Showing posts with label guitars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guitars. Show all posts

Monday, March 2, 2009

How do I Learn Guitar?

There are many ways to learn guitar. You can hire a teacher, you can hook up with a friend, you can just wing it, or you can teach yourself using one of the many stellar self teach guitar books your can find.

If you have the money for a teacher, it would be my recommmended format for learning. But even if you use a teacher, there are plenty of books and pamphlets that you can use to enhance your learning expeience.

Chord books are good to have no matter who you are or how advanced you are. A good book will have a lot of advanced chords. I know I still use mine and I have been playing forever (well it seems like forever anyway.) Tabluture books (booksthat take songs nd show you how to fingerpick the guitar pieces.) are also great to have around.

And if you can't afford a teacher there are instructional books that take you from A to Z. No matter which path you take, start now. There is no greater feeling than when you start to master an instrument.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Picking a Guitar

Picking a guitar is a very personal choice. The guitar you pick has to "fit" your body contour, has to be of a weight you are comfortable and has to have the utility that you are looking for.

Speaking about Acoustic guitars you first need to decide if you want a steel or nylon string guitar. Steel strings are the norm but nylon strings are good for beginners with no calluses as well as those who want to delve into classical guitar riffs.

The guitar should fit under your armpit comfortably. Too big and you won’t be able to see anything or reach for chords and notes, too small and it will feel like it’s lost.

The string action can be either high (away from the fret board) or low (close to the fret board). Closer to the fret board results in less pressure being applied to successfully play a note or chord and is one of the characteristics I personally consider most important.

Then there is cost. You don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a guitar. Find one that fits your specifications and your pocket book. Guaranteed they are out there. Happy strumming.