New to the Guitar.

[wild_maxx]

Hey guys the new forum is pretty cool. I have a few quick questions.

I am just starting out on the elec. guitar. I bought a cheap guitar/amp combo (fender squier)from the local music store. Yes its cheap and low quality... but I see it as a test run to see whether I like it or not. I've been searching around online for guitar lessons and have found quite a few vids... but every guitar player I speak with says to take lessons in person.

I went to the music store and they do offer lessons for 25.00 bux a session (1 hour) or 100 bux a month, 4-5 sessions a month depending on the month. So does this sound like a good deal?

What are some good practice tips to improve picking ablility and speed? I'm not trying to rush into this... just want to learn some tips and tricks from the experienced. I want to learn more metal music.. I like more powercords type of stuff. so... whatever you know.. please share it.

[Tulsa_S-13]

When I was teaching guitar lessons I charged $10 for a half hour lesson. Ask around people you know who have taken lessons and see who they suggest. I can name several instructors around town, but I can only name a handful I would suggest people to.

There's only so much someone can show you.

The key is practice, practice, practice, practice, practice.When I first started I used to practice for hours a day. HOURS!

[xekushnr]

The key is practice, practice, practice, practice, practice.When I first started I used to practice for hours a day. HOURS!

The key is practice, practice, practice, practice, practice.When I first started I used to practice for hours a day. HOURS!

The key is practice, practice, practice, practice, practice.When I first started I used to practice for hours a day. HOURS!

Sorry to take that a little overboard, but if there is any one secret to becoming a decent guitarist, its PRACTICE. I have never had a formal guitar lesson, all I have been taught is the occasional tip from another guitarist and what I have taught myself through research and experimenting. The best thing you can do is play and play. After that, guess what!...play more. Once you start to get a feel for the fretboard things will start to get easier. The ONLY way you will get good is if you play!

- Try just playing single notes at first. Make sure each note rings out fine (i.e. is not muffled). Try playing a simple 3 note riff slowly, (i.e. 1-3-4 on low E, or just make one up) Again, make sure each note rings fine and make sure you are your pluck is on time with you pressing the fret. Just start it slowly and you will eventually be able to speed up AFTER you can easily replicate a smooth and accurate sound (accurate meaning your timing with both hands)

- Then try playing power chords. Power chords are the easiest chords to play. Put your index finger on any fret, and your ring finger on the next string down, 2 frets ahead of that (i.e. 5 on low E and 7 on A) and strum both strings in one swoop. It creates a thicker sound than just playing one note. Try moving the power chord up and down the neck, and switching it up with some individually picked notes.

I wish I had another person here to operate a camera so I could show you what im talking about lol. It would be a lot easier to show you.

As for tips...- NEVER try to rush yourself. Only play as fast as your ability will let you. Who cares if you can play fast if you're picking too early or late and the notes are inconsistent. Once you can play a section cleanly and accurately, consistently, then move up the tempo if you wish.

- DONT FORGET YOUR PINKY! You have 5 fingers for a reason...so you can use 4 to play guitar! (you can even use your thumb too, but im not going to get into that) I see a lot of guys avoid using their pinky like its the plague...all because thats just how they got used to playing. There is a lot of speed and dexterity to be gained if you develop your pinky...just because its your weakest finger now doesnt mean you cant make it stronger.

- Get used to alternate picking now, so you dont have to later. Every note, no matter which string or fret it is, should be picked in an alternating up-down-up motion. Even if you just downpicked and you have to skip down 3 strings. I dont care. You're up picking that next note. You will thank me later.

I know I will think of more later, and I will update. Its practice time now.

[stopatnothing]

METRONOME! It is the greatest tool I have ever used and one that I continue to use almost every day. SO many ways to use it to help practice, although I didnt start using it until I wanted to perfect my arpeggios. Aside from that, everyones right, practice is absolutely key. Lessons can be very helpful, especially early on, but really only in person. You can have someone who (hopefully) knows what they are doing critique you and help you with difficulties. Part of it is finding your own style, even down to how you hold the pick: you'll hear that there is a RIGHT and WRONG way, but I personally disagree.

Whatever you do... Don't fall for that e-lesson crap like "Master the guitar in 30 MINUTES!!!" Its a joke.

PRACTICE, slowly but at the same pace, then take it up a notch until its at the right speed. Like I said, a metronome helped me out a lot. Any more questions, feel free to ask, looks like a pretty excited music community-deal.

[the converted]

My girlfriend got me this for my bday.

http://www.tascam.com/details;8,21,107.html

Awesome training tool, you can slow down songs while keeping the tone, loop sections and a bunch of other cool effects. It also has a tuner and a metronome built in as well.

[stopatnothing]

My girlfriend got me this for my bday.

http://www.tascam.com/details;8,21,107.html

Awesome training tool, you can slow down songs while keeping the tone, loop sections and a bunch of other cool effects. It also has a tuner and a metronome built in as well.

I heard those were awesome, never got a chance to try one though.

[iwantans13]

What all these guys said and also, jam with other guitarists as much as you can. It helps a lot and is really fun too.