DiscussMormonism.com

Yes, I'm bragging:

Nice.

Is that the "plug-in" on the front? If so, that seems like a weird place for it (I don't think I've ever seen one on the front).

Very nice, silentkid!

Sweet.

Doctor Steuss wrote:Nice.

Is that the "plug-in" on the front? If so, that seems like a weird place for it (I don't think I've ever seen one on the front).

Most SGs, Firebirds, and Flying V's have the jack on the front. You have to get one of those right-angle cables for them.

I would love to learn how to play pedal steel guitar. Also, I want an autoharp.

All we've got now is a very crappy, falling apart generic acoustic.

But we also have a great keyboard and a damned awesome teeeny hand-held vintage casio job: I love that thing more than the big keyboard.

Blixa wrote:I would love to learn how to play pedal steel guitar. Also, I want an autoharp.

All we've got now is a very crappy, falling apart generic acoustic.

My friend Bryan tried to teach me some basic guitar once. For some reason, it just doesn't "click" in my brain. I have another friend (that's right, I have TWO friends[!]) that plays the 12-string guitar.

Bastards.

But we also have a great keyboard and a f*****g awesome teeeny hand-held vintage casio job: I love that thing more than the big keyboard.

I've been shoppng KORGs lately. I just can't seem to find anything that 1) I like and 2) is not over $600.

Cool, Silentkid!

I'd love to learn how to play guitar.

KA

I'm 34 years old, have never played an instrument in my life, and don't really know how to read music. But about 2 months ago, I finally took the plunge, and am trying to teach myself guitar.

wow, it's VERY slow going. can't teach an old dog new tricks, i guess. Or maybe, in our fast paced environment we're used to, I'm just expecting it to go faster than it is.

any tips (besides 'practice, practice, practice')?

edit - when will my fingers stop hurting? i've even got calluses building up, but they still hurt like a muther.

Who Knows wrote:I'm 34 years old, have never played an instrument in my life, and don't really know how to read music. But about 2 months ago, I finally took the plunge, and am trying to teach myself guitar.

wow, it's VERY slow going. can't teach an old dog new tricks, I guess. Or maybe, in our fast paced environment we're used to, I'm just expecting it to go faster than it is.

any tips (besides 'practice, practice, practice')?

edit - when will my fingers stop hurting? I've even got calluses building up, but they still hurt like a muther.

I taught myself to play guitar by learning the basic open chords first: E, C, D, G, F, A, and their minors. You can play a lot of Tom Petty and Creedence songs using just these chords. When you're switching between chords, be sure to place your finger that is playing the lowest (in tone) note first. For example, when playing a G chord, your middle finger should be the first to the fret. Then place your index finger and ring finger. The reason for this is that most picking and strumming techniques hit the bass note first. At first it's awkward but it's essential. Take your time when switching chords so you get used to the transitions.

Bar chords are a little harder to get used to for the beginner. Try power chords first...they only require two fingers. If you have an electric guitar and a distortion pedal, you can get away with a lot just playing power chords.

As for your fingers hurting, that takes time. The callouses will help. Are you playing an acoustic or an electric guitar? If you're playing an acoustic steel string guitar, get light guage strings. Check the distance between the strings and the frets. If you're strings are too far off the fretboard, it'll wreak havoc on your fingers.