Beginner guitar questions?

Question

1. When you play a guitar and are reading tabs. Do you press your fingers on the fret or to the left or the right of the fret.

2. Is there a certain rule for what fingers you are supposed to use on notes because i noticed tabs dont tell you.

I have never played guitar before and I'm getting one for Christmas and i was hoping to figure out basic info before i start learning.
Thanks for any responses!

Answer 1

1. Above the fret, that's closer to the top of te guitar. If you press the fret you're going to get an off-key note and a metallic buzz.

2. Use whatever feels more comfortable when finger picking, but for chords there are certain finger configurations. You can find diagrams online.

Answer 2

Lose the DVD's and software- if you really want to play, find some group lessons at a local nonprofit community music school or community college You're much better off there than the half-hour at the superstore from the metalhead who's in between bands. The instructors at the music schools usually have degrees in the field, and the lessons are usually less than what you'd pay at guitar center.
The real advantage of group lessons is that since you are in with a group of students at about your ability, you can set up jam sessions outside of class. Having one or more partners can mean the difference between abandoning it after three months or taking your playing as far as you can. Remember - music is a social activity- if you're sitting alone in your room, you probably won't go very far- Good Luck!

Answer 3

Well - to be honest - any guitar will work. Most people quit after beginning to play mainly do to the pain in their fingers. It takes a while to build up good calluses on your fingertips, and the small finger movements may cause some cramping. But keep at it! If you have the money to spend, and you're determined not to give it up, I would definitely buy a guitar with good "action". Action, as it pertains to guitar, refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. The closer the strings to the fretboard, the less pressure is needed to be applied. Lesson would be a great idea also. You'll learn much faster, and you may have more motivation. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

1. Press just beneath the fret bar; not on it, nor in the middle of the fret.

2. I try to use the same fingers of the chords that contain the melody notes. Often, just getting a partial chord while playing the certain note will help if you make a mis-whack. When playing lead, I visualize the chord behind the note or notes I'm playing so when I get to a difficult portion I'll slap a partial chord in.

3. I seldom use tablature, but the method can be useful in learning the fretboard notes. I depend primarily upon sheet music and my memory.

Answer 5

You press on the left of the fret. Make sure you try to get your finger as close as you can to it, but not on top, so that you will not have any buzz. There is no rule for what fingers you have to use when reading tabs, you just have to work out the best fingering for you. As long as you can play the notes smoothly and they sound good you are fine. If you are having trouble you can almost always find video lessons for popular songs. I would also advise trying to work songs out by ear instead of using tabs, it's hard at first, it makes you a much better player.

Answer 6

Everyone answered your questions fine, but I'd like to throw in one more thing. Even though there is no technically right or wrong way to finger a chord, try to do it the way it's shown in chord books or any lessons you get. Guitar chords are fingered certain ways so it's easier to switch between them. If you learn them your own way and finger them however you like, it might be harder to learn stuff down the road. Trust me, it's better to learn chords the proper way now or you'll develop bad habits.

Answer 7

Well the numbers are the fret numbers and you must place your fingers to the left of the fret close to it but not on it.
As far as fingering a good book on chord diagrams would be pretty useful. also try looking into reading sheet music.
I recomend getting Hal Lenards complete guitar course book level 1,2,and 3. because it shows how to place fingers and read sheet music. and will even teach how the tabs and sheet music corespond. it is very basic and a great beguiners guide.

Answer 8

Get a book dude, or go on you tube and look up "Beginner guitar lessons" and watch some vids bro.

Answer 9

I"m going to email you some beginer tabs. I hope they will help you some. I named the chords with funny little names that help you remember them.
Good luck

Answer 10

1.in the middle
2.yes there is but you should get a chord book