Contemplating learning to play guitar

ManglerYJ

ManglerYJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Lexington, NC
I've always wanted to learn to play the guitar. I've played drums since I was a teenager and while I have a blast =with them at church on occasion, I'd really like something a little more "portable". Also, with three kids 5 and under in the house, I want something that I can put up off the floor out of reach.

Anyone self-taught? Anyone use the free on-line tutorials? Since I'm at home with the kids, I can't really go out for lessons, and I'm too cheap anyway to pay someone. There... I said it.

Also, from the little research I've done, if I were to actually enjoy guitar, I'd kick myself immediately if I got a no-name guitar, everything I've been looking at says I probably want nothing less than a Fender Strat or similar. Some opinions vary on whether a Squier is sufficient. I've sene some Strats in the 100-200 range. Can anyone advise?

I do like classical guitar, but I prefer an electric for the screaming guitar feel like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjA5faZF1A8
 
I picked up a Lucero classical guitar in 09 and I'm learning to play by myself. I did take a free lesson at Sam Ash which actually taught me a couple of things. I should really take lessons there and I really want to I just can't afford them right now. You can get beginner books and song books to learn from as well as watching the tutorials online. I don't think you need to get Fender or a Gibson to have a quality guitar, just go down to one of the music stores and ask them for an inexpensive quality guitar. From what I have been told most people pick an inexpensive guitar to learn on and then upgrade later. The instructor I met with at Sam Ash said the one I have was a great sounding guitar even though he was unfamiliar with the brand. This is the one I have.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Lucero-LC100-Classical-Guitar-103233185-i1171410.gc
 
I'd take someone with me that does play and play well. Have them help you pick out a good instrument. Big differences in good and not so good is how well the tuning keys hold position, distance between string and frets, stuff like that, that only a real player will know.
Buy a good used one and learn then step up. I'd go for an acoustical first to learn on.
 
I tried it in the past but I have ZERO rythem and after 4 days I was no better and more confused...

I gave up and kept doing things I was good at.. :)
 
A classical guitar is going to be more useful and easier to learn.

The strings are typically nylon and spread out a little further so a little easier on building calusis (sp)?

I learned with acoustic and then moved to electric and was very happy with that transition.

And if you got a good ear it's easy to read tabliture (tabs) and learn your own songs.

Good Luck!
 
start on acoustic...then move on to elec when you can play. You will be more rounded and a much better player. Also dont cheap out and buy a cheapo....Even really good players sound like shit on cheapos so you will think your not getting better. you can snag a decent starter in the 350-500 range and then practice and then repeat...Tons of youtube and online stuff to self learn...It helps TONS to have a buddy that knows how to play or wants to start learning at the same time. Solo gets very boring and you will get burnt out.

Best of luck!
 
I'm self taught, but I feel like I'm more of a mimic than a musician. (If that makes sense) Don't skimp on the equipment, check Craigslist for a nice electric. My first guitar was a 1965 Fender Mustang, and I was hooked on the electric. I have an acoustic also, but IMO, electric is WAAAY more fun.

This is my Mustang... really "dirty" sounding with the dual single coils.
ai59.photobucket.com_albums_g315_ShempBoy_DSC02440.jpg


Here's my other 2 electric. I'm sorry if I've gone too far off topic.:tongue:

ai59.photobucket.com_albums_g315_ShempBoy_DSC02436.jpg


ai59.photobucket.com_albums_g315_ShempBoy_DSC02438.jpg
 
If it were me I'd buy a cheap acoustic. I've known probably 20 people who have gone out and bought guitars and decided it was too hard for them and gave up. Now their 400 dollar guitar just sits in the corner collecting dust. I own a few cheaper guitars that I bought a pawn shops for less than a hundred bucks. My favorite of all is a single cut away "Kona". I think I may have payed 70 bucks for it brand new from a pawn shop. It's got that great crisp sound I like decent action and has held up well.

My advice would be to download a chord chart that shows finger placement. learn most of your major chords, A,E,B,G,C and D. Then teach yourself all the variations, and practice transitioning from one to another. Once you get good at G,A,C, and D you'd be amazed at the amount of songs you'll be able to play.
Once you get the chords down start practicing all the scales, major,pentatonic, chromatic, mixolydian and so on... Once you know a few scales you can play blues riffs or rock solo's.
 
I would find a good Teacher.There is bound to be someone in your area that "Everyone" wants to learn from.If it's a pain in the @ss getting a lesson from him or you have to wait for a spot to open,that's exactly who I would want to teach me.I have been playing close to 20 years,most of my developmental years were spent "Self Taught".The problem with self taught is it's easy to learn songs from Tab.It's easy to impress your friends with your version of something and it's fun to play.I think it's also easy to teach your self bad habits or shortcuts.It's also possible to learn songs without ever learning Scales,Structure or other things that are important in the long run to being a good player.Starting with a classic acoustic will make beginning easier,but another great tool is a Diamond Pick that will teach you to hit the Strings Shallow as opposed to using the middle of the pick.Like this
http://theguitaraddict.blogspot.com/2008/07/stylus-pick.html
I am not trying to start an argument with the self taught players on here.I am sure some people can teach themselves and never pick up a bad habit.What I am saying is,if you want to be more than a Middle of the Road guitar player,it's far easier to get lessons from someone who has spent 10-20 years figuring out what Doesn't work, learn from him, and avoid having to "Unteach" yourself later in life.Just my 2 Cents.
 
retroedaddy said:
I would find a good Teacher.There is bound to be someone in your area that "Everyone" wants to learn from.If it's a pain in the @ss getting a lesson from him or you have to wait for a spot to open,that's exactly who I would want to teach me.I have been playing close to 20 years,most of my developmental years were spent "Self Taught".The problem with self taught is it's easy to learn songs from Tab.It's easy to impress your friends with your version of something and it's fun to play.I think it's also easy to teach your self bad habits or shortcuts.It's also possible to learn songs without ever learning Scales,Structure or other things that are important in the long run to being a good player.Starting with a classic acoustic will make beginning easier,but another great tool is a Diamond Pick that will teach you to hit the Strings Shallow as opposed to using the middle of the pick.Like this
http://theguitaraddict.blogspot.com/2008/07/stylus-pick.html
I am not trying to start an argument with the self taught players on here.I am sure some people can teach themselves and never pick up a bad habit.What I am saying is,if you want to be more than a Middle of the Road guitar player,it's far easier to get lessons from someone who has spent 10-20 years figuring out what Doesn't work, learn from him, and avoid having to "Unteach" yourself later in life.Just my 2 Cents.
Click to expand...

Agreed.
 
retroedaddy said:
I would find a good Teacher.There is bound to be someone in your area that "Everyone" wants to learn from.If it's a pain in the @ss getting a lesson from him or you have to wait for a spot to open,that's exactly who I would want to teach me.I have been playing close to 20 years,most of my developmental years were spent "Self Taught".The problem with self taught is it's easy to learn songs from Tab.It's easy to impress your friends with your version of something and it's fun to play.I think it's also easy to teach your self bad habits or shortcuts.It's also possible to learn songs without ever learning Scales,Structure or other things that are important in the long run to being a good player.Starting with a classic acoustic will make beginning easier,but another great tool is a Diamond Pick that will teach you to hit the Strings Shallow as opposed to using the middle of the pick.Like this
http://theguitaraddict.blogspot.com/2008/07/stylus-pick.html
I am not trying to start an argument with the self taught players on here.I am sure some people can teach themselves and never pick up a bad habit.What I am saying is,if you want to be more than a Middle of the Road guitar player,it's far easier to get lessons from someone who has spent 10-20 years figuring out what Doesn't work, learn from him, and avoid having to "Unteach" yourself later in life.Just my 2 Cents.
Click to expand...


That does sound reasonable. I'm pretty much "self-taught" on the drums, but I can see how I woud have gained a lot from some more formal training. I know some basic rudiments, but a lot of advanced stuff is often times tricky for me.

There are a couple guys at church that I'm sure would teach me if I could work out some time.

Anyone have a "beginner" guitar for sale or trade? I don't have a lot of trade fodder left, but I'm thinking that the wife would be amenable to me getting rid of "project" stuff in exchange for a hobby.
 
I'm going to show some ignorance here, but what's the difference between an acoustic guitar and just taking an electric guitar and not plugging it in to an amp? Will an electric even make a sound not plugged in?
 
Couple quick things...

1st is I am JUST learning too, my dad has been playing for 40+ years self-taught but he is ALSO really just learning.

Most of what we do at church is playing 3 chords in various sequences. (I, IV, V in Nashville Notation)

I have learned a TON just online / free stuff that I can point you to. We will be talking about chords, notes because it is important to know the basics at least. (Music is really basic math if that helps, there are 13 notes including sharp/flats, A to G. Combining those makes them sound even better...creating chords)

You can play a LOT of music knowing basic chords... a LOT. TONS of rock and roll uses power chords which is TWO strings on the guitar!



Here is a suggestion, you are 40ish minutes from Kernersville, we have started a Wed night "jam" session after our Bible Study at my church.

It is me, my dad, and a guy or two from the church so far. (We call it picking and grinning but are not committed to any one style of music)

Our GOAL is to bring folks in that want to learn together. You get more out of sitting around with other players than sitting at home. We ALSO would love to find folks with LOTS of experience who just want to play and don't mind us asking questions!!!


It is FREE.... we even have extra guitars that you are welcome to borrow and play with us so you can try a few things out (make sure to let me know you are coming and I will bring electric and acoustic, etc)

Wed nights, 745ish pm... You are welcome to come to the Bible study too (7pm) or not...


It would be a great NO pressure way to try stuff out and you will be surprised at how quickly we can get you playing MUSIC with us as a group!!!

PM me (anyone that is interested) and I will get you more details.




NOW.. on to guitars.. start CHEAP.. heck come hang with us and there is 4-6 guitars you can put your hands on to try, including my Squier.

My Squier is actually the ROCK BAND 3 version that is usuable for PS3 or Xbox (or Wii!!)

That is a pretty interesting option too... $300ish and you have a fully working electric that you can take LESSONS in RB3 game!! (Some of the coolest Rock/Country songs out there, 2000+ songs!!)

Honestly it is hard to justify a new guitar.. Craigslist has a bazillion of them. I just sold a $80 China made acoustic and I am using one of my dads for now. I am looking at an Ibanez Acoustic/Electric, mostly for the look. (I am NOT good enough to be picky... my wife fell in love with it too)


Acoustic needs no AMP but you can get em with an "electric" pickup that can be amplified and even altered just like an "electric"

An Electric does make a FAINT noise when you play unplugged. Actually not bad way to go when you are wanting to play quietly at home and not distrub anyone. (Headphones also an option via an amp, etc)

I hope I helped... I hope you come hang out!

Sam
 
FWIW I am selling a good acoustic.....it was an old friends.
it is a taylor.
it is on record on some of Nashville's best....baggage is free...sound is unmistakeable sound is legendary
 
Ron said:
FWIW I am selling a good acoustic.....it was an old friends.
it is a taylor.
it is on record on some of Nashville's best....baggage is free...sound is unmistakeable sound is legendary
Click to expand...


ok, I'll bite. Who owned it before you got it?

Ive been copying alot of the stuff online.

You hear a song you like...Then type in ''How to play'' whatever song it is. Marty Swartz is easy to learn from.
 
He was just a studio musician...but its been on records behind alan jackson, kenny chesney, and brad paisley to name a few.
 
SHINTON said:
Couple quick things...

1st is I am JUST learning too, my dad has been playing for 40+ years self-taught but he is ALSO really just learning.

Most of what we do at church is playing 3 chords in various sequences. (I, IV, V in Nashville Notation)

I have learned a TON just online / free stuff that I can point you to. We will be talking about chords, notes because it is important to know the basics at least. (Music is really basic math if that helps, there are 13 notes including sharp/flats, A to G. Combining those makes them sound even better...creating chords)

You can play a LOT of music knowing basic chords... a LOT. TONS of rock and roll uses power chords which is TWO strings on the guitar!



Here is a suggestion, you are 40ish minutes from Kernersville, we have started a Wed night "jam" session after our Bible Study at my church.

It is me, my dad, and a guy or two from the church so far. (We call it picking and grinning but are not committed to any one style of music)

Our GOAL is to bring folks in that want to learn together. You get more out of sitting around with other players than sitting at home. We ALSO would love to find folks with LOTS of experience who just want to play and don't mind us asking questions!!!


It is FREE.... we even have extra guitars that you are welcome to borrow and play with us so you can try a few things out (make sure to let me know you are coming and I will bring electric and acoustic, etc)

Wed nights, 745ish pm... You are welcome to come to the Bible study too (7pm) or not...


It would be a great NO pressure way to try stuff out and you will be surprised at how quickly we can get you playing MUSIC with us as a group!!!

PM me (anyone that is interested) and I will get you more details.




NOW.. on to guitars.. start CHEAP.. heck come hang with us and there is 4-6 guitars you can put your hands on to try, including my Squier.

My Squier is actually the ROCK BAND 3 version that is usuable for PS3 or Xbox (or Wii!!)

That is a pretty interesting option too... $300ish and you have a fully working electric that you can take LESSONS in RB3 game!! (Some of the coolest Rock/Country songs out there, 2000+ songs!!)

Honestly it is hard to justify a new guitar.. Craigslist has a bazillion of them. I just sold a $80 China made acoustic and I am using one of my dads for now. I am looking at an Ibanez Acoustic/Electric, mostly for the look. (I am NOT good enough to be picky... my wife fell in love with it too)


Acoustic needs no AMP but you can get em with an "electric" pickup that can be amplified and even altered just like an "electric"

An Electric does make a FAINT noise when you play unplugged. Actually not bad way to go when you are wanting to play quietly at home and not distrub anyone. (Headphones also an option via an amp, etc)

I hope I helped... I hope you come hang out!

Sam
Click to expand...


I'd love to join that jam night, but for now, I still have to stay local. This is EXACTLY the info I was looking for, though. The gal who cuts my hair may be lending me an acoustic so I can learn on just to see if it will take. She said, from that point, I can see if I'm serious enough to spend some bucks on a guitar. WHo knows, I may buy the one she has since her daughter has no interest in it.

THanks for all the advice! Keep it coming!
 
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