Learning to play acoustic guitar?

Question

Okay. I'm asking for an acoustic guitar for Christmas (or for my parents to rent one so i can try it out). I know how to read music very well, i took piano lessons for 5 years. BUT.... I've never played the guitar before.

I'm kind of trying to do this independently, without taking lessons. So does anyone have any pointers as to how to teach myself? Or any self-teaching books you can recommend? All help is appreciated!

Thanks for your input!

Answer 1

Buy a beginning guitar method book, such as Hal Leonard's Beginner Guitar Method One. Inside are tips on how to tune, hold, and care for your instrument.

Most important as these, there are basic chords and theory taught to play in the treble clef. Because you have music experience, grasping the theory shouldn't be difficult. There are also simple songs in notation to learn.

Once you get past the hurdle of pained and tender fingertips you will be on the way to increase your expertise through constant practice.

Go slow at your practice sessions; don't rush them thinking you'll comprehend the exercise.

Once you get the basic chords and notation down, find a complete chord book and learn as many as possible to include their progressions in all keys.

I have stored away my very first chord book--Nick Manoloff's Guitar Chord book--which propelled me to work harder at the guitar. Learning to read and write music was the catalyst to better playing.

Answer 2

Start on what you want to play. What music are you into? If you're a metal head then you're not going to go out and buy an acoustic because you may get bored with it. That being said if you're into Neil Young etc you're going to prefer the softer more warm tone of an acoustic. But it doesn't matter either way as anything can be played on either. You have to think about what you want to play, its very important when you first begin otherwise you loose interest ;) I started on an Electric and I am no different of someone who started on Acoustic, I can play both fine as most people can. But it does just come down to user preference. Nether Electric nor Acoustic are going to make you a better player in the long run and anyone that tells you otherwise is just biased.