Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Learning to play guitar.. Seeking advice/recommendations.

Jimellow · 08-21-2008, 11:42 AM

I got a guitar on Craigslist (http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/msg/798443429.html), and the two books recommended in this thread arrived today. Previously, I had checked out Guitar for Dummies from the library, but it lacked a disc. Now that my own copies have arrived, I can get down to business. I like the guitar a lot. It's in like-new condition, came with a hard case and stand, and despite my inexperience seemed like a fair deal.

I was working through Guitar for Dummies last night, and started learning a few chords. The length of time I am able to practice is dictated by how much pain I can tolerate in my fingertips before stopping, but I gather that's a natural barrier and will lessen as calluses develop.

I opened up Hal Leonard's Guitar Method for the first time just now, and it seems he focuses on learning notes initially, whereas Dummies focuses on learning chords, without as much emphasis on notes. Given my experience with violin, I suspect I may prefer Hal's note oriented approach, as that seems more familiar to me.

Mom brought home a beater guitar a few days ago and the first thing I did was start playing Suzuki violin songs that I remembered from over ten years ago. In a sense, playing notes is comfortable to me, whereas chords are newer and will likely take more time, as violins don't use chord-type segments nearly as much in my experience.

Now that I have a guitar, I will go back and print out the replies to this thread, but I wanted to reply with an update to my own progress.

In regards to the books I purchased, I'd appreciate feedback on how to utilize them. As I said, Dummies seems to focus on chords initially, whereas Hal focuses on learning notes, but should I use the two books side by side, or work my way through one, and then the second as a means for re-enforcing what I've already learned?

08-21-2008, 11:42 AM	#12 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	I got a guitar on Craigslist (http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/msg/798443429.html), and the two books recommended in this thread arrived today. Previously, I had checked out Guitar for Dummies from the library, but it lacked a disc. Now that my own copies have arrived, I can get down to business. I like the guitar a lot. It's in like-new condition, came with a hard case and stand, and despite my inexperience seemed like a fair deal. I was working through Guitar for Dummies last night, and started learning a few chords. The length of time I am able to practice is dictated by how much pain I can tolerate in my fingertips before stopping, but I gather that's a natural barrier and will lessen as calluses develop. I opened up Hal Leonard's Guitar Method for the first time just now, and it seems he focuses on learning notes initially, whereas Dummies focuses on learning chords, without as much emphasis on notes. Given my experience with violin, I suspect I may prefer Hal's note oriented approach, as that seems more familiar to me. Mom brought home a beater guitar a few days ago and the first thing I did was start playing Suzuki violin songs that I remembered from over ten years ago. In a sense, playing notes is comfortable to me, whereas chords are newer and will likely take more time, as violins don't use chord-type segments nearly as much in my experience. Now that I have a guitar, I will go back and print out the replies to this thread, but I wanted to reply with an update to my own progress. In regards to the books I purchased, I'd appreciate feedback on how to utilize them. As I said, Dummies seems to focus on chords initially, whereas Hal focuses on learning notes, but should I use the two books side by side, or work my way through one, and then the second as a means for re-enforcing what I've already learned? __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.