I Love Guitar » learn guitar http://iloveguitar.net A guitar lover Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:02:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Is It Possible to Learn How to Play Guitar Without Taking Lessons? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar-without-taking-lessons/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar-without-taking-lessons/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:02:40 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar-without-taking-lessons/ A learn guitar question that should definitely interest you all this week

Question: I want to learn how to play an acoustic guitar but is going to guitar class or taking lessons a ‘necessity’ or just a bonus? can anyone be self-taught, i’m sure theres video links on youtube i can watch to learn how to read music tabs, thats all i need to know right?
Answer: Guitar is among the easiest instruments to learn on your own. This is one reason for its popularity. Get a book, learn some chords, go from there.

Of course if you know people who play, who will come over and show you a few pointers, that would also be good. Much of guitar ‘lore’ is passed on from one guitarist to the next.

If you take lessons (I did for a while) the teacher will teach you to keep your left thumb on the middle of the back of the neck, which gives you more freedom to move your fingers over the fingerboard. But self-taught guitarists wrap their thumb over the top of the neck to get a tighter grip. Watch guitarists on TV, even famous ones, and you see most of them wrapping their thumbs! These people are self-taught.

The hardest thing in starting to learn is that you have to develop strength in your left hand to hold down the strings against the fingerboard. At first your hand gets sore after only ten minutes or so. So you can’t practice longer than 10 or 15 minutes (but you can do this several times a day). It takes a few weeks to build up strength in your hand. So be patient. If it’s a steel-string guitar you also build up callouses on your fingertips.

]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar-without-taking-lessons/feed/ 4 What Benefits Are There from Learning a Guitar? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-benefits-are-there-from-learning-a-guitar/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-benefits-are-there-from-learning-a-guitar/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:02:39 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-benefits-are-there-from-learning-a-guitar/ A tough learn guitar question this week. Let’s dive straight in

Question: Besides band etc would it ever benfit anything like ie primary teaching or anything?
Answer: It builds up strength in your non-dominant hand, increases hand-eye coordination and awareness of your body (playing leads), makes playing modern songs more fun (in my opinion), and it makes you look cool :P
]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-benefits-are-there-from-learning-a-guitar/feed/ 0 Is It Possible to Learn Sweep Picking Without Lessons (on Guitar)? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-sweep-picking-without-lessons-on-guitar/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-sweep-picking-without-lessons-on-guitar/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:02:33 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-sweep-picking-without-lessons-on-guitar/ Another learn guitar question has come in this week. Let’s tackle it straight away:

Question: ive had a few lessons (none on sweeping).tought myself mostly everything from videos and tab books.ive learned shreding,pinch harmonics,and alot more by myself,but im having problems with sweeps.will i be able to teach myself?
not sure what catigory this should be in
Answer: Certainly if you are able to learn harmonics and ’shreding’ you’ll learn sweep picking the same way. All you need is a metronome like this free online metronome: http://www.fuzzymonkeytabs.com/resources.html
]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/is-it-possible-to-learn-sweep-picking-without-lessons-on-guitar/feed/ 0 Do You Have to Learn Acoustic Guitar to Be Good at Electric Guitar? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/do-you-have-to-learn-acoustic-guitar-to-be-good-at-electric-guitar/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/do-you-have-to-learn-acoustic-guitar-to-be-good-at-electric-guitar/#comments Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:02:49 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/do-you-have-to-learn-acoustic-guitar-to-be-good-at-electric-guitar/ Keep the learn guitar questions coming! I liked this one:

Question: Do You Have to Learn Acoustic Guitar to Be Good at Electric Guitar?
Answer: No, that’s retarded.

In fact, the best acoustic players on earth are probably terrible electric guitar players.

]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/do-you-have-to-learn-acoustic-guitar-to-be-good-at-electric-guitar/feed/ 0 What is a Good Song to Learn for a Beginner Guitar Player? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-is-a-good-song-to-learn-for-a-beginner-guitar-player/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-is-a-good-song-to-learn-for-a-beginner-guitar-player/#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:02:34 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-is-a-good-song-to-learn-for-a-beginner-guitar-player/ This week’s question is as follows:

Question: I want to start playing the guitar and i need to know a good, easy song that a 12 year old can learn in a day. I have been thinking Lazy Song but idk if its hard. plz help!
Answer: Start off learning riffs so some good ones would be
Kinks-You Really Got Me
Deep Purple-Smoke On The Water
Lady Gaga-Just Dance
White Stripes-Seven Nation Army

They’re easy you’ll have no problem if you practice.

]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/what-is-a-good-song-to-learn-for-a-beginner-guitar-player/feed/ 1 Used to Guitar- Want to Learn Violin But…? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/used-to-guitar-want-to-learn-violin-but/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/used-to-guitar-want-to-learn-violin-but/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:02:46 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/used-to-guitar-want-to-learn-violin-but/ Well here’s a question I just had to answering straight away:

Question: I held a Violin at the store a few days ago, but I found the neck to be far to small for me, as I am used to playing guitar. I really, REALLY want to learn Violin but I don’t think I would be able to get passed the tiny finger placement.

Do violins come in varying sized necks, or should I try another instrument like a Viola? Or another suggestion?
Assuming I end up purchasing a violin, I want one that won’t break as soon as I play it, but I also do not have very much money. Approx. < 200$ Does anyone know a place, either online or a chain retailer, of which I can get a fairly trustworthy instrument without breaking the bank?

Answer: The neck may seem tiny and fingerings small but you will adapt easily. You can not expect to play well for a while. Even after knowing another instrument you need to start like all other beginners. You will advance faster, but will go through every problem that the others would have.
Check
www.sharmusic.com
for good instruments in your price range. They also tell you what to look for in an instrument. Good to know even if you do not buy from them.
]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/used-to-guitar-want-to-learn-violin-but/feed/ 2 How Long Does It Take to Learn Electric Guitar? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-electric-guitar/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-electric-guitar/#comments Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:03:28 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-electric-guitar/ We’ve had a reader question come in on the subject of learn guitar. Let’s take a look:

Question: how long does it take?
Answer: How long is a piece of string?

It depends on the person.
Someone with musical talent and experience – it’s possible to learn it to a very high technical standard within a year if you put in the effort.
Someone with musical talent – ~minimum of 4 years, if you put in the effort (to get to a high technical standard).
Someone with no musical talent – unmeasurable. Its more to do with their ability to learn skills theoretically.

To learn the basics (basic techniques, chords etc.) a couple of months if you are musically able (on avg. can take days if you are a true musician)

To master it, decades. The key word in this answer is ‘technical’. There is a difference between being able to play and making it sound good.

]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-electric-guitar/feed/ 4 Learning to Play Electric Guitar on My Own? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/learning-to-play-electric-guitar-on-my-own/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/learning-to-play-electric-guitar-on-my-own/#comments Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:02:44 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/learning-to-play-electric-guitar-on-my-own/ We’ve had a reader question come in on the subject of learn guitar. Let’s take a look:

Question: I want to learn it on my own. How though?
I got the notes down already.
Answer: http://www.jamplay.com/

http://www.guitartricks.com/?gclid=COXTxaz0gasCFQdN4Aodo1KD4w

http://guitar.about.com/library/blguitarlessonarchive.htm

]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/learning-to-play-electric-guitar-on-my-own/feed/ 2 Missing Fingers on My Right Hand and Want to Learn How to Play Guitar.? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/missing-fingers-on-my-right-hand-and-want-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/missing-fingers-on-my-right-hand-and-want-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar/#comments Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:03:18 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/missing-fingers-on-my-right-hand-and-want-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar/ What’s this week’s question? Let’s dive straight in…

Question: So, as you can read from the title I’m missing fingers on my right hand. To be more precise I only have my thumb and pinky finger, they both don’t have any joints in them besides the knuckle. My pinky is about 2 1/2 inches jutting out to the right and my thumb is about 3 inches jutting out to the left. Alright here’s the question lol, I want to learn to the guitar using my right hand as the strum hand, I have tried to just using my thumb to strum but it starts to get really soar and inconvenient. I have tried thumb picks but all they do is turn around in circles because I can’t hold it there. I have even resorted to taping a normal pick to my hand, but even that didn’t last long lol. Is there anybody out there that might be in the same situation and have resolved it, or anybody that thinks they can come up with a solution. Thanks in advance for trying to help me out ;) .
Answer: You do indeed have a difficult situation and I admire your determination. A properly fitting thumb pick shouldn’t spin around…and that seems like the most feasible approach. Thumb picks come in different sizes and thickness, so I suggest that you experiment with some smaller ones. An old trick to custom fit a thumb pick is to momentarily dip it in boiling water using needle nosed pliers. Pull it out and while it’s still hot, you can manipulate the shape and fit.

Approaching this from the opposite direction, have you considered playing slide guitar (or dobro) using your left hand to pick? It wouldn’t be too difficult to find a hollow slide to fit over your right thumb or pinky. It may not feel natural at first, but it’s definitely possible to train your left hand to pick.

Best of luck to you.

]]> http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/missing-fingers-on-my-right-hand-and-want-to-learn-how-to-play-guitar/feed/ 4 Would You Rather Learn How to Play Guitar by Yourself Using Youtube or Get Someone to Teach You? http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/would-you-rather-learn-how-to-play-guitar-by-yourself-using-youtube-or-get-someone-to-teach-you/ http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/would-you-rather-learn-how-to-play-guitar-by-yourself-using-youtube-or-get-someone-to-teach-you/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:02:43 +0000 Guitar God http://iloveguitar.net/learn-guitar/would-you-rather-learn-how-to-play-guitar-by-yourself-using-youtube-or-get-someone-to-teach-you/ Another learn guitar question has come in this week. Let’s tackle it straight away:

Question: Would You Rather Learn How to Play Guitar by Yourself Using Youtube or Get Someone to Teach You?
Answer: I’ve been playing guitar for 11 years and there is nothing like having a teacher. Youtube can only teach you basic skills. A computer cannot critique you’re technique (hey that rhymes) and fix bad habbits. If I were you, I would get a teacher. Good luck!
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