Quick question, Where did all the famous rock gods learn guitar, I mean were the self taught or what?

Question

DId all the rock gods like JImi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Angus Younge, and all the rest self teach themselves guitar, or learn from a teacher or what?

Answer 1

I think that to be a "rock god" you have to have SOME natural talent. Most of these learned a combination of ways.....You are going to have to get a teacher or someone to show you things.....But most of all practice, practice, practice.....until your fingers bleed.
I can tell you about a local guitarist I know about.....Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Started out with lessons and it was obvious that he had natural ability. His father hired an established note worth blues/rock guitarist to move into their home and teach Kenny around the clock....the result by age 14 Kenny was playing with people like Lynard Skynard, ZZTop...etc.

hope this helps.

Answer 2

Jimi Hendrix was self-taught. He got his first guitar at age fourteen after spending his childhood watching many famous people play guitar. Notes he took of Elvis Presley's style are on display in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Eddie Van Halen was also self-taught. He started with piano, (he had a tutor) but got bored with it, so he bought a drum kit while his brother Alex taught himself guitar. He got jealous of his brother overtaking him in the talent department, so he switched to guitar. He practiced "constantly" and copied Eric Claptons solos, modifying them slightly to fit his style. He was twelve when he started playing.

Angus Young starting playing guitar when he was around five, but didn't get into it until his early teens. When he got his first Gibson SG. His older brother George gave he and his brother Malcom lessons.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter if they were self taught or not...only experience helped them develop their own techniques and styles. The teacher may have taught them the basics, but the rest came from raw talent and lots of practice and experimentation. My personal favorite is Angus Young...you can't get taught that kind of playing style. THAT comes from the gut!

Answer 4

I'm not sure about the others, but Jimi Hendrix taught himself.
Do you think a teacher would have taught him to play it upside down ;) ?