Should I give up?

Question

Well, I'm learning acoustic guitar, so that I can move on to Electric, and the thing is, in my family, we all are generally good at an instrument or are absolutely hopeless, and I want your opinion to whether or not I should keep trying:
I started 4 days ago. I know the names of the strings, I can play three chords (C, A and G). I'm learning one or two a day, and am picking it up pretty quickly. I can play Mary Had a Little Lamb, and can tune the guitar. (Well, with an automatic tuner I have). I love it and practice for about an hour every day, and my fingers hurt soooo bad!
I can read tablatures, and the thingees for chords, but have no idea how to read actual guitar music, I can read singing sheet music only.
I'm planning on learning after I have 5 chords, (CAGED), because until then, I think that it'd be fairly useless.
I'm teaching myself by the way, and am mainly using the internet to find information.
What do you think?
Am I moving too slowly to ever be really good?

Answer 1

Hey! I think you should keep going and don't give up. You started it because you wanted to get good and it must be something that you enjoy doing so KEEP IT UP! It is bound to take a lot of practice but you can do it! =)

Good luck ! =)

Answer 2

If you're seriously enjoying learning the instrument, then by all means, continue. The world wasn't created in a day, and it takes YEARS to play an instrument well, so be patient with yourself. I'm not a guitarist myself, but have been a musician for many years and there's always something new to learn. The basic techicalities of playing the instrument takes a few years, but the artistry takes a lifetime...so just enjoy what you're doing and everything else will follow.

Although it is best to use an actual teacher (if interested, check with a local music store or local newspaper). Check around online to see if there's an email listserve on playing acustic guitar. If there is, I'm sure that you can get some excellent recommendations on method books and the like to get you started. Another option might be to take a beginning guitar class through a local Jr.College or University as that will definitely give you the right step in the right direction.

Answer 3

You're doing extremely well. The pain in your fingers will soon go away. (If it gets too bad, take a day off, when you come back to it, the callouses wil be tougher and you'll feel less pain. Eventually, you won't feel any pain at all)

If you can read singing sheet music, the notes are exactly the same, so no problem there.

You have the basics now, and you might want to look for some easy songs you can play. If you learn A minor, and F, you will be able to play about 90% of popular music.

Look to the classic rock era for easy tunes. Beatles are always good.

Answer 4

For four days and on your own, I think you have made remarkable progress. Don't be too hard on yourself, I wish I had students that were this dedicated. At this point in time you're trying to achieve muscle memory so chording and fingering comes quicker and naturally. This takes times.

I've been playing since 1971 and you never get over the feeling that there is something more to learn.

Since you're aiming for the electric guitar you'll need to learn your basic bar chord patterns as well. Then comes scales and all sorts of good stuff.

Answer 5

DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! I play the violin and at first, I stunk!. Now I'm playing pieces by my favorite composer, Soon Hee Newbold, with no trouble at all. I suggest taking private lessons. That's what I did, but not for a long time. I soon got really good and I love it now. Besides, you've only played for 4 days. Its hard to get good at anything in 4 days. Don't push yourself too hard, it'll come. Remember good things take time. Sooner than you know you'll be playing with ease.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

everyone works at there own pace. i think u r learning very fast four 4 days don't give up guitar is so fun