I just bought an guitar and have no idea what I'm doing (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

Stick a lit cigarette under the strings at the end and look for chicks. 

 

[Otis]

Enter Sandman intro 

Literally the first thing I learned to play. Had to be like 25 years ago. 

 

[DocHolliday]

If you have the money, getting weekly lessons is a good investment. It's always nice to have some immediate feedback and correction from someone who know's what they're doing. They also tailor/structure a plan of learning for you that works best for you.

Contrary to advice above, a metronome should make it into your practice routine at some point. Maybe not right away while you're getting form and motion down, but eventually it should. You can learn time if you practice it, and you do that by using a metronome. And you'll need to have decent time if you're ever going to play with other people.

Big believer in guitar lessons for beginners .  You can fumble around for months on your own or get help from a teacher that puts you on a good learning path.   

 

[DocHolliday]

Literally the first thing I learned to play. Had to be like 25 years ago. 

Still part of my warm up routine.  

 

[AcerFC]

Make sure your fingernails are clipped. You would be surprised how much of a difference it makes. 

 

[bigbottom]

I would also suggest learning guitar on acoustic because it is physically harder to play than electric.  It is MUCH easier transitioning from acoustic to electric than the other way around.  I also think it's very important for guitarists to know the acoustic.  It's a different animal altogether and a harder beast to tame.  So if you learn there and want to move on to electric, it will be much easier for you.

This is how I learned, but I often recommend the opposite. Because the acoustic is so much harder to play, it leads to more frustration and people quitting early in the process. 

 

[Lehigh98]

:seahorn:

 

[bigbottom]

When switching between a G and a C, do a Cadd9 instead .  Much easier transition and I think it sounds better IMO.  I’m sure it’s cheating somehow, but I don’t care. I play a Cadd9 most of the time.  I’ve only been playing since January.  Once you get over the hump and can play a few songs, it’s fun.  I still can’t do barre chords easily.  I can do them, but it takes me some time to get into position and doesn’t flow well.  I play on an acoustic guitar 

Lots of songs use Cadd9, but it’s a different chord than a C. If the song calls for a C, you really should play a C. Otherwise the voicing is different. But you’re right that the Cadd9 makes it easier to transition to G. 

 

[Wildcat]

Lots of songs use Cadd9, but it’s a different chord than a C. If the song calls for a C, you really should play a C. Otherwise the voicing is different. But you’re right that the Cadd9 makes it easier to transition to G. 

Agree.  I’m just saying it’s easier to play and although not the same, will still “work”.  I have got in the bad habit of ignoring C and using Cadd9 most of the time, especially when moving to/from G.  I use the actual C when transitioning to/from Am, but I use it far less. I’m not proud of saying that.  I’ve got work work on breaking that habit.  

 

[OrtonToOlsen]

Enter Sandman intro 

God no

 

[OrtonToOlsen]

Literally the first thing I learned to play. Had to be like 25 years ago. 

First things I learned

Opening Harmonics (or whatever) from Red Barchetta https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FAvQSkK8Z8U

Harmonics From I will follow skip to 2:00 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=azRwyRud6xI

Riff from Blister in the Sun. Ignore this nerd. You can totally play it one one string https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G2VknUOebHk

Next stop: Eruption

 

[OrtonToOlsen]

I should add, in the name of full disclosure, that I do not play guitar.

 

[Apple Jack]

This is how I learned, but I often recommend the opposite. Because the acoustic is so much harder to play, it leads to more frustration and people quitting early in the process. 

Yep.

 

[wazoo11]

Master three chords: C/G/D.  Practice switching between them quickly.  You can play a lot of songs with those three...

What about the other chords as well? Any tips for memorizing them?

 

[wazoo11]

Enter Sandman intro 

I prefer Neil Young or Eric Clapton.

 

[wazoo11]

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmnlTWVJysjWPFiZhQ5uudg/videos

https://www.youtube.com/user/JustinSandercoe/videos

Look for the beginning lessons from these two guys. 

Marty also has stuff on guitajamz but Marty Music is more current

Agree with @wilked. If you can switch between those three chords, you will be solid

But your first three chords should be E Minor, A and E. Then move on to D and G. C should be last because it is the hardest

Did you buy an acoustic or electric?

I bought an acoustic guitar for $100 from guitar center.

 

[wazoo11]

The key is to not get discouraged and keep practicing. Your fingers will hurt and it will really be tough at first. Once you develop those calluses and you start to get the transitions down and then the strumming comes along it all comes together quickly. Just don't give up and have fun. Just know it will take some real time.

I only have 30-45 mins a day to play but it has been very enjoyable so far.

 

[wilked]

What about the other chords as well? Any tips for memorizing them?

Once you got G/C/D down, time for Cliffs of Dover

 

[DocHolliday]

I only have 30-45 mins a day to play but it has been very enjoyable so far.

That is plenty of time if you use that time wisely and focus.  At the beginning of your guitar journey, your fingers will get tired and finger tips will be sore within 30 minutes anyway. 

 

[Galileo]

Hey guitar guys... I have a nephew who is asking for Guitar Tab books for Christmas.  I know pretty much nothing about it.   Assuming somewhere between beginner and intermediate skill level, would something like these be a decent selection...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739052209/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739052217/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[AcerFC]

Hey guitar guys... I have a nephew who is asking for Guitar Tab books for Christmas.  I know pretty much nothing about it.   Assuming somewhere between beginner and intermediate skill level, would something like these be a decent selection...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739052209/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739052217/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

reading the reviews, they dont seem that great. 

Put your own book together for free by going to https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/ and searching for top ranked tabs

 

[Hot Diggity Dog]

Master three chords: C/G/D.  Practice switching between them quickly.  You can play a lot of songs with those three...

You need "The Truth" as well.

 

[dickey moe]

This is how I learned, but I often recommend the opposite. Because the acoustic is so much harder to play, it leads to more frustration and people quitting early in the process. 

I'd also add that if you find yourself getting frustrated with being able to fret chords successfully to the point of giving up, make sure you're playing a guitar with as slim a neck as possible, low string action, and light (even extra light) gauge strings.

 

[modogg]

not sure if already mentioned but I got a game on PS4 called Rockstar or something. They show you how to play most of the chords, and I got a few songs I can kind of play off of that. Pain in the ### to keep up with, but I got a guitar years ago and skipped the lessons because I believe I am a Rockstar at heart. Hasn't panned out great so far, so maybe lessons wouldn't hurt

 

[The Dweeze]

 

[wazoo11]

How should my fingers be hitting the Fret board?

 

[Otis]

How should my fingers be hitting the Fret board?

Generally on your fingertips where possible, though there are instances where you’ll end up using the fleshy part where your fingerprint is (like if I’m fretting two strings with my ring finger in a solo).  

 

[jomar]

https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/1-beginner-guitar-course

I've been doing this and his app for a little over and I'm on Stage 6.  With the time you have available, you might be quicker. 

 

[Arizona Ron]

Yeah same but I got the guitar ten years ago. 

Give it back.

 

[Tanner9919]

play Creedence Clearwater Revival songs,.teaches you all you need to know about c,g,d,f. LOL.seriously.worked for me. and Zeppelin accoustic songs.Thats the way.Tangerine.hey hey what can i do. 

get a real electric not a knockoff store deal. Epiphone Les Paul or SG are good for the price but if you can spend the $ on a real Les Paul or SG. the look and feel and sound of it will make you want to play it all the time.