Any tips on learning guitar?

Question

We're in the process of moving house, and clearing out the attic today (which hasn't been done in 20 years!) my Dad came across an old guitar he picked up years and years ago. I stole it from him, of course, and have taken it to my house to lovingly restore (all it needs is a shine job and new strings, really). I want to learn to play, just for my own enjoyment, but have absolutely no experience whatsoever of music (at the age of 21). My hand/eye coordination and dexerity are crap.

Is there still hope- can a nobody learn guitar, or do you need a certain amount of in-built talent first? I have time to learn if that is all it takes, but can't afford lessons- any ideas/ resources?

Also, what's the best thing to give the woodwork on the guitar a nice finish? It's very matt and dusty after over 20 years in a cramped attic.

PS, the guitar has no sound hole, just two side vents (told you I have no musical knowledge!) either side of the strings. I think it is very old and there is

...a metal badge right at the top that says "'The Michigan', B&S.L sole agents, made in USA," any idea how old this guitar is (Dad says 50 years, just as a wild guess?!), or if it's 'any good'?

It's also very light if this helps.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Just give it spray with furniture polish. You can do no harm..

those holes are called "F holes".

That guitar is likely to be a "dog", and difficult to play. Budget F hole guitars do not stand the test of time well. You'll probably need to get someone to "set it up".

You are lucky- just get a CD or DVD and away you go.

Answer 2

Well well well. You seem to have gotten lucky. But, because the guitar is so old, and been sitting in the attic for so long, just make sure that the neck is attached to the body well. The strings on a guitar create a lot of tension, and over a period of time can tend to pull the neck off of the body. As for polishing the guitar, I myself use a type of lemon oil made for it. So far, it has worked for me. As for learning how to play guitar, just take it one step at a time. You can find all kinds of free instructional material via the web, or even buy dvd's and books at your local music store. You of course will have to decide whichever way works best for you. One thing that you shoud do though, is find somebody with experience tuning a guitar and teach you that much at least. It could be a friend that plays guitar, or even the sales rep at the local music store. Nobody is never too old to learn anything. And not everybody needs that "inborn" talent to do great stuff with a guitar. All you need is "feeling," and everybody has feelings. Good luck with learning, and stick to it. Just keep practicing and you'll see how easy it becomes.

Answer 3

If the guitar is a Gibson, you are in luck!! It could be very valuable.

If it is a no-name brand, it's probably not very playable.
You want the best you can get, all guitars are not created equal, and if it's hard to play or has crappy sound you won't enjoy learning on it.

Do you know anyone who plays? Most players are happy to share knowledge. Go to a club that has live bands, compliment the lead player on his fret board skills and ask if he would could give a lesson or two, just to get you started.
You could volunteer to help load and set-up equipment in exchange.

There are also many guitar instruction sites on the net, as well as instructional tapes for any level.

The main thing to learning is a desire to play, a good instrument, and setting aside practice time everyday.

The early stages are the hardest, don't get discouraged.

You can get guitar polish at any music store, if it's an old clunker, just use some furniture polish.

Good luck and happy jammin'!

I see with your additional info it's not a Gibson, too bad. I guess if it was a Gibson it wouldn't have been in the attic.

Answer 4

The guitar you have is known as a semi acoustic. They were often used by jazz players and rhythm players, although you still see some rockers (check out Ted Nugent) using them.

There is too much info about learning guitar to cram into a yahoo answer. Tiny little nuances can make a huge difference. However, what might be a good idea is to go to youtube and type in "beginners guitar lessons" I just did and it came up with over 200,000 results. Start with the very basics and see how you go.
If you want to be Jimi Hendrix, you're going to need to be born with a gift. If you want to get good enough to entertain people, all you need is a good mind and a lot of commitment. Learning guitar is just a mechanical function, a skill, that can be just that: Learnt. Writing and creating dazzling music is something that seems to be inbuilt. Thats why truely great musicians are rare and rightly revered (sorry about the illiteration). Stick with it, it'll change your life.

Answer 5

Learning guitar is not a doddle, it is something you have to be commited and stick to. You also need to learn and appreciate all styles of music and techniques played by guitar. I am a guitarist myself and have been playing for about 5 years, i have to admit there were times where i had doubts but my passion for music led me on. It took me 3 years before i got to what i would call a good standard being able to play succesfully in all areas to around a grade5 ( i currently am around grade 6 or 7). Before you start, listen to some of your favourite music that you will eventually be able to play. Buy some grade books that come with CD, that will help. Dont worry if you start with 'twinkle twinkle little star' we all have to to learn and recite the basic techniques. Dont forget to play around a bit and try your own stuff once you have mastered the basics. Playing guitar is fun and the more time you spend practising the better you get and the more you enjoy it. I my self lack practise because of other commitments. Dont worry about natural ability, at first i could not hold a guitar properly but i soon progressed. If you are right handed rest your right arm on the hump of the guitar ready to strum, make sure your right arm does not relax onto your right leg. Your guitar seems like a vintage cello style acoustic( unless it has any lead sockets in which case it is electric and youll be needing a lead and amplifier). Age does not matter with gutars as long as they are in good condition, it adds character. I would love a 60s fender stratocaster, actual not style. Good luck, do your own thing, be realistic and most of all have fun pa!

Answer 6

The main things in learning music (and about anything else) are fundamentals and tons of practice. I agree with your Dad that you should learn the basics first. It may be a bit boring but you're building a foundation for future learning, so it is necessary, just like you need to learn the alphabet before you can spell words and make sentences. Don't rush doing the barre chords, you'll get around to them if you hang in there long enough. You have to look for easy songs to do when you're first learning. Just because you like a song doesn't mean you're ready to play it. It's all about your level of skill, which will improve if you are diligent.

Answer 7

Hi!

May I just say that if it is not a standard guitar, it is a little bit of a waste of time to
learn to play it .... the standard one has a nice round hole about 4" in diameter about midpoint in the instrument right underneath the strings where you stroke it with your right hand ......and... you might enjoy singing songs ... that would be fun... and do not worry about your co-ordination... that will come ... (as for singing, check the sound with someone else.... you cannot hear yourself sing, so don't be too hard on yourself .... just like you cannot really hear yourself speak ... because you are inside!)

If you decide to get a guitar.... first rent a good one a have a try at it.....second be sure not to do too much practising at first because you will hurt your hands on the strings .... left had has to put them down at certain points and it hurts until you develop "finger pads" ... and the right hand strokes the strings, but for some of your practise time, use a pick and that will keep your right hand in better shape... that is as far as this boat goes.....hope you get lots of answers....


Cheers and Good Luck
Peace & Love

Answer 8

Age doesn't matter when your learning, its about putting the time in. A good guita teacher can only show you what to play, to be any good you need to practice loads. There are some good books out there that will teach you from nothing but you will always come on quiker with a teacher.

Answer 9

Buy an electronic tuner.
If it tunes up well... practice, practice, practice
That's the only way to succeed.
If it's too old, warped etc get a new one.
Older guitars had really poor action (neck width/string height) which made them tricky.

Answer 10

Try getting lessons, or if you're looking for a cheaper way, google some music tabs.