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Original message:335 days 8 hours 5 minutes ago

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Member: Erik Spillman

5
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I'm new and wanted to present myself.

I'm 17 and recently bought a basic electric guitar (Les Paul Epiphone Junior, about $100). It's been years since I played an instrument and never touched a guitar before, so I'm a complete beginner. I have a type of muscular dystrophy that impairs my flexibility/strength but I'm determined to test my ability and see how far I can go. Mainly looking to play rock/metal and some post rock when I have enough experience. Some bands I like: Dir en Grey (Jrock), Staind, Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, Modest Mouse, Lifehouse, Incubus, Death Cab for Cutie, Creed.

I haven't had much motivation to practice but have 6 or so chords down. Some of the 'basic' ones are surprisingly hard, G major seems almost impossible to play without dead strings! And it's hard to imagine playing something when changing fingerings takes up to 5 seconds. I think I'm gonna start going to lessons soon to find some specific direction as to how I should progress, get some help with technique, etc.

I still have a lot to learn about music basics (don't know how to read tabs) and the guitar itself, though of course that'll come more quickly than the technique.

I'll see you guys around, thanks for reading

Reply:335 days 5 hours 10 minutes ago
Member: Jason Helmer

+ 1

4
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Best of luck to you, you're in the same boat as me! The way that I look at it is that no matter what you decide to do or learn in life, chances are you're not going to learn it over night. Good things really do take time. Sure some things may come easier than others, but playing the guitar is certainly not one of them! I would like to see one person who has never played a guitar pick it up and start jamming well enough to be recognized.

Ultimately its about the desire, dedication, and solid commitment. Even if you practice for 15-20 min a day it adds up. As for my motivation, I just listen to my favorite bands, or watch guitar videos on youtube and I say "thats what I want to do!"

Stick with it, if I would have stuck with it three years ago when I bought my guitar I would be pretty good by now.

Reply:335 days 3 hours 27 minutes ago
Member: bensokol

+ 1

472
WebCred

i used to be in the same boat as both of you. i got my first guitar at the age of 6, 11 years ago, and loved just messing around with it. however, i never really sat down and tried to learn anything or get better. it took me 7 years to realize what a great thing a guitar is, and that was when i really started to buckle down and learn how to play well. what you have to do is just sit down for as much time as you can, and just practice! Just practice going from a G chord to a D chord and back, just back and forth, back and forth, until you can do it with ease. Then, go from a G to an A, and after that a G to a C, or any other combo of chords you know. just go back and forth between chords and get them right. It takes time, but once you get it, you are set. Playing guitar is like riding a bike, once you learn, you never forget, however, if you haven't ridden a bike in 20 years, you are going to fall a lot, and look sloppy. Anyway, just keep practicing, and everything will work out fine!

\m/
~Sokol

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Reply:334 days 17 hours 39 minutes ago
Member: johnny cox

+ 1

492
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We have a lot in common disability wise. I have multiple sclerosis but I played guitar for many years before I was diagnosed. It's gonna be hard but never let it be an excuse. The hardest thing for a beginner is to switch from one chord to another. Try something like Simple Man from Skynyrd. C G Am.

My gear recommendations:

Plug in, turn up and spank the plank

Reply:334 days 17 hours 26 minutes ago
Member: johnny cox

+ 1

enlarge

492
WebCred

Here is a simple tune. G C F C G My phone staeting ringing but if I can play through a bar fight,the phone aint *&^%

My gear recommendations:

Plug in, turn up and spank the plank

Reply:334 days 12 hours 31 minutes ago
Member: Erik Spillman

+ 2

5
WebCred

Thanks for the encouragement, I'll try those chord combos and the pattern in that video.

I do find some energy in watching videos of my favorite band. :)

Reply:35 days 15 hours 37 minutes ago
Member: Waves of wooden waves

+ 1

2
WebCred

Hey! Yeah, you do have to find encouragement somewhere. It depends on who you are, but I know you can do it! Guitar gives me a way to express myself, and I think it'd be great for you to find that too! Keep workin on it!!!

~Amy!~

PS Modest Mouse rocks!!!!

My music recommendations:

My gear recommendations:

Reply:35 days 15 hours 8 minutes ago
Member: frumsapap

408
WebCred

Man, and I thought I was having issues with a bone spur. I hope that you get as much out of playing as I have over the years. Get ready for the touch and feel of a whole different animal. She'll lead you around the world if you want her to, or she can lead you to the back yard playing for friends. Have fun with it, and remember the first 1 1/2 years are going to be tough but rewarding, if you're dilligent. Welcome to this great website as well, young Padawan.

My music recommendations:

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