What are some tips for someone who is wanting to learn how to play the guitar?

Question

I'm 28, have never played, but have always wanted to. I've reached the point where I really want to take learning how to seriously. I want to know what kind of guitar I should get, any books or online things that will help me, and about how long does it take to actually be decent at it. Thanks...

Answer 1

Here are some websites that might help you out in learning the guitar. If you want help in finding what is a good guitar, you might want to find a teacher that is near your home to help you with that. I believe it also depends on the person on how long it takes to get good at any kind of instrument.


http://guitar.about.com/library/blguitarlessonarchive.htm

Actually, here is a site that might help you find a good guitar.
http://guitar.about.com/


http://www.guitartricks.com/

http://www.guitarlessonworld.com/

Answer 2

Here is my straight shooting advice:

1. Determine which type of music you want to play: Rock and Pop? Choose an acoustic guitar (steel strings) or an electric guitar. Spanish or Flamenco? Choose a Classical Guitar (a.k.a. Spanish guitar - 3 steel strings, 3 nylon strings).

2. Find a guitar teacher. Talk to him/her on the phone and make sure that this person not only can teach you the music you want to learn, but also has some experience playing it. Very Important: Structure your lessons from the basics - if this person wants you to "just start playing" and they write down a bunch of chords without telling you how chords relate and the correct fingering and scales, then find a new one! I cannot tell you how important this part is if you are serious. If you are not and just want to strum a few songs - then don't worry too much about it. But a disciplined approach is best because this will form the foundation of future skills. Also, while at the teacher's place, sample some guitars.

3. Start with a guitar in the $150-300 range. Make sure the guitar has a solid top (not compressed wood) and that this top is made of spruce or cedar. For this price range, you will not likely be able to find a cedar top. If you buy a solid spruce or cedar top, the rest of the guitar will be fine.

4. Whatever you do - do not buy a guitar "Made in China"!

5. Buy "Guitar for Dummies" and supplement your on-hands learning with this book.

6. Practice for at least 3 hours per week (with breaks of course). If you know some things about instruments (i.e. you've played before another instrument), with 3 hours/week, you will be able to play a relatively simple Beetle's song (i.e. Let It Be) by week 2. If you have no experience, then by Week 3. If you are focusing on Spanish, Flamenco, Tango guitar, then you will be able to play an entire piece - relatively easier one that is - by week 4.

Answer 3

If you've been trying to learn how to play a guitar for ages, yet haven't done so then it is obvious that you're going about it the wrong way. Consider:

1. Find a qualified guitar instructor and buy a beginner's guitar chord book having basic music theory.

2. Have your instructor show the good habits to form in building chords and playing them, how to string a guitar, how to take care of your instrument, and how to tune it.

3. As you learn and practice forming various chords ask your instructor to teach you the basics of music theory.

4. As you progress, ask the instructor to help you in:

a. Chord progression
b. Key transposition
c. How to determine the key signatures in music.
d. Writing basic music notation.
e. Playing rhythm as he plays melodies and vice versa.
f. Learning the Chromatic Scale with chords and notes.

5. Practice rhythm and strumming techniques--both striking the fundamental bass tone and strumming down and then back up. Practice fingerstyle methods of right picking different strings in chord backup.

6. Keep your instrument clean and in good shape. Treat it better than you would your own body. Keep your hands clean and dry while playing. That cuts back on oily residues.

7. Watch other guitarists and their technique or style. Copy their methods up to the point of forming your own style.
And finally, your fingertips will hurt terribly until you can build the calluses on them. Until then, you must endure hours of practice. If you don't have the motivation and strong will to work past the problem of sore fingertips you will never be a guitarist

8. Start by learning on an acoustic guitar. It will require dedication to conquer the strings. Expect to steadily practice for the first two years before seeing good results.

Answer 4

it all depends on you, if you are decided to play, do it , everything will help you out, internet, listen to records etc.but for me a good teacher is the best, if you find somedy who you admire, the better. and keep playing, youll never stop growing, its great.
an epiphone les paul is a great guitar, not much expensive, but i dont know if you wanna play acoustic or spanish guitar. good luck!