Post by Paetar on Mar 11, 2009 16:37:09 GMT -5
OK, here are couple of things I've noticed that many beginners do wrong and what to do about it. I'm no expert or a really fast player (I know at least five great guitarists in person, and they play much better than I do) but I'm not that bad either and here are some things I think you should eliminate:
1. Don't learn only by guitar pro. That program is GREAT, but if you really want to cover the song (and I think it's a great way to teach yourself better technique and/or speed) you need to listen to it and play along with it, and really get it down. Guitar pro tabs are great, but a lot of times they're off a beat, and also you need to find the pull-offs, hammer-ons, slides etc. which many times aren't in guitar pro.
After all, the music is in the recording, not in some MIDI track.
2. When holding the neck, the thumb of your left hand should be on the back of the neck. Not always exactly in the middle (that really depends on your strength and size of your hands) but never touching the 6'th (fattest) string.
3. I won't bullshit you, it's hard. You need time, dedication and nerves to get good. Even more to get really good. However, it never goes off (like riding a bike) and it's a great great GREAT skill to have. Boost confidence, people like you more. Also it teaches you acquiring new skills (which is important in PUA). I believe that everyone needs a bit of art in their life, and guitar is a great thing to do it.
4. If you need to learn a specific technique, use every resource you have (lessons, articles, YouTube). Don't give up, it's important. Break it down. Remember, speed is NOTHING unless you're doing it accurately. It's better to slow down and play slow than doing some fast crap on the neck.
5. Use picks, and learn alternate picking (the pick going up AND down) from the beginning.
6. Find some easy songs and do the chords. I know it's boring but it sounds great, makes you feel good about yourself, gives you the "musical ear", sense for rhythm and tempo, and about thousand other things.
7. Play over the original song, especially when learning the song. You should be just a little bit louder.
8. Do the "spider" exercise. YouTube it, it's great, develops your speed and technique, also makes you comfortable on the whole fretboard.
9. Equipment DOES matter. It won't make you a great player by itself, however it can stop you from becoming one. Good equipment is simply more comfortable and better to play on than some crap. Get something used but in a good state, or new but not on the "beginner level". For example, if you're buying an electric get epiphone or a good squier or something like that, along with a small Marshall or Fender (or other mark) amp. Generally avoid Behringer, they've fallen in quality dramatically over last few years. Don't get the "starter pack" with everything for "€9.99." The best way probably is to ask a friend who already plays to go with you, or go to a music shop. People there are usually friendly and will want to help you. If you have a feeling you are being ripped off, don't buy it and get another opinion instead.
10. This reminds me of something. Start accoustic. Or classical, even better. If you can afford it, I think that for starters the classical guitar is the best. Simply, by its shape it stops you from learning several bad habits. Also, there is no distortion (which can make a loser sound like a pro, but it's fake and everyone knows it). Accoustic is good too, although the strings are hardest of the three types and will destroy your left hand. Actually, you'll know you're playing enough when you feel pain in your fingers of the left hand. The skin will harden eventually and playing will be even easier.
OK, I hope this helps.
1. Don't learn only by guitar pro. That program is GREAT, but if you really want to cover the song (and I think it's a great way to teach yourself better technique and/or speed) you need to listen to it and play along with it, and really get it down. Guitar pro tabs are great, but a lot of times they're off a beat, and also you need to find the pull-offs, hammer-ons, slides etc. which many times aren't in guitar pro.
After all, the music is in the recording, not in some MIDI track.
2. When holding the neck, the thumb of your left hand should be on the back of the neck. Not always exactly in the middle (that really depends on your strength and size of your hands) but never touching the 6'th (fattest) string.
3. I won't bullshit you, it's hard. You need time, dedication and nerves to get good. Even more to get really good. However, it never goes off (like riding a bike) and it's a great great GREAT skill to have. Boost confidence, people like you more. Also it teaches you acquiring new skills (which is important in PUA). I believe that everyone needs a bit of art in their life, and guitar is a great thing to do it.
4. If you need to learn a specific technique, use every resource you have (lessons, articles, YouTube). Don't give up, it's important. Break it down. Remember, speed is NOTHING unless you're doing it accurately. It's better to slow down and play slow than doing some fast crap on the neck.
5. Use picks, and learn alternate picking (the pick going up AND down) from the beginning.
6. Find some easy songs and do the chords. I know it's boring but it sounds great, makes you feel good about yourself, gives you the "musical ear", sense for rhythm and tempo, and about thousand other things.
7. Play over the original song, especially when learning the song. You should be just a little bit louder.
8. Do the "spider" exercise. YouTube it, it's great, develops your speed and technique, also makes you comfortable on the whole fretboard.
9. Equipment DOES matter. It won't make you a great player by itself, however it can stop you from becoming one. Good equipment is simply more comfortable and better to play on than some crap. Get something used but in a good state, or new but not on the "beginner level". For example, if you're buying an electric get epiphone or a good squier or something like that, along with a small Marshall or Fender (or other mark) amp. Generally avoid Behringer, they've fallen in quality dramatically over last few years. Don't get the "starter pack" with everything for "€9.99." The best way probably is to ask a friend who already plays to go with you, or go to a music shop. People there are usually friendly and will want to help you. If you have a feeling you are being ripped off, don't buy it and get another opinion instead.
10. This reminds me of something. Start accoustic. Or classical, even better. If you can afford it, I think that for starters the classical guitar is the best. Simply, by its shape it stops you from learning several bad habits. Also, there is no distortion (which can make a loser sound like a pro, but it's fake and everyone knows it). Accoustic is good too, although the strings are hardest of the three types and will destroy your left hand. Actually, you'll know you're playing enough when you feel pain in your fingers of the left hand. The skin will harden eventually and playing will be even easier.
OK, I hope this helps.
