KANSAN Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 Okay guys and gals, I've played "air guitar" for years and have become an expert at it. But now, I'm wanting a new challenge - I want to learn to play the real thing. I'm going to buy a cheaper electric guitar and try and learn how to play. Obviously, I want to start really basic as I know little about playing. I'm going to try to find someone to give lessons, but I was also wondering what else to consider when learning to play. How about online lessons? Do any of them really work?? Any hints you can give me to keep up my confidence? I've tried picking around on a guitar, but it seems pretty overwhelming to me. Eventually I'd like to learn to tailor my style to 80's metal songs, but I understand I'm several years and thousands of hours away from learning to play real good. Any comments would be GREATLY appreciated!! Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 Re: Okay guitar players...help! I myself have just started to learn to play. Been playing about a year now. My dad is always telling me PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE. Learn the cords first is what i was told. G, C, D, E, F and A. Then learn to switch to them quickly and smoothly. I really havent looked at to much web stuff about teaching you to play. Now there is some good sites that show you tabs of songs thats helpfully. Its a ton of fun. Good Luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AustinAggie Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 Re: Okay guitar players...help! I have been playing for about 6 years now. I wanted to play so bad when I first started, so I took lessons. I would definitely recommend taking lessons, which will save you so much time and heartache. Most people who try to teach themselves will quit, because like you said, it seems overwhelming. Your fingers are not designed to think independently of each other. I know you stated that you want to play metal, but I would highly recommend learning on an acoustic first. If you learn on an electric, then try to pick up an acoustic, you will probably not be able to play it because the strings require more pressure. On the other hand, if you learn acoustic, an electric guitar will feel like child's play. Plus, you want to be able to jam in front of small groups of people, which lends itself to acoustic. Stick with a teacher, and yes, practice practice practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griz Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 Re: Okay guitar players...help! Check out this site. This might help you out. Guitar Lessons... I started playing at a very early age and came along aways with it. Stay with it and don't get discourage with it and before you know it you'll be playing... Good Luck to ya... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 Re: Okay guitar players...help! Im up to about 15+ years. And I still stink. Seriously, the best piece of advice is dont get your cart before your horse. Once you know a handful of cords you'll want to walk away from music Theory.... Bad idea. Keep your nose in it. Chord Theory is very important to a musician. Playing really isn't hard. You can start out with a cord book. They can be picked up at any music store. TB is right about leaning the basic cords. G, C, D, E, F, and A will get you a long way with a guitar. However it wouldn't hurt to learn the minors. You'll need them to (Am, Em, Cm, Gm, etc). I also agree 100% with AustinAggie. Pick up an Acoustic for many reasons. One of which is it can go anywhere and doesn't need to be amped. Another is, when you're tired and want to play a little, you're much more likely to pick up an acoustic. Fretting is harder as he mentioned but a lot of electric/ acoustics have much better action but still require more "fret" than an electric. If you dont think you can live without the metal petal (distortion) buy a cheap electric like a Peavy or Mexican Strat. You will still get great sound but have enough money to spend on an acoustic. On line lessons would be OK. Personally I think they are to hard to devote time to. If you really want to learn and have the money take professional lessons. If you're broke after buying a couple of guitars buy the "Learning Guitar" DVDs. They are very helpful. Most of all, find someone you know that plays and start playing with them once you get your feet wet. Rhythm is pretty tricky. You dont realize that you could be off tempo a little until you sit down with another player. You will learn a LOT by sitting down with someone else. Keep this in mind while you're reading up. Most rock is played with power cords and or drop D tuning. Its not all that hard. Learning the Major cords will expand your ability. Simply wanting to play 80's rock would limit you greatly. Dont be afraid to pick out another Genre. Above all..... Dont give up. Its really not that hard (unless you're a shredder on Yngwie's level). Guitar is a blast and once you learn a lot of cords you'll be off to a good start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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