it once and for all set up the way it should be, Because NONE of them are at the factories, I don't care which manufacturer (Martin is traditionally THE worst, Taylors can be OK, it depends). The action will be at the correct height with the nut cut for whatever gage strings you elect to use and the truss rod will be adjusted properly and to whatever extent possible (because perfect is impossible) it will be intonated and play like (probably better than) a CS Gibson electric.
What's more, if he she know's what he/she's doing and they're personable enough to talk you through the procedure they are performing, you will walk out with a guitar that not only play's you never imagined, but you will understand why and how. And when you apply (and you will) what you learned to what you are playing, you will actually play better because you will understand better how what you are doing is accomplishing what you are trying to do.
I'm rather biased,and I live in Reno so it's a drive, and he's become a very good friend one the years, like this guy a lot http://www.guitartech.us/. You will be extremely pleased. THEN, play the hell out of it.
Yes I can. Open you phone book and search all of the appropriate BB's to find the best guitar tech you can possibly find wherever you live, or are willing to travel, or wherever you are willing to ship your guitar, and spend the $100 or so to have it once and for all set up the way it should be, Because NONE of them are at the factories, I don't care which manufacturer (Martin is traditionally THE worst, Taylors can be OK, it depends). The action will be at the correct height with the nut cut for whatever gage strings you elect to use and the truss rod will be adjusted properly and to whatever extent possible (because perfect is impossible) it will be intonated and play like (probably better than) a CS Gibson electric.
What's more, if he she know's what he/she's doing and they're personable enough to talk you through the procedure they are performing, you will walk out with a guitar that not only play's you never imagined, but you will understand why and how. And when you apply (and you will) what you learned to what you are playing, you will actually play better because you will understand better how what you are doing is accomplishing what you are trying to do.
I'm rather biased,and I live in Reno so it's a drive, and he's become a very good friend one the years, like this guy a lot http://www.guitartech.us/. You will be extremely pleased. THEN, play the hell out of it.
Hi.
I'm not really quoting you to argure your opinion but I have a question because I've seen this as a recommendation before and it seems to always come up in discussions for noobs.
When I started my journey to play a guitar I read the same thing you posted. Problem is, I wasn't in a spot to get an accoustic set up when I didn't even know how to strum an A chord.
These days, I can think about it but even after spending 1 night per week for 1 year completing both a beginner and intermediate guitar class, I still don't know that getting my ride set up will help me play. Again, I'm not arguing your opinion. I believe I'll sound better with a properly set up axe but will I really know how to play better?
2/1/2012 6:57:44 PM
A properly setup guitar only let's you play better
With less work on your part and this is subjective.
Some of my playing buds that are into bluegrass
Are tickled pink with a 1/4 inch action at the 12th
Fret and if you never get past the third fret I guess
That would work but I can't play a guitar setup like that.
My new Martin, my Strat, my Ovation, my Tele, my Morgan
Monroe. I have never bought a new guitar from any
Company that was good to go out of the box for me.
With less work on your part and this is subjective.
Some of my playing buds that are into bluegrass
Are tickled pink with a 1/4 inch action at the 12th
Fret and if you never get past the third fret I guess
That would work but I can't play a guitar setup like that.
My new Martin, my Strat, my Ovation, my Tele, my Morgan
Monroe. I have never bought a new guitar from any
Company that was good to go out of the box for me.
2/2/2012 10:33:30 AM
Originally Posted By Eyespeck:
Hi.
I'm not really quoting you to argure your opinion but I have a question because I've seen this as a recommendation before and it seems to always come up in discussions for noobs.
When I started my journey to play a guitar I read the same thing you posted. Problem is, I wasn't in a spot to get an accoustic set up when I didn't even know how to strum an A chord.
These days, I can think about it but even after spending 1 night per week for 1 year completing both a beginner and intermediate guitar class, I still don't know that getting my ride set up will help me play. Again, I'm not arguing your opinion. I believe I'll sound better with a properly set up axe but will I really know how to play better?
Originally Posted By FED-up:
Yes I can. Open you phone book and search all of the appropriate BB's to find the best guitar tech you can possibly find wherever you live, or are willing to travel, or wherever you are willing to ship your guitar, and spend the $100 or so to have it once and for all set up the way it should be, Because NONE of them are at the factories, I don't care which manufacturer (Martin is traditionally THE worst, Taylors can be OK, it depends). The action will be at the correct height with the nut cut for whatever gage strings you elect to use and the truss rod will be adjusted properly and to whatever extent possible (because perfect is impossible) it will be intonated and play like (probably better than) a CS Gibson electric.
What's more, if he she know's what he/she's doing and they're personable enough to talk you through the procedure they are performing, you will walk out with a guitar that not only play's you never imagined, but you will understand why and how. And when you apply (and you will) what you learned to what you are playing, you will actually play better because you will understand better how what you are doing is accomplishing what you are trying to do.
I'm rather biased,and I live in Reno so it's a drive, and he's become a very good friend one the years, like this guy a lot http://www.guitartech.us/. You will be extremely pleased. THEN, play the hell out of it.
Yes I can. Open you phone book and search all of the appropriate BB's to find the best guitar tech you can possibly find wherever you live, or are willing to travel, or wherever you are willing to ship your guitar, and spend the $100 or so to have it once and for all set up the way it should be, Because NONE of them are at the factories, I don't care which manufacturer (Martin is traditionally THE worst, Taylors can be OK, it depends). The action will be at the correct height with the nut cut for whatever gage strings you elect to use and the truss rod will be adjusted properly and to whatever extent possible (because perfect is impossible) it will be intonated and play like (probably better than) a CS Gibson electric.
What's more, if he she know's what he/she's doing and they're personable enough to talk you through the procedure they are performing, you will walk out with a guitar that not only play's you never imagined, but you will understand why and how. And when you apply (and you will) what you learned to what you are playing, you will actually play better because you will understand better how what you are doing is accomplishing what you are trying to do.
I'm rather biased,and I live in Reno so it's a drive, and he's become a very good friend one the years, like this guy a lot http://www.guitartech.us/. You will be extremely pleased. THEN, play the hell out of it.
Hi.
I'm not really quoting you to argure your opinion but I have a question because I've seen this as a recommendation before and it seems to always come up in discussions for noobs.
When I started my journey to play a guitar I read the same thing you posted. Problem is, I wasn't in a spot to get an accoustic set up when I didn't even know how to strum an A chord.
These days, I can think about it but even after spending 1 night per week for 1 year completing both a beginner and intermediate guitar class, I still don't know that getting my ride set up will help me play. Again, I'm not arguing your opinion. I believe I'll sound better with a properly set up axe but will I really know how to play better?
If the action is not too hard to make cowboy chords and barre chords up the neck then it is low enough to learn on IMO. Of course too hard is subjective. To a beginner ANY barre chord is too hard.
2/2/2012 10:58:18 AM
I didn't even start working barre chords until my intermediate classes.
flyguy,
You will get better so long as you practice all the time. It's best if you do small chunks at a time. An example might be to work on a few chords for 5-10 minutes. Then just fart around. Try to always end your practice on a good note.
How are your finger tips doing?
flyguy,
You will get better so long as you practice all the time. It's best if you do small chunks at a time. An example might be to work on a few chords for 5-10 minutes. Then just fart around. Try to always end your practice on a good note.
How are your finger tips doing?
