Anyone teach themselves to play guitar?

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J3anyus

Platinum Member
Mar 30, 2001
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I did. You can teach yourself the absolute basics, but after awhile you need someone to help you, whether it be lessons or a friend who plays. Use the net a LOT, there's tons of information out there. Learn your chords and your scales, especially the pentatonic scale. Work on vibratos. Just play around, you'll learn.
 

TimberWolf

Senior member
Oct 11, 1999
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Lots of good suggestions here . . .

The 'Net is a great resource - Everything from straight music and TAB charts, to guides for classical and finger-picking techniques.

The biggest problem you'll face is "discipline":

Many self-taught players don't want to practice scales or learn chord progressions, but they're part of the basics, and avoiding them will limit you quite a bit later on.

There are no real shortcuts to learning an instrument, so it's important to remember that one of the advantages of lessons from a competant teacher is that they provide structure and guidance. Much of what you learn at first doesn't seem to get you closer to playing your latest favorite hit song, so it's seems useless; but later on you can pick up new material quickly, and apply your skills without having to "un-learn" alot of bad habits.

Either way, make it a personal goal to play at least every day, even when you don't feel like playing. Even 5 or 10 minutes reviewing something you already know is a good investment in discipline. If you have trouble with a particular song or technique, don't push yourself to the point of frustration (where you feel like smashing things). Just review something you know, and then put it down for awhile.

Always end a practice session with something you've learned to do well, which is to say: always try to end up on a positive note. :D
It will help you to look forward to your next chance to play . . .
 

darkshadow1

Senior member
Nov 2, 2000
460
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Guitar for Dummies

Hehe...but seriously, it's not too bad at all for getting started. :)

Just start with the basic chords. I guess the first roadblock is getting through the initial pain...but after a couple weeks you won't feel a thing, like everyone has said. :p

The next major roadblock is probably barre chords, but all it takes is practice. Then it's the fun stuff with riffs and everything.

It might be harder to teach yourself, but it'll be more rewarding. :) Now if I could only practice more often...hehe.
 

huanaku

Golden Member
Jan 20, 2001
1,208
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I taught myself to play. I've still got a ways to go, but know enough chords to play almost any song, as well as different strumming patterns and picking schemes. you learn as you go. It wasn't too hard for me, I just don't have enough time to practice as much as I would like to. I also play the piano, trumpet, accordian, zampona, qena (that is spelled right, south american instrument), and read music very well. Playing by ear helps a lot also.
 

johneetrash

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
3,791
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And one last thing--if you can find a drummer to jam with, DONT LET HIM ESCAPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D
>>



LOL YES MAKE HIM YOUR BEST FRIEND!!! i sure know how that is :(
 

Pyro

Banned
Sep 2, 2000
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its possible, but not as easy as if someone is teaching you.


You definately need a friend or two to give you pointers.


if you do decide to teach yourself make sure you learn to read notes and learn the theory!. Tabs are nice, but if you dont know the notes, you'll never be a good musician.
 

SpongeBob

Platinum Member
Jan 16, 2001
2,825
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I have a friend who taught himself guitar, and he's actually pretty good. I taught myself Bass Guitar, which is easier in my opinion.

Radiohead - Anyone Can Play Guitar
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
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But of course. Like others have said, it just takes a lot of time, and a lot of patience. You're not going to be able to &quot;teach yourself&quot; the guitar in the 3 months of summer break. You would still be considered intermediate at best, if you took lessons for 3 months.


I've been playing for 2 years now, never a lesson.. I haven't been playing nearly as much since I started working, which really sucks..

The only thing I really know is Metallica, and some Iced Earth.. Nothing else seems to interest me. :)