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Original message:467 days 17 hours 30 minutes ago

+ 2

Member: Natasha

9
WebCred

I am reposting this topic I posted a year ago, hoping to get the advice I received at that time.
I, in my late twenties, have fantasized for years about learning to play the guitar. When I listen to music, I often visualize myself playing it(this is what happens to your fantasies as you get older...lame?).
I do have a musical background that includes almost an entire lifetime of piano and about half a lifetime of saxophone.
So where should I begin. I dropped the ball when I got my first bit of advice from my guitar.com atlanta friend. I would love to take lessons but I am not sure that is going to work for me at this point in time. I have a guitar that of course needs its strings replaced.
If you have time to suggest something...send the suggestions my way!

My music recommendations:

Reply:467 days 17 hours 5 minutes ago
Member: Xarkzila

+ 1

2675
WebCred

I started by playing the songs I already knew. I don't mean knew on the guitar, but knew the structure, where they were going. I bought album books and just played the chords. I'm more of a rhythm guy and play acoustic so I take a solo approach. There are a TON of good resources on the net as well. (Something I DIDN'T have when I started.)

What is takes is deciding to do it and practice, practice, practice. You MUST go after it and not give up. If it's not really in your heart, then you're not ready yet. It needs to be more of a love than a like. If you'd just "like" to play then you probably haven't comitted yet.

My gear recommendations:

"The music industry is a cruel and shallow money trench. A long plastic hallway where theives and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side..."
http://www.cleargravy.com

Reply:467 days 14 hours 8 minutes ago
Member: Natasha

9
WebCred

How about strings? If I go into a store and tell them I need strings and I have no idea how to string a guitar, am I going to get the crazy girl looks?

My music recommendations:

Reply:467 days 13 hours 47 minutes ago
Member: shanejohnson2002

+ 3

1851
WebCred

I would just ask someone. If they make fun of you, they're douchebags. Everyone has to start somewhere.

If you'd rather figure it out on your own, do a google search for "how to string a guitar". There's a TON of articles / resources on the web for it, most with step-by-step picture diagrams.

As far as what strings you'll need, you have to determine a few things:

Is your guitar electric or acoustic? (electric / acoustic counts as acoustic, BTW.)

If it's electric, what style do you play / expect to play? What brand / model of guitar is it?

If it's acoustic, is it steel / nylon string? What style do you play / expect to play?

If you answer those, we can steer you in a general direction for what kind of strings you'll need. Good luck! Keep posting any questions you have...you'll find 99% of the people here are beyond helpful.

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Reply:467 days 16 hours 55 minutes ago
Member: shanejohnson2002

+ 1

1851
WebCred

You sound like I did when I first started (plus a few year though). I had musical training on piano and trumpet, so it made learning guitar that much easier.

Just pick one up, start playing. Find some other people to play with, as playing in a group is the best way to improve. Record yourself, listen back and critique everything.

Practice is paramount though. Don't expect to be Steve Vai in the first year...but at the same time, don't be afraid to take a swing at playing difficult music. The only way to know if you can hack it is to try.

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Reply:467 days 9 hours 54 minutes ago
Member: inablackout

+ 1

674
WebCred

learn the notes on the neck. practice scales and modes and try to learn songs you like. open chords, power chords.

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Wheres Johnny?....Back at the wreck....Stoned again.

Reply:467 days 6 hours 1 minutes ago
Member: ibzRG

+ 1

2600
WebCred

For a first restringing, you can take your guitar with you to the shop. Ask them to restring it for you and watch them do it. If you buy a set of strings from them, they should be willing to install them for you free of extra charge.

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Reply:464 days 11 hours 40 minutes ago
Member: Natasha

+ 1

9
WebCred

My first re stringing should be tomorrow. I hope to NOT run in to any douche-bags:) We will see how it goes!

My music recommendations:

Reply:463 days 23 hours 2 minutes ago
Member: RuiOlasBrandon 's

+ 2

463
WebCred

And don't forget to buy silverplated wounder strings
[or better] so you can tune them well, and in order to dont slip away.
Good Luck.

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Hey, I'm stupid!

Reply:442 days 13 hours 27 minutes ago
Member: Natasha

+ 2

9
WebCred

This is so much more difficult than I thought it would be. I will get through it though, at least to the equivalence of chop sticks on the piano, right?

My music recommendations:

Reply:442 days 1 hours 6 minutes ago
Member: Xarkzila

+ 1

2675
WebCred

Yes, it's not all that easy. But you've just started! Hitting a key on a piano is much different. It's easy to make the note sound good. Remember when you started sax? Remember how long it took to sound... not even good but OK? So we're working with your fingers instead of your lips. It takes time to develop callous' which are necessary for clarity. It takes time to develop finger memory, just like knowing where to put your fingers for that particular sax note or piano chord. It takes time to develop everything you are learning right now. Practice, practice, practice! If you put everything into it for a few months, you should AT LEAST be able to play those songs I sent you and probably a bit more. Once you've got those chords memorized, your fingers strengthened and nicely calloused, and can flow from one fingering to another, everything will get a lot easier for a while.

My gear recommendations:

"The music industry is a cruel and shallow money trench. A long plastic hallway where theives and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side..."
http://www.cleargravy.com

Reply:442 days 10 hours 15 minutes ago
Member: Mr. Kelly

+ 1

10
WebCred

I am 42 and I will be taking my 6th guitar lesson this Saturday. I have no prior music experience aside from teaching myself to play the harmonica as a kid (I couldn't afford a guitar back then).

If I can do it anyone can. BTW, the guy I am taking lessons from is young enough to be my son and he takes me seriously which I find very cool. When I am home I practice 1-3 hours a day. I went to out of town this weekend for four days and I really missed not playing my guitar. Next time I am taking it with me! =)

Reply:438 days 6 hours 58 minutes ago
Member: SATAN

+ 1

1161
WebCred

if you keep at it hardcore for a couple months things will fall into place, your never to old to enjoy the guitar! have fun! and start a band when you feel comfortable, and then, get on stage with them and rock out like you imagined in your dreams!!!!!!!! go for it man! you can do ANYTHING!

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

without me, METAL is just aluminum, ROCK is just a pebble..... oh yeah, and Dont forget to +1 me! it might make you feel better!

Reply:410 days 22 hours 54 minutes ago
Member: Zombre

897
WebCred

Just play everyday. Don't be concerned if it doesn't sound so good initially, or if you feel like you're just making noise, just play EVERY day. It doesn't hurt if you find it fun, too...

I take lessons, too. I'm probably as good or better than my teacher at what I do, but he's got a lot of different ideas, and plays some different styles that I'm fairly clueless about. You can only be self directed for so long without having to "recharge"...

Good luck!

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Nyah Nyah na naa Naaaaaaa!!!!

Reply:410 days 17 hours 15 minutes ago
Member: The Rocker