The OS Guitarists thread

[Hooe]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I've owned a Squier Stratocaster for roughly 15 years and just never learned to play and I've been getting the itch to learn. What would you all recommend for learning tools (online or printed materials)? My musical interests are metal and rock, btw.

I have no advice on learning how to play metal, but I think these are some useful things to start with just to get you playing something and feel like you are making progress (probably in this order? someone else can chime in):

- learn how to tune the guitar to standard tuning (EADGBe) so you can keep your guitar sounding good when you play it. You can buy an electronic tuner, hook it up to your Squier with an instrument cable, and use that to help you tune the guitar. You'll eventually know what in-tune sounds like and be able to tune approximately by ear.
- learn the fifth chord aka "power chord"; the power chord can basically be played at any position along the neck of the guitar, and this chord alone will get you through the melodies of a fair amount of rock, alternative, and punk
- learn the open chords so you can put together some melodies. You can buy chord books to help with this, though these books have all sorts of chords in them beyond the open major and minor chords.
- learn the major, minor, and pentatonic scales so you can start putting together some solos. Don't worry about speed so much, you want to learn how the notes fit together on the neck of the guitar first. Again, you can buy books for this.
- learn barre chords so you can play chords at different positions along the neck of the guitar. These will be in the same chord book you purchased earlier.

Also, I don't know where this fits, but somewhere in there, pick out some easy songs you want to learn how to play and learn those. That way you have something to fall back on that's fun in case you struggle with any particular thing, and you also have something to work towards. My personal fallback is playing along with a Jimmy Eat World album.

A couple asides: it's a bit pricey, but you could pick up the Rocksmith video game to use as a real-time feedback teaching tool for learning specific songs. It's got a pretty diverse song catalog, too, so there's lot of stuff to try. A step removed from that, I found the Rock Band video games on Expert difficult really useful for developing some basic muscle memory for strumming patterns. That much does translate to playing the real thing.

A useful online resource that covers the above and more: Wikibooks - Guitar

[bravesfan1984]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I have no advice on learning how to play metal, but I think these are some useful things to start with just to get you playing something and feel like you are making progress (probably in this order? someone else can chime in):

- learn how to tune the guitar to standard tuning (EADGBe) so you can keep your guitar sounding good when you play it. You can buy an electronic tuner, hook it up to your Squier with an instrument cable, and use that to help you tune the guitar. You'll eventually know what in-tune sounds like and be able to tune approximately by ear.
- learn the fifth chord aka "power chord"; the power chord can basically be played at any position along the neck of the guitar, and this chord alone will get you through the melodies of a fair amount of rock, alternative, and punk
- learn the open chords so you can put together some melodies. You can buy chord books to help with this, though these books have all sorts of chords in them beyond the open major and minor chords.
- learn the major, minor, and pentatonic scales so you can start putting together some solos. Don't worry about speed so much, you want to learn how the notes fit together on the neck of the guitar first. Again, you can buy books for this.
- learn barre chords so you can play chords at different positions along the neck of the guitar. These will be in the same chord book you purchased earlier.

Also, I don't know where this fits, but somewhere in there, pick out some easy songs you want to learn how to play and learn those. That way you have something to fall back on that's fun in case you struggle with any particular thing, and you also have something to work towards. My personal fallback is playing along with a Jimmy Eat World album.

A couple asides: it's a bit pricey, but you could pick up the Rocksmith video game to use as a real-time feedback teaching tool for learning specific songs. It's got a pretty diverse song catalog, too, so there's lot of stuff to try. A step removed from that, I found the Rock Band video games on Expert difficult really useful for developing some basic muscle memory for strumming patterns. That much does translate to playing the real thing.

A useful online resource that covers the above and more: Wikibooks - Guitar

Thanks so much! Definitely will look into it! Just need to find the patience you sit down and learn, which is a struggle lol

Sent from my SM-G920P using Operation Sports mobile app

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

As far as resources go Justinguitar.com is pretty invaluable for an all-encompassing resource site. His introductory/beginner levels are fantastic with a decent pace to help keep you motivated and working through those plateaus.

YouTube itself is a fantastic well of information, but you have to sift through to find the really great stuff. I wouldn't recommend jumping into YT searches until you can play the beginner songs from Justin, first. It's easy to get ahead of yourself when playing guitar - which is fine and a great way to push yourself. If you constantly find stuff you can't play or is too difficult for your current level it can be disheartening. Obviously there is a lot of beginner/easy songs to learn on there so just keep that in mind when searching.

I would recommend some kind of text in conjunction with Justinguitar to reinforce what he's teaching and to also implement different techniques and encompass a broader degree of learning. The Hal Leonard Guitar Method books are great. If you're interested in music theory at all or want to learn how to read music (which will open many, many doors not just as a guitarist but as a musician overall) then I HIGHLY recommend the Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory. It is a fantastic resource to have on hand.

I will also recommend Rocksmith. A fantastic tool to have on hand.

I think the hardest part of teaching yourself is developing a regimen that works for you and allows you to progress freely and then having the motivation (and time) to stay with that regimen. I have always struggled with that and never really developed any kind of schedule or flow for teaching myself anything past chord shapes and fretboard notes. I'm to the point where I can learn most songs and some solos, but I'm always wondering about the why and hows of a song's structure and progression in the back of my mind and get hung up on that.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I've owned a Squier Stratocaster for roughly 15 years and just never learned to play and I've been getting the itch to learn. What would you all recommend for learning tools (online or printed materials)? My musical interests are metal and rock, btw.

I highly recommend starting off with the game Rocksmith. PC is the best version. It's one of the best modern tools for getting into guitar, especially rock/metal. Supplement your growth with YouTube videos. Claus Levin is probably my favorite teacher for pure technique. Save theory for later and focus on getting your hands used to the instrument.

[bravesfan1984]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I highly recommend starting off with the game Rocksmith. PC is the best version. It's one of the best modern tools for getting into guitar, especially rock/metal. Supplement your growth with YouTube videos. Claus Levin is probably my favorite teacher for pure technique. Save theory for later and focus on getting your hands used to the instrument.

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into the game you mentioned. I've never heard of it before.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Operation Sports mobile app

[woodjer]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I'm far from an expert when it comes to guitars. I have an Alvarez acoustic that I got at a local music shop about 20 years ago so I assume it's not too bad. I don't know the model but it still has the $250 price tag on the back of the head, if that's any indication. About 6 weeks ago, I tried out the Fender Play app and have put in 8-10 hours/week since. I've read a lot of people recommending Rocksmith but I don't have an electric so that's not really an option right now. Regardless, I'm really enjoying the ride and feel like I'm seeing some progress. Or at least enough to get me thinking about spending some more money.

For what it's worth, I have pretty eclectic music tastes. Rock, country, pop, blues, folk, jazz...they all make appearances on my playlists so I'd like something that is pretty good all-around. I'm not likely to be joining a band anytime soon so a "stage-worthy" piece isn't a must.

I think I could convince my wife to approve of $300 without too much work. I could see her going to $500-600 but I would definitely be at least a little surprised. I'm open to upgrading my acoustic or adding an electric setup. Given my situation, how would you spend $300? Or would I need to go much higher to really see any benefit?

Thanks for any thoughts you all might have!

[woodjer]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

LOL...well that wasn't very helpful. No worries...maybe people aren't comfortable trying to tell me how to spend my money.

So I've got an actual scenario that might get more feedback:
Found an Epiphone Les Paul player pack on CL. It's been opened but the pick and tuner are lost. No worries...I already have those for my acoustic. Asking $130 (includes amp and bag) and said it has barely been touched. I'd prefer going up to a Standard or Studio at least and just wondering if it might be a cheap way to get an amp, bag, and a little off the price of a better model. GC is giving 15% off purchases on top of trade value. Is it a flip-worthy guitar? If so, what's a ballpark for what I might expect to get for it?

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

With your experience I would stay away from the starter/combo electric packs. It may be fine initially, but you will want to upgrade each piece in the future. You should be able to get a good digital practice amp for less than $100 (it's been awhile since I priced anything so $150 may be more reasonable). I started with a Peavy digital amp that a bunch of presets for different amp models (Fender, Marshall, etc) and effects.

As far as guitar - I'll rotate between electric and acoustic based on my mood, but the acoustic gets picked up the most simply because it's easier to get going and it travels a lot more efficiently. I started learning on my dad's acoustic, bought my own electric (Epiphone Les Paul studio, plus top), and then bought my own acoustic. Electric is a wide, deep pool. Some of the more financially feasible guitars don't sound bad, but their flaws will show up in other spots usually (loose tuning knobs, intonation loosens, electronic problems, etc).

I think the best thing to do is to go to a local guitar store and try out some guitars you're interested in and go from there. I would rather buy used from a store than from Craigslist, but I'm wary of buying used with most things anyway.

[woodjer]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Thanks for your thoughts. I initially planned to go local but was a little jaded when I went to the one around the corner and got ignored for about 30 minutes despite there being more staff than customers. Tried a different place last night and it was a world of difference...non-pushy sales guy talked to me for an hour, let my kids try a couple mini strats, and gave me advice on what seemed like the dumbest noob questions ever without once sounding condescending. There was even another customer that chimed in with some advice and encouragement. In other words, I don't feel so "alone" in my search now. FWIW, this guy explained that the place I went was more old-school in their approach and hadn't adapted to the idea that you can buy a guitar literally anywhere you have internet access now.

I typically go new when I'm dropping this kind of money, too. That said, they did have a used Epiphone Les Paul Ultra-III available. Hadn't researched them before but liked the videos I saw/heard when I got home. Sounds like they may not be great at staying in tune so I might end up passing on it though. Starting to look like a Strat/Tele might be the direction I head despite liking the Les Paul body more.

That idea is based on being asked last night who my "guitar heroes" were. Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd were the first to come to mind and both are Fender guys (though Lang used a LP on his latest album). So thinking back to the "what did they use?" question and recognizing that there are SO many factors that go into that, I'm definitely open to any thoughts on what elements people think are the biggest factors.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Oh man. Once you buy one its over - gotta have them all. I love my Les Paul, but I've been itching to get a Fender (and Gretsch, and PRS, and and and...) ever since. I went the same way you are. Duane Allman. Cream era Clapton. Jimmy Page. All the blues guys.

Still, it is versatile enough for me to get the sounds and styles I want out of it especially with the pedals I have (wah, digital delay, and fuzz).

I have the Epiphone Les Paul Standard (plus top) and have had it for about 8 years now. I haven't had any problems losing my tuning. Even picking it up after a month or two of inactivity and it sounds perfect.

Good luck on your search, man. Can't wait to see what ends up in your hands.

[woodjer]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

That's my (and my wife's) fear and I can already see it happening. At this point, I really just want something in my hands so I can figure out if it's as awesome as I think it will be. Once I've got a good start, I've already got a list of about 10 that I'd like to get just based on how cool they look.

Man, I haven't even touched pedals yet. That's another rabbit hole for another time...though probably sooner than I think.

Maybe scarier yet...my kids both want Mini Strats now. They got ukes this summer from my dad that they've barely touched so I told them that, if they played a song on the uke for the school talent show in the spring, I'd get them one. Of course, my son got his out this morning before school so I could be in trouble. And God help me if my daughter starts getting into it...

[woodjer]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Finally pulled the trigger. Here's a photo. There were three finalists; the other two were a used Epiphone LP Slash that included a hard case and a new Player Tele Thinline. Was leaning heavily toward the Thinline but it was going to land at the high end of the price range and the sales guy thought this used one was a better value. Got the guitar and amp (both used) as well as a strap, capo, cable, headphone adapter (no 1/8" jack on the amp), a bunch of picks, and a used Strat Mini for the kids. All for just over $500. I feel like I got a pretty good deal. Wasn't planning on the Strat Mini but was able to get it for the cost of a new video game so figured what the heck...not sure the wife was happy about that surprise though.

Funniest part of the night was when I asked my son (6) which one to get. He told me that I shouldn't get any because we could spend that money on something that we NEED instead. Of course, he's not wrong in the sense of it not being the most practical use of the money but the sales guy and I were both cracking up. I was like "What the heck, dude?! Where's the support?!" I was sure that my wife had gotten to him but she swears that she didn't.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Looking good! Here's to good rockin' out!