I'm a guitar novice. What resources can I use to teach myself to play?

Question

Any suggestions on books, videos and websites would be appreciated, thanks

Answer 1

everything you want to learn is on the web. sites like chordbook.com wholenote.com and various tableture websites are all amazing. ive been playing for 7 years and after getting lessons for 3 years then later realizing everything he taught me, i could find online, i was pissed. just practice a lot, try to learn...not memorize. and the thing that sets a noob apart from a pro is the ability to keep a steady tempo and rhythm, as well as transitioning smoothly and not being choppy. dont let your brain play too much, try to let your emotion play.

Answer 2

There are lots of sites, CD's books, and assorted materials out there. But the one thing that none of them do is substitute for the give and take of a live instructor. There's also the enforced discipline of having to complete an assignment before the deadline of the next lesson. I play and teach, and I strongly suggest you get lessons-either group or individual- to get started.

Once you have the basics down(can read some music,change chords at 'normal' speed.) find someone at about your skill level- as long as you share an interest in learning to play, say metal, you don't have to be into the same bands. Share the music/tab/chords and if you have it, a recording of a song or two, familiarize yourself with the material, then meet for a jam session-record your first try at the song, then record yourselves at the end of the session- you'll be amazed at just how fast you've both learned that song, and gotten good at it.
My point is that music is a social activity, and you'll go further and get there faster with a partner- if you stay in your room and try to do it alone, you probably won't go very far-

Good website oriented towards the developing player:
www.playguitarmagazine.com

Answer 3

Hey, I'm a newbie too. I've gone through 3 bad teachers and wasted a lot of money on guitar books. I finally found a great instructor who is using a guitar method book that has literally taught me everything I need to know. Best way to find it is through teaching resources. It's called Guitar Method. They come in a series.

Answer 4

Guitar World magazine offers quite a bit of knowledge, they usually have a lesson in every issue that they have tabbed out for you to see as well as talk you through it as best as a magazine can. They also offer 5-6 songs per issue by different artists that are tabbed out and made very east to play, as well as having accomplished players write guest articles/lessons. If you are into acoustic guitar they also put out Acoustic Guitar World, which is just as comprehensive. As far as books, the Guitar Grimore is very in depth including chords and scales. If you are just looking for some songs off of the internet then check out www.tabcrawler.com.

Answer 5

Find a good teacher or someone advanced enough to tutor you.

Hopefully, he can point you toward a good chord book and a technique exercise book.

The technique exercise is basically calisthenics for your fingers. You need to build up strength, coordination and speed, like in any discipline or skill.

The rest is up to you and what you want to accomplish.

If all you want to do is learn some chords and strum around the campfire, that's one goal.

If you want to learn how to play lead work and solos, that's something else.

If you want to play more intricate stuff like Chet Atkins, Barney Kessel, Les Paul, Earl Klugh or other guitar greats, that takes a little longer.

Good luck to you!

Answer 6

"Zen Guitar" by Philip Toshio Sudo is a good read for players of all levels.

Guitar Center offers: http://www.guitarschool.net/
with 150 free lessons for Acoustic, Rock & Blues.

Pick up a guitar tuner and a metronome - use them both.

Try to do something new on guitar everyday.

Don't be afraid to experiment.

Answer 7

I taught myself, and it fairly is incredibly lots what I did. i will record some techniques and that i decide to advise doing greater advantageous than between the techniques: a million)locate some books approximately chord shape, scales, and so on. it gets you a very good beginning place. (I merely stumbled on one sizable e book with virtually each chord. It confirmed the strings w/ numbers that informed you what frets they have been performed on & secure photos. It additionally defined adjustments, and a few music concept, to boot through fact the basics such through fact the strings, a million or 2 scales, and so on. regrettably i did not locate it til i substitute into enjoying for some years, despite if it nonetheless helped. attempt to locate one like the only i stumbled on) 2)pay attention to songs and pay attention what they play. Get conscious of the sound of the device. Then attempt to earnings what notes are being performed- locate them on the guitar. ultimately you are going to be able to earnings finished songs by ear. 3)it fairly is greater for once you learn, yet pass online and look up guitar tabs for some songs you elect to earnings. 4)Watch human beings play. Watch them on youtube, watch stay stay overall performance dvds, and so on. i desire this additionally helps: The strings of their order from lowest tone to optimal in generally used tuning: EADGBE when I first found out it, I remembered it as each amazing dogs is going by England. Does it make sense? No, despite if it helped. i desire this works.

Answer 8

Well i recomend someone who already knows how to play even a litle to teach you about frets and other things...then go here:
http://www.ultimateguitar.com
They have laot of tabs (the person will teach you how to read tabs...its soo easy) I basicly Taught myself, i recomend looking up Smoke On The Water to play its very easy...first thing i played :P
also just be patient it will take a while it took me about 4 months of practicing weekly to get better.

Answer 9

1 - a person who also knows how to play the guitar
2 - a chord chart
3 - the guitar

And off you go! Have a nice time playing the guitar.... :)