Learning the Guitar

  • Thread starter Thread starter bluemc1
  • Start date Start date
dark 'n stormy said:
I had my first lessons at 64. This was a ‘one on one’ lesson with a teacher who builds his lessons around your type of musical interest and what you want to achieve. I have relatively small hands and couldn’t wrap my thumb over like ‘Jimmy’ if I wanted to so as well as a good teacher, you need a guitar that is comfortable for you. I’ve improved a lot through having lessons and can really enjoy learning and playing stuff for my own amusement. As well as lessons I also supplemented my learning with some stuff on YouTube and having sifted through loads of videos, I would recommend the following two players.

1. for lessons and some theory Justin Sandercoe (Justin Guitar) has a number of lesson series available and is one of the most followed guitar teachers on YouTube. He has just completed a new series where he’s teaching a new student, Tammy.





2. For a no fuss, take it or leave approach to learning some great songs, especially the Beetles, Oasis and some Neil Young and others, I follow this guy.





Good luck with whatever you choose.
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thanks that’s great
 
bluemc1 said:
Hello, just seeing if anyone else started late ( I’m 41 ) or if anyone who plays has any good tips advice on beginners ?

I have never played a note of anything in my life :)
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Mrs Ewing bought me a guitar for one of our anniversaries. I think I was way past 41 so late is never too late. All depends on what kind of 'baggage' yer bring along. I always want to know WHY instead of just playing the fuckin' notes. It didn't help as I was always the music teacher's challenge. I did get my Grade 1 ABRSM in the chosen instrument but like a lot of stuff the instrument is having a much needed sabbatical! My only advice is never shirk the practice - yer can never practice too much.
 
Dave Ewing's Back 'eader said:
Mrs Ewing bought me a guitar for one of our anniversaries. I think I was way past 41 so late is never too late. All depends on what kind of 'baggage' yer bring along. I always want to know WHY instead of just playing the fuckin' notes. It didn't help as I was always the music teacher's challenge. I did get my Grade 1 ABRSM in the chosen instrument but like a lot of stuff the instrument is having a much needed sabbatical! My only advice is never shirk the practice - yer can never practice too much.
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I have a kind of analytical approach which i don't think helps. I guess its my technical career and long time ago science degree where i often try to think of it in some kind of logical rationale way.

I have come to the conclusion there is some logic behind musical theory but there is also a lot of legacy rules that have no basic in logic, this mix of maths and historical wisdom is to me like taking a scientific text book and merging it with some ancient religious text. The end result is baffling beyond comprehension. Have a read of this if you want to get into it https://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/~mrubinst/tuning/12.html.

I'm just happy to focus on Bob Marley covers.
 
Well I had my first lesson tonight and really enjoyed it, I’ve now got a week to perfect my seven nation army :)

another plus side is I missed Atalantas goal but back to see our 2 ;)
 
bluemc1 said:
Well I had my first lesson tonight and really enjoyed it, I’ve now got a week to perfect my seven nation army :)

another plus side is I missed Atalantas goal but back to see our 2 ;)
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also thanks to everyone for the advice it’s been great to read
 
Re Gaudion M’s point. I have always thought there is a link between logic, maths and music. The ability to recognise and apply patterns are critical to them all. Whether it is in the structure of a piece of music, or scales, or location of notes on a fretboard, if you can intuitively understand the patterns, rather than try to remember them by rote, it must be a massive benefit.
It does help explain why at school the people who seemed to excel at music theory exams were the maths nerds.
Having said all that, it probably doesn’t contribute to the ability to be able to create melody or the art of music.
That’s my excuse anyway. Ramble over.
 
bluemc1 said:
Well I had my first lesson tonight and really enjoyed it, I’ve now got a week to perfect my seven nation army :)

another plus side is I missed Atalantas goal but back to see our 2 ;)
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Glad to hear it bluemc1. There is a ton of enjoyment to be had from just copying chords / riffs from songs you like and most if not all players have done this at the start of their playing. Having lessons will give you the choice of where you want your playing to go, in rough terms either 'feel' or 'technique'

In 1975 when I picked up a bass to join my mates band, it was all about riffs and chords. Like most players, I improved my 'feel' as time moved on, but I regret not working on the technique side of playing.

Leave yourself open to both options, and you'll make the most of your playing

Good luck and make sure you enjoy it
 
dannyboy29 said:
What stats/facts are available to back this up?
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The 130 million records he sold? The sell out gigs? His induction into the hall of fame? 26th (I think) greatest ever guitarist?

Do you want me to carry on?

Please, don't ask me stupid questions again.

Just for the record BTW, I'm not a fan of Knopflers music per se, more his technical ability with the instrument given he had absolutely no training.

He is probably THE example of who best proves my argument, that being formal training really isn't necessary for everybody and isn't the 'only way to learn guitar'. It is also a great example that you can become one of the best guitarists using this format.
 
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Proy said:
The 130 million records he sold? The sell out gigs? His induction into the hall of fame? 26th (I think) greatest ever guitarist?

Do you want me to carry on?

Please, don't ask me stupid questions again.

Just for the record BTW, I'm not a fan of Knopflers music per se, more his technical ability with the instrument given he had absolutely no training.

He is probably THE example of who best proves my argument, that being formal training really isn't necessary for everybody and isn't the 'only way to learn guitar'. It is also a great example that you can become one of the best guitarists using this format.
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My point is that in music the best ever is down to opinion so telling people "not to dare suggest otherwise" is ludicrous.

Mccartney has sold more records than Knopfler, does that make him a better guitar player?

Playing the guitar is all about taste, some might like the technical skill of classical picking or some might like the 80s heavy rock solos.

If you don't want stupid questions then in laymen's terms... don't chat shit.
 
dannyboy29 said:
My point is that in music the best ever is down to opinion so telling people "not to dare suggest otherwise" is ludicrous.

Mccartney has sold more records than Knopfler, does that make him a better guitar player?

Playing the guitar is all about taste, some might like the technical skill of classical picking or some might like the 80s heavy rock solos.

If you don't want stupid questions then in laymen's terms... don't chat shit.
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I've decided that you really are fucking stupid.

How can one man be so dumb?

Good work.
 
Proy said:
I've decided that you really are fucking stupid.

How can one man be so dumb?

Good work.
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A great addition to the debate.

If you would have just held your hands up and said "yeh, good point, my post was slightly naive" you might not have ended up looking such a tit.
 
dannyboy29 said:
A great addition to the debate.

If you would have just held your hands up and said "yeh, good point, my post was slightly naive" you might not have ended up looking such a tit.
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Nothing about the point was naive, you asked a stupid question of which was answered. You didn't like the answer.

I've told you, don't do that to me again.

Now I'm going to tell you to stop debating me because frankly, I don't have the time for this level of stupidity in my daily workflow.

I shall bid you farewell.
 
Proy said:
Nothing about the point was naive, you asked a stupid question of which was answered. You didn't like the answer.

I've told you, don't do that to me again.

Now I'm going to tell you to stop debating me because frankly, I don't have the time for this level of stupidity in my daily workflow.

I shall bid you farewell.
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Ohhhh I see now, its the highly original "I'm talking shite so I'll just go for insults and hopefully that distracts from my previous spouting of drivel"

Good effort but unfortunately on this occasion its a C-. Must try harder in future.
 
Jaysus lads.
This is a music thread. Chill out for Christ's sake.

I thought I'd strayed into the Politics Forum. That's Brexit level abuse.

Pick up your guitar and strum out the frustration.
 
mancity2012_eamo said:
Jaysus lads.
This is a music thread. Chill out for Christ's sake.

I thought I'd strayed into the Politics Forum. That's Brexit level abuse.

Pick up your guitar and strum out the frustration.
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Careful mate, Mr Proy might take offence at your advice and advise you "not to dare say that again"
 
The only advice I’d give is enjoyment throughout is key as improvement comes with practice. I played the piano for a few years before guitar and went through doing the grades, but I never really enjoyed it. That music knowledge helped me learn the basics a lot quicker though, but the main difference is I play the guitar more because I play music I love to listen to.
 
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