Learning Guitar

So I've been wanting to learn how to play guitar for years but haven't found the motivation or inspiration quite yet. Does anyone have any suggests for some good ways to get started.

I guess what I'm looking for is a good computer based program or a good book series. Or personal experiences anyone had when they were learning how to play.

 

Start with chord charts. Just learn the basic chords - G, C, D, E, A (B and F are a little tricky for beginners).

Once you can fumble through some chords, head on over to YouTube. There are TONS of how-to videos on playing all different styles of guitar.

Now, once you start playing, your fingers are gonna be sore. It will take a while to build up the calouses on your finger tips, but just muscle through the pain. I played for many years then kinda stopped until about 6 months ago. Needless to say, I had to build my calouses up again. After the first couple of days, it will be pretty sore for you to play - but, if you just keep doing it anyway, it will kinda go numb. Just keep doing that for a week or so and you'll be on your way.

Good luck to you! There are few things in life more fun than playing guitar!

 

check out Estaban's series. he makes it about as simple as possible. you can get his stuff or any kind of guitar dvd at your local Guitar Center.

 

As previously stated, learn the basic chords (G,C,D,A,E).

I think the best thing to do is find music you like that you can realistically learn to play relatively quick. You'd be surprised how many songs have a simple 3 chord rhythm. Try to focus on the core rhythm and develop your finger strength, flexibility, and durability (callouses).

A pretty cool website that shows some neat tuning structures is here.

I can't emphasize enough, find things you like to play!

Conquering the 2-3 week learning curve is difficult, but if you can do that, you'll be leaps and bounds ahead of most people who try to learn the guitar.

I use this website when looking for song tabs on the fly.

 

x2

Finding music to listen to and play along with does WONDERS for motivation to continue.

 

One thing I forgot to mention is that it is much easier to learn on a quality instrument that produces a quality sound. That doesn't mean spend lots of money, just always listen in person before you buy.

With that said...
I would not recommend the Esteban Guitar. If you heard it, you'd know why.
I can't speak for the instructional material Esteban provides, but would think you might find it, or something very comparable for free, online, or possibly on YouTube.

 

learning music theory helped me extremely with learning how the guitar worked and where each note was.
plus lots and lots of time practicing!!

this website is very helpful >> http://www.zentao.com/guitar/theory/

 

Sounds like a good starting approach. I've always seen alot of covers done on YouTube. I'll have to check out what else is on there. Thanks

Yeah, I wish we had a Guitar Center.

The tabs book I bought when I got my acoustic was Dave Matthews Band: Crash. Certainly not a good starting point....whoops. I was considering picking up a Nirvana book. Alot of their songs seem fairly simple. Any suggestions in rock, folk, or metal?

I'll be sure to check out those websites.

 

Yes, there are lots of covers by random people, but there are actual "instructional" videos too.

Rock and metal are gonna use a lot of power chords - which, while easy to learn, can actually stunt your development if that's what you learn first. I would go with Folk or Country.

 

I have a Mitchell acoustic guitar. I know it's not bottom of the line, but I also don't know much about the quality of guitars. I bought it from a Guitar Centre, down around the Seattle area. The guy that helped me suggested it. It sounded fine to me, but what do I know.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

My Baby!!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a109/TH1RT3EN95/hhtele1.jpg

 

I would recommend songs with solid rhythm guitar sections using the fundamental chords listed above. It will be important for you to know the fret board without having to think about how your fingers need to bend or what strings you need to push.

A good starter song would be Chariot by Gavin DeGraw or You & Me by Lifehouse. Neither song may be a personal favorite but both will use chords you'll need to know by second nature.

Once you become more comfortable moving about on the fret board, one of my personal favorite and easy songs from DMB is Grey Street.

 

Damn! That's motivation right there! Grey Street is at least in my top 5 favorite DMB songs, if not my #1. I'll keep those songs in mind when I get to that point. Thanks again, man.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU_2o0T7H2I


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H4liC2sWg


here is all you need

 

Here you go... This guy is amazing!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MCHKtTrjTI
A personal favorite of mine by one of my favorite musicians- Stephen Bennett.

I've seen him play live a few times, once with Tommy Emmanuel who's easily one of the best guitar players in the world. The 2 together are in a league of their own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lbvSBNLLoo

Another cool one that shows a 12 string with open G tuning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VAkOhXIsI0

 

download the program called guitar pro. After that go to google and type in the song name you would like to try and learn and then guitar pro afterwards. eg. Master of Puppets Guitar pro. After this click on one of the first couple of links and DL the guitar pro song file u will be able to open it with guitar pro. it is one of the easiest ways to follow along and learn songs. you can slow down the tempo and speed of the song so you can play along with it no matter what your pace is.