Learning the Guitar - Share/Reminisce/Advise/Learn!

[Fawbish]

Just thought I'd start a thread, to find out your experiences when learning the old Guitar, sorta inspired by Titz post about axes, realised quite a few on here play!


I used to play when I was about 8-11 years old, and I've just over the past few weeks started picking it up again, I'm 20 now.


I have an electric and a small amp, and surprisingly, a Metal Zone MT-2 pedal, dont use this for actual practising, but loving being able to whop it on after I've got a chord sequence down and hearing something that sounds like the song I'm learning! (For instance, ACDC, Back to Black) but the only discernable detail I have about my electric, is that it has the word Encore on it But, its usable and great just for learning at the moment. My mate is in a band, and plays lead, but is pretty sorted on bass etc aswell, so is giving me a few lessons.

However, made my first bit of progress last night.

Ive picked up the main chords I've been re-learning pretty easily again, A E D Am Dm G C F etc, but have only really got AED down fully, with smooth changes etc.

Also been doing some finger exercises (You have a dirty mind!) to try and get some strength back in the old boys. My finger tips hurt for about 15 mins when I first picked it up, but practised solid for 2 hours last night, no troubles.

It relaxed me so much after having an exam etc yesterday, was brilliant just to sit back and watch myself pick things up faster and faster. Really am enjoying atm.


What are your experiences? Did you start on acoustic? Electric? Bass? Eucalale? (Sp? lol)

Any interesting stories? First song you properly learnt? First favourite song you managed to bash out fully?

Just thought it might be some interesting discussion.

Im learning barring and scales soon.

Lets fill this thread with knowledge bitches.
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[Azonicben]

I recently bought a new acoustic after about 10 years of not playing, everyone should come round to my place and we can all play "smoke on the water" badly
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[Fawbish]

Im currently aiming towards being able to play House of the Rising Sun...the animals version first, then the Frigid Pink Version, which is my fave
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Hi, I've played guitar for 32yrs, started on a classical guitar, not good for power chords (lots of blood)!
Did my 1st proper learning (chords) on a very cheap Marlin acoustic. Man it's got a horrid feel, but stays in tune and added loads of strength to my fingers. Did my 1st barre chords on it.
I learn't my chords then scales from Dad, freinds & two books.
In all the years of playing i have only ever learn't to play other peoples songs once. And that was 6 songs for a 1-off gig (different story !!) It was soo long ago i can't remember all the songs nevermind play them now !!
Not learning other peoples songs has it's advantages/disadvantages.
The advice i give is learn other songs, as they're songs can be bastardized with your own. You'll also learn faster and more importantly you'll be able to do the old campfire sing-songs.
Play with as many people as possible, never turn down a jam. And your 1st band is always the best/worst


Pat
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[400bandit]

I started when I was 15 (am now 20), had a steel string acoustic (still have it) and soon bought a copy SG. Never had any lessons but do sometimes think about getting some. I started with power chords (5ths) as I was all about Nirvana when I started. Then went onto open chords. Then onto the pentatonic scale - once you have that lot down there's a lot you can do.

For my experience I don't think I'm as good as I should be though which annoys me.

I can't read music, just tab. There's rakes of it on the net, just search google with a song title and the word tab. I now have an epiphone les paul (with a few mods), don't think I need any more than that tbh. I'm not too shabby now I suppose, to someone who can't play guitar or has only played for a short while would consider me pretty good but some one more advanced would see that I'm not that good. I would be a lot better if I was in a band to push me on but I never seem to have the time.

My top tip, for a few months time, when you have got down chords and the pentatonic scale is that it is easy improvise. Generally, If you know the opening chord of a song, that is where you can play licks with the "pentatonic shape" (this also shows my complete lack of theory knowledge haha). I might do some recordings some time and if they don't sound too bad I'll put em' up.

All the best and good luck, Joe
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