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Acoustic Guitar Learning ....

post #1 of 12
2/11/10 at 6:37am
Thread Starter 
is it to learn acoustic guitar? I've tried to pick up bass long long ago, so I have a very crude understanding of how a guitar works.

Lately, I've been getting all these great idea's of songs in my head (and I have a basic mastery of reading/writing music) but I can't exactly put it into song without the proper tools. So I've decided to teach myself to play acoustic guitar,

so, those of you guitar junkies/veterans any tips/pointers? Also, if anyone has any suggestions as to the brand of acoustic to pick up that'd be more than welcome.

Please bear in mind that I don't work because I'm just like that and I don't have all that much money (part of the reason why I'm teaching myself after all) but I don't care about that stuff, I just want to make music.

Suggestions, points, advice, anything?
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post #2 of 12
2/11/10 at 6:57am
If you're just starting out you could go with a cheap plywood Washburn. What kind of music do you want to play?
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post #3 of 12
2/11/10 at 8:24am
Washburns are fine, Ibanez sound pretty good. Good lower end instruments. Craigs List should get you a decent acoustic. Buy an electronic tuner and a capo. Buy thin picks, it'll make you sound better in the beginning when you're learning to strum. Then go on youtube and learn some songs you like so you can start getting the chords and stumming bits down. Search on beginner acoustic guitar lessons
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post #4 of 12
2/11/10 at 4:01pm
I taught myself on an acoustic. The best way to learn is by teaching yourself songs you want to learn how to play and are very familiar with. That way you'll have references to go off (the cd, your ear) to catch yourself when something sounds off, and you'll feel more inclined to learn. It's also much more rewarding to learn a song than a generic lesson, and you'll be learning stuff along the way anyways (chords, strumming patterns, etc.). Google whatever song you want to learn along with "guitar tab" or "guitar chord" and use those as starting off points. YouTube also has some tutorials for specific songs. As for a guitar, get whatever you can to start--from craigslist, pawn shop, wherever. You might actually prefer a classical guitar with nylon strings (which are a bit easier to play for beginners)...if you do go the steel string route, be prepared for sore finger tips and calluses Good luck!
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post #5 of 12
2/11/10 at 6:09pm
If the songs you're writing are really melody line/riff/lick heavy, then there could be some value in going with the classical nylon guitar. But for versatility, I would suggest going with the steel string. Depending on where you are would dictate the prices of various brands; in addition to Washburn and Ibanez, Yamaha and Monterey are also decent for the money. In terms of learning how to play - with chords, the hardest part is often transitioning cleanly between the chords (as opposed to actually playing the chord itself). So, pick two basic chords, say, E and D, and focus on switching in between them. Once you've got those two down pat, throw in a different chord. Rinse and repeat. Also, keep in mind that depending on the chord, not all strings are sounded (e.g. for D, only the four highest pitched strings, eBGD, are played). Try to be strict with this, and don't slide into playing all strings.
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post #6 of 12
2/11/10 at 6:12pm
Here are my million dollar suggestions:
  • Get a job. Any job.

  • If you want to play the guitar, go play a guitar. Any guitar.

  • Take some lessons while you're at it.

  • Practice. Because you like it. Not because you want a record contract. Not because you want to do drugs. Not because you want to get chicks. But because you want to play the guitar and enjoy it.


Waaaaaay to many wannabe's and douchebags and not enough actual players. Just do it.
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post #7 of 12
2/11/10 at 6:55pm
Start memorizing chord shapes (and their names) and practice switching between chords quickly and without error. Also work on strumming patterns.
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post #8 of 12
2/12/10 at 3:17am
For me I just wanted play certain songs.

I picked up Kotaro Oshio's Cherry Blossom Time in half a month and the same with his twilight.

I think you should pick a song that you don't mind playing 1000s of times over and over again (-_-; I think I played at least a few thousand times and I still enjoy playing them).

I think what also helps is youtube videos so you get the fingerings and finger placements right. It's easier to learn a new habit than it is to disregard an old one.

Been trying to learn classical gas.

practicing is fun if you enjoy the song you're playing
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post #9 of 12
2/12/10 at 3:22am
Get a job so you can buy a good playing and sounding guitar and afford to take some lessons from an excellent teacher.

There is no shortcut.
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post #10 of 12
2/12/10 at 9:47am
I learned on a cheapo nylon-string classical guitar. The strings are wider apart than on regular steel-string acoustics, and the nylon strings are thick so they won't cut into your fingertips.
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post #11 of 12
2/12/10 at 12:09pm
I played the shit out of CCR tunes when I started out. The first few weeks are rough on the fingertips.
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post #12 of 12
2/12/10 at 12:26pm
Just get an electric and if you can sing all you need is a drummer and you're a band.

Lots of cheap accoustics out there Yamaha and Fender make good ones for under $300.
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