Just picking up a guitar

[Rodey]

Recently, well, last December I got a guitar, but I really didn't start playing much until the start of this summer and even then I didn't consistently play because I would get frustrated. Right now I only know basic major chords. C, A, G, E and D. I still cannot transition from chord to chord. Any tips? Should I take lessons?

[daraidaaa]

I know this sounds cliche, but practice practice practice. THat's what I would do and then it will become easier over time ;)

[dreamstree41]

All you can really do is play as much as possible. It worked for me.

[aiistar21]

I was the same as you about 3 years ago. I slowly progressed until a few months ago and now it just makes sense. I kept my guitar around and whenever i was watchin tv or on the computer i just messed around with different stuff. I remember when a friend showed me how to play Satellite and it was impossible to me... the stretches, quick transitions, ect. it made no sense until one day i could do it. Now im trying to build strength so i can play it without tiring. I would hate when i would post about how to get better and people say practice, but thats what u gotta do. Make it fun- try easier songs. Can you read tab? Mess around with easy songs from dmbtabs.com . Try Lover Lay Down verses, IIHIA, Proudest Monkey, ect. Keep fooling around with it and it will all make sense.

Good Luck

[jdub104]

^^^
NO! Do not learn how to play guitar from Dave Matthews! That will fuck up your playing, and set you back very far. Honestly, Dave is a bad guitarist to base your playing on. He plays dumbed down versions of chords, as well as unnecessary stretches, shapes, etc. Please, first learn how to read music, and the basic notes on the guitar. Do not rely on tab. If you are actually interested in becoming a talented guitarist/musician, you must learn to read music.

[tommyfnc420]

This is fantastic if youre just starting out:
http://www.berkleepress.com/catalog/product?product_id=4850743&category_id=19

[trippinDan20]

Im kinda in the same boat as you. I just recently bought an acoustic, but played an electric years ago. I bought a couple of books and they seem to be helping.

[tompeas13]

go straight into learning led zeppelin.

[Rodey]

^^^
NO! Do not learn how to play guitar from Dave Matthews! That will fuck up your playing, and set you back very far. Honestly, Dave is a bad guitarist to base your playing on. He plays dumbed down versions of chords, as well as unnecessary stretches, shapes, etc. Please, first learn how to read music, and the basic notes on the guitar. Do not rely on tab. If you are actually interested in becoming a talented guitarist/musician, you must learn to read music.

I took Basic Music Theory last semester in college and dropped it. It just started confusing me. Maybe it was the teacher, I don't know. I played trumpet for a year in 6th grade and could read it back then. That was like 8 years ago.

[PhishFleck41]

Take the band you like the most, and the songs you like the most. Bite the bullet, take the time and get pissed off that you don't know how to play it, but keep coming back and once you learn it; you'll feel like a god.

[VanHorneDog]

extra light strings. lots of practice. patience and easy songs.

starting with just chords is cool. try playing watchtower. Am G F G. its really simple and a lot of fun to play as soon as you can get the slow>>>fast strumming down. :D

[TGaucho]

go straight into learning led zeppelin.

:lol :lol :lol

what you need to do is start learning easy songs (as has been mentioned here). easy stuff (stand by me, Good Riddance, That's alright mama, long black veil, etc) will give you momentum, energy to play and practice, will make you feel like a better guitarist quickly, and then each few new songs you learn, you will be forced to learn 1 new chord or so. next thing you know, your chord knowledge and comfort on the instrument will have hugely increased.

[Heavy As Stone]

I just started a few weeks ago as well. I started out by learning some of the major chords, and a few scales to help develop my accuracy. Giving it 15-30 minutes a day, I have already noticed a lot of improvement.

What is helping me with switching between chords is the easy song stuff. Some people may balk at this, but if you know any of these tunes, go online and check out worship songs. They are generally EASY to play, and they are a big help with playing chords. That may not work for everyone, of course.

I can't really play any DMB songs... his chords are so weird. I was like "well, Captain sounds easy." Uhh.. nope. I gave myself a cramp trying to play that chord.

[VanHorneDog]

I just started a few weeks ago as well. I started out by learning some of the major chords, and a few scales to help develop my accuracy. Giving it 15-30 minutes a day, I have already noticed a lot of improvement.

What is helping me with switching between chords is the easy song stuff. Some people may balk at this, but if you know any of these tunes, go online and check out worship songs. They are generally EASY to play, and they are a big help with playing chords. That may not work for everyone, of course.

I can't really play any DMB songs... his chords are so weird. I was like "well, Captain sounds easy." Uhh.. nope. I gave myself a cramp trying to play that chord.

try billies :D

I try and practice at least an hour a day, sometimes ill play for 3-4.

[Heavy As Stone]

try billies :D

I try and practice at least an hour a day, sometimes ill play for 3-4.

Yeah, there have been a number of days where I went over an hour. I just don't have as much time with work and everything. Its hard to fit guitar into work, wife, home, 24, etc. But fun!

Today I learned Crash (easy) and Black Horse and the Cherry Tree (easier). I really love this instrument.

Edit: and I'm a drummer at heart, so this is an accomplishment for me. Notes, you know.

[AshkaanF]

Take lessons. So underrated

[dre2142]

My first full song I learned was Evanescence's "My Immortal"......

I have a hard time reading tabs....unless you know the song, tabs are worthless to you, right?

[gblaze3]

listen if you want progress go with lessons. youll speed up the time you learn 10 fold instead of self teaching. Ive been playing for half year with lessons once a week and it is amazing how much i know now. im now better then my friend whose been playing for 3 years, and hes good

[gblaze3]

his chords arent really that wierd. people don't understand how many chords there actually are. Open chords barely tip the ice berg. once you learn them ull see he doesnt just invent new chords, but alot of them are very in-depth and advanced

[lmaciolek]

listen if you want progress go with lessons. youll speed up the time you learn 10 fold instead of self teaching. Ive been playing for half year with lessons once a week and it is amazing how much i know now. im now better then my friend whose been playing for 3 years, and hes good

What are some of the key things to learn?

Both of my neighbors have offered to help me out and they have both been playing for 15+ years a piece.

I just picked up a guitar and can play some little parts of songs "Lover lay down" and "proudest monkey".

I can do slides and hammers, but what else do I need to learn or ask them to teach me to progress quicker?

[chr35919]

What are some of the key things to learn?

Both of my neighbors have offered to help me out and they have both been playing for 15+ years a piece.

I just picked up a guitar and can play some little parts of songs "Lover lay down" and "proudest monkey".

I can do slides and hammers, but what else do I need to learn or ask them to teach me to progress quicker?learning the notes on the E and A strings will help you to learn the rest of the notes on the guitar.

one good way to do this is play each of those notes as a barre chord. So you learn where the G note is on E by playing the G barre chord etc.

Also, learn the shapes of C, G, A, E, and D(open chords). These shapes can be used elsewhere on the guitar. For example, the same "D" chord can be moved down the fretboard to play "A" at the 9th fret.


lastly, how you hold the guitar is essential. You need support the neck, not grab it. Hold the neck out in front of you away from your body for practice.

[lmaciolek]

learning the notes on the E and A strings will help you to learn the rest of the notes on the guitar.

one good way to do this is play each of those notes as a barre chord. So you learn where the G note is on E by playing the G barre chord etc.

Also, learn the shapes of C, G, A, E, and D(open chords). These shapes can be used elsewhere on the guitar. For example, the same "D" chord can be moved down the fretboard to play "A" at the 9th fret.


lastly, how you hold the guitar is essential. You need support the neck, not grab it. Hold the neck out in front of you away from your body for practice.

Awesome, thank you very much.

Those Barre Chords are very difficult for me, I have been using a hand grip when I am at work to get my hand strength up, but everytime I play it, I can't get a clean sound out of all the strings, at least 1 or 2 everytime sound muffled.

[chr35919]

Awesome, thank you very much.

Those Barre Chords are very difficult for me, I have been using a hand grip when I am at work to get my hand strength up, but everytime I play it, I can't get a clean sound out of all the strings, at least 1 or 2 everytime sound muffled.a lot has to do with they way you hold the guitar. Playing them becomes easier if you have the head of the guitar at chin level or higher(to start). This facilitates the grip you need to make. If you're sitting on a couch or a chair holding it this way is hard.

Once you get the hang of it(your muscles in your forearm develop for guitar playing) you can sit however you want.

Also, by standing you can use your right elbow on the body to push the neck out and the body to you. This reduces the stress on your left hand/forearm, making the barre chords easier to play.

[boonie]

i also recomend selling your sould to the devil like the guy in o brother where art thou

[lmaciolek]

a lot has to do with they way you hold the guitar. Playing them becomes easier if you have the head of the guitar at chin level or higher(to start). This facilitates the grip you need to make. If you're sitting on a couch or a chair holding it this way is hard.

Once you get the hang of it(your muscles in your forearm develop for guitar playing) you can sit however you want.

Also, by standing you can use your right elbow on the body to push the neck out and the body to you. This reduces the stress on your left hand/forearm, making the barre chords easier to play.

Well then, how much do you charge per hour for lessons?! :thumbsup

Thanks, I will try it out tonight when I get home. I always play in the seated position, I have never done it standing. It makes sense. Thanks again, I will let you know how it turns out!

[chr35919]

Well then, how much do you charge per hour for lessons?! :thumbsup

Thanks, I will try it out tonight when I get home. I always play in the seated position, I have never done it standing. It makes sense. Thanks again, I will let you know how it turns out!:) glad it helped