Learning the guitar (again!!)
Discussion
Hi
Many years ago, I had about 18 months worth of guitar lessons, then stopped for various reasons and have never picked it up again.
Now I have a bit more spare time, I've got my guitar back out but have forgotten virtually everything I learned previously.
Money's tight so can't afford face 2 face tuition now so are they're any books (I really struggle to follow and pick things up from virtual courses) that anyone can recommend to help get me started again.
Skill level was ok last time around, could read tab, play the odd blues solo, play chords from memory and have the occasional jam with the instructor but it seems like my brains had a dump and lost the lot.
Cheers
Many years ago, I had about 18 months worth of guitar lessons, then stopped for various reasons and have never picked it up again.
Now I have a bit more spare time, I've got my guitar back out but have forgotten virtually everything I learned previously.
Money's tight so can't afford face 2 face tuition now so are they're any books (I really struggle to follow and pick things up from virtual courses) that anyone can recommend to help get me started again.
Skill level was ok last time around, could read tab, play the odd blues solo, play chords from memory and have the occasional jam with the instructor but it seems like my brains had a dump and lost the lot.
Cheers
I have found over the last four years that stuff on YT has improved my learning and playing (especially on music theory, which opens a huge number of doors).
JustinGuitar covers a lot of ground from the basics upward.
Jake on Signals Music Studio is great for getting a good grounding on guitar music theory. Even after playing for 30-odd years, it really expanded everything for me.
JustinGuitar covers a lot of ground from the basics upward.
Jake on Signals Music Studio is great for getting a good grounding on guitar music theory. Even after playing for 30-odd years, it really expanded everything for me.
Have had various guitars over the years with the idea to learn but have never managed more than two chords. 
Moved recently and dug out my old Squier Telecaster and after looking at the first of those Justinguitar videos have ordered an electronic tuner which arrives tomorrow.
Will try again now I've more time on my hands.
Moved recently and dug out my old Squier Telecaster and after looking at the first of those Justinguitar videos have ordered an electronic tuner which arrives tomorrow.
Will try again now I've more time on my hands.
Not sure what the best advice is. Get a guitar tuner, make sure the guitar is in tune and play along with your favourite music, as that is a good way to learn - although you'll need an ear for music. The best way to move upwards with technique is by having lessons. If you can't follow some of the online stuff then get a few books on chords (guitar case chord book), guitar scales, and arpeggios (beginner level). Learn how to use the pick properly - ideally a heavier pick. Learn to play chords on different positions on the neck and work at it.
Failing that buy a distortion pedal, a Marshall, turn it up and just do power chords.
Failing that buy a distortion pedal, a Marshall, turn it up and just do power chords.
Edited by Yahonza on Tuesday 27th September 19:09
Yahonza said:
Not sure what the best advice is. Get a guitar tuner, make sure the guitar is in tune and play along with your favourite music, as that is a good way to learn - although you'll need an ear for music. The best way to move upwards with technique is by having lessons. If you can't follow some of the online stuff then get a few books on chords (guitar case chord book), guitar scales, and arpeggios (beginner level). Learn how to use the pick properly - ideally a heavier pick. Learn to play chords on different positions on the neck and work at it.
Failing that buy a distortion pedal, a Marshall, turn it up and just do power chords.
Many successful bands who just used powerchords Failing that buy a distortion pedal, a Marshall, turn it up and just do power chords.
Edited by Yahonza on Tuesday 27th September 19:09
The secret shortcut is there is no secret shortcut. If you really want to learn, you'll put the hard yards in & if you're prepared to do that, then it really isn't a chore at all.
Your ear will develop with practice,as will the motor skills but there's no substitute for effort. Whenever this subject comes up, I'm always reminded of the story of Mark Knopfler not turning up at the pub to meet a friend. The chap went looking & found him asleep on his bed, ashtray overflowng & guitar next him. That's how much he wanted it.
I've played for thirty years & like lots of players, tried to be a Jimi Hendrix lead guitar hero for years which is fine but left me with an underdeveloped picking hand. I used the lockdown to learn fingerstyle & it took two lockdowns & more to get good at it but once you've cracked something in music, it becomes a skill for life, so imo it's always worth the effort.
Your ear will develop with practice,as will the motor skills but there's no substitute for effort. Whenever this subject comes up, I'm always reminded of the story of Mark Knopfler not turning up at the pub to meet a friend. The chap went looking & found him asleep on his bed, ashtray overflowng & guitar next him. That's how much he wanted it.
I've played for thirty years & like lots of players, tried to be a Jimi Hendrix lead guitar hero for years which is fine but left me with an underdeveloped picking hand. I used the lockdown to learn fingerstyle & it took two lockdowns & more to get good at it but once you've cracked something in music, it becomes a skill for life, so imo it's always worth the effort.
Edited by President Merkin on Wednesday 28th September 08:55
Thanks for taking the time to reply all
I’ve run through the first few Justinguitar sessions and got on ok so I’ll carry on with them for now.
Things did start to come back to me a little, basic chords, picking etc so although I was no expert previously, looks like my body has kept a muscle memory.
Just need to keep it up and practise and not do my usual thing of getting carried away and trying something too advanced for me
My 2 yr old has taken an interest too (as much as a 2 yr old does) and has asked twice now to play daddies guitar after nursery, so even if I’m crap and stay crap, hopefully he’ll get into it and I can live my dream of being an amazing guitar player through him
I’ve run through the first few Justinguitar sessions and got on ok so I’ll carry on with them for now.
Things did start to come back to me a little, basic chords, picking etc so although I was no expert previously, looks like my body has kept a muscle memory.
Just need to keep it up and practise and not do my usual thing of getting carried away and trying something too advanced for me
My 2 yr old has taken an interest too (as much as a 2 yr old does) and has asked twice now to play daddies guitar after nursery, so even if I’m crap and stay crap, hopefully he’ll get into it and I can live my dream of being an amazing guitar player through him
I know this story too well, similarly I just don't have enough time with work/family to practice as much as I would like.
Justin Guitar is good, as is my pal and former teacher Lee John Blackmore.
He started his YouTube channel a couple of years ago, he's up to nearly 400,000 subscribers.
All lessons free: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9LRjAb3iBzhLbWsW...
Justin Guitar is good, as is my pal and former teacher Lee John Blackmore.
He started his YouTube channel a couple of years ago, he's up to nearly 400,000 subscribers.
All lessons free: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9LRjAb3iBzhLbWsW...
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