February 20, 201115 yr So after avoiding it for awhile, I've finally broken down and bought an electric guitar. I used to play drums through middle and high school, but they really aren't practical when you're living in an apartment the size of mine right now. Guitars are a lot more portable, and all you really need is a good pair of headphones to go with your amp and there shouldn't be any noise issues (another major problem with drums). Right now I'm basically just going through YouTube and Google to find tabs for some easy songs to work through some basic chord progressions (House of the Rising Sun is starting things off). Fingers hurt like a b****, but I'll get used to that Anyone have any tips for starting out?
February 20, 201115 yr Learn the minor pentatonic scale ("the blues scale") and get comfortable moving that figure up and down the fretboard to improvise solos in different keys - A at the 5th fret, E at the 12th fret, etc. Have fun!
February 20, 201115 yr Download tuxguitar software (it's free), then go to ultimate-guitar.com and get guitar pro/power tabs. It's an easy way to teach yourself to play your favorite songs.
February 20, 201115 yr I taught myself. I mostly relied on tab books and online tabbing. I was familiar with some of the major chords from eighth grade when we learned guitar during music, but never took any actual lessons. It's fun and rewarding. I suggest a chord encyclopedia.
February 20, 201115 yr My advice would depend on what your goals are as far as playing. But three things that I would suggest no matter what are 1) get a tuner or learn to tune by ear 2) try to play at least 30 minutes a day and 3) make sure your guitar is set up properly, because if it uncomfortable to play it, you will be less likely to pick it up. Finger soreness is normal and unavoidable at the beginning, but if the action is too high, it will not be enjoyable to play.
February 21, 201115 yr QUOTE (FlaSoxxJim @ Feb 19, 2011 -> 06:39 PM) Learn the minor pentatonic scale ("the blues scale") and get comfortable moving that figure up and down the fretboard to improvise solos in different keys - A at the 5th fret, E at the 12th fret, etc. Have fun! I would learn the major scale as well
February 21, 201115 yr QUOTE (The Gooch @ Feb 20, 2011 -> 08:18 PM) I would learn the major scale as well Certainly, but unless you want to jump into a lot of Gerry Garcia or Allman Brothers you'll get more milage out of the blues scales right out of the gate.
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