I've always been facinated by the guitar, and always wanted to play it, but I just never have. I'm 29, I have a lot going on with my life, is it really feasible for me to try to learn now? What's the best way to do it, get lessons or are there some good DVD's, books, etc that can give me a good foundation? I'm not looking to become Stevie Ray Vaughan or anything, just to be able to play some songs, play along with stuf, have some fun.
Always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but never have
- Thread starter trmiv
- Start date
You really don't even need ten. Just five on the hand that's going to be pressing the strings and two on the other to hold a pick.
Not at all, just know that you are never going to be as good as someone who started when they were 8.
Oh I know that, I just want to have fun.
So would lessons be the best way to start, or should I get like a teaching DVD or computer program or something? I don't know why, but I'd feel weird being a 29 year old guy getting guitar lessons.
unless that 8 year old was a farking quitter!
learn to do it, if its just for fun, who cares how good you are? look into local lessions and see if you can afford them and have time for them, or hit a music shop and ask what a good book or two would be for a beginner to start out with to see if you wanted to take the time and money to have lessons in the first place.
I started about 2 years ago and I'm not a serious learner by any means. I took a few beginner lessons, learned a couple of scales, etc. I play only a few minutes per week because I have a busy schedule also, but I have a blast when I do play.
I would suggest a few lessons if you really want to start learning. I only spent around 10 bucks a week on mine but they taught me some good fundamentals to start with. I quit the lessons after a few months because at that point it was up to me to practice enough to become good at what I was already taught. You'd be surprised how difficult it is just to alternate your picking at a decent speed through the scales.
Practice, practice, practice.
I would suggest a few lessons if you really want to start learning. I only spent around 10 bucks a week on mine but they taught me some good fundamentals to start with. I quit the lessons after a few months because at that point it was up to me to practice enough to become good at what I was already taught. You'd be surprised how difficult it is just to alternate your picking at a decent speed through the scales.
Practice, practice, practice.
I'd like to, but I don't have the time. If I did have the time (say, during the summer break) I would probably be too lazy to practice. 
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
What about finger picking? That uses more than two.
Finger picking is overrated.
Just because I can't do it.
Good, I was in no way trying to dissuade you from your quest. I would suggest lessons for a while, if only to get good form. Form is very important for any instrument and if you get bad form ingrained in your muscles its gonna stay with you for a while.
Don't feel silly, when I was younger and had cello lessons there were two older people(50ish) who took lessons from my private teacher.
aircooled
Lifer
- Oct 10, 2000
- 15,965
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Get I decent entry level acustic guitar and also buy a guitar stand. Keep the guitar in visible sight in everyday life on the stand. It makes it easy to pick up for even short amounts of strumming time with nothing to plug in and setup. You will play it much more that way.
That's what I did, except I have an electric and it sits against a chair that isn't used anyway, my amp right beside it against the wall. It's within arms reach of my spot on the couch, to the lady of the house's delight.
29 isn't too old to learn anything! Except for skateboarding. Yep, skateboarding's out.
Lessons can cost a lot but they'll keep you motivated to improve - it's too easy to blow off working from books or videos. Be sure to get a good quality guitar - a cheap one that sound and plays like crap will make you never want to play it. Remember that it's gonna hurt your fingers a bit at first until you get calloses built up.
SRV you may never be, but there are guys 35-45-55 years old playing in bands everywhere and having a great time, and not all of them started at 8. Rock and roll isn't rocket science. You gan get very good in just a few years if you keep at it.
Lessons can cost a lot but they'll keep you motivated to improve - it's too easy to blow off working from books or videos. Be sure to get a good quality guitar - a cheap one that sound and plays like crap will make you never want to play it. Remember that it's gonna hurt your fingers a bit at first until you get calloses built up.
SRV you may never be, but there are guys 35-45-55 years old playing in bands everywhere and having a great time, and not all of them started at 8. Rock and roll isn't rocket science. You gan get very good in just a few years if you keep at it.
Gibsons
Lifer
- Aug 14, 2001
- 12,530
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Originally posted by: Heisenberg
What about finger picking? That uses more than two.
A good friend of mine has a total of seven fingers (that includes two thumbs - it's a congenital thing) and he's an excellent guitarist. Trained classical at an early age, then went rawk. He'll probably kick your ass in basketball, too.
aircooled
Lifer
- Oct 10, 2000
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Also. I would start by concentrating on the basic chords (whether it be through self teaching or with an instructor, I'm more of a self taught guy). Then on those times when you can't spend alot of time on it, just experiment with it without any guides, just play with it, make horrible sounds and you'll eventually just stumble onto things that sound good to you that you enjoy picking.
Then go back to concentrating on the basics when you can sit down and devote some time. Just enjoy playing it. I just play for me nowadays
Then go back to concentrating on the basics when you can sit down and devote some time. Just enjoy playing it. I just play for me nowadays
nakedfrog
No Lifer
- Apr 3, 2001
- 63,643
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Originally posted by: aircooled
Also. I would start by concentrating on the basic chords (whether it be through self teaching or with an instructor, I'm more of a self taught guy). Then on those times when you can't spend alot of time on it, just experiment with it without any guides, just play with it, make horrible sounds and you'll eventually just stumble onto things that sound good to you that you enjoy picking.
Then go back to concentrating on the basics when you can sit down and devote some time. Just enjoy playing it. I just play for me nowadays
Heh, that sounds a bit like my approach to learning to play lead. I'd learned basic major/minor scales, but never anything else. So I would just try to play lead to any sort of music that was playing, and eventually started figuring out how to make it sound good. Now, generally as long as I can find two right notes, I can play a lead.
So the best way is to start by just getting a guitar. I'm guessing an acoustic is the best way to start over an electric?
nakedfrog
No Lifer
- Apr 3, 2001
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It really depends. Ideally, yes, acoustic is better. It helps to focus on your technique, because it's simpler than having electric guitar->effects->amp and fiddling with the effects to get the sound you want. But then, it might also dissuade some people from actually practicing due to generally being a little more difficult to play and sound good while starting.
For the low, low price of 3 easy installments of $66.99!!! yes, jut 3 easy payments of $66.99 you can own a signature guitar made by Esteban the masked frito bandito himself!!1!!!!1@!!!!! It comes with an amp and video..if you order now you we'll even include a handy dandy chord chart!
Look on ebay for a used guitar. Like a lot of wood instruments they tend to sound better with age and good deals are often to be had. Lessons are nice but expensive.
If you have a music store nearby it always pays to go and fiddle with the guitars they have for sale.
Look on ebay for a used guitar. Like a lot of wood instruments they tend to sound better with age and good deals are often to be had. Lessons are nice but expensive.
If you have a music store nearby it always pays to go and fiddle with the guitars they have for sale.
I have a gibson teaching DVD...
Look at some of the many guitar tab sites.
Poison-Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Hootie and the Blowfish - Time
My first two accoustic tunes.
Look at some of the many guitar tab sites.
Poison-Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Hootie and the Blowfish - Time
My first two accoustic tunes.
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