Purchased a Guitar

Now I am thoroughly confused! lol. Just kidding! Thanks for posting all that. :)
 

Good for you. Although I enjoy playing the banjo more than a guitar, I still have fun messing around with an old Gibson that belonged to my Dad. I would recommend maybe just taking a few lessons to get you past learning the chords. This will help you move on quicker, so you can start playing some simple riffs, which will then help you to learn playing a full song. Learning to read music will probably slow you down a bit, unless you already have that expertise, but don't get discouraged. After a few weeks of continual practice, it will start to come together.
 
ossian said:
Guitar music can be a bit confusing. That is because there are several ways in which the music is written.

You have standard notation 'charts' which you would probably recognise as 'proper' music. They use the normal staff and note notation. Like this:

View attachment 29156

You also have tab notation which is similar to standard notation and often has the standard notation written on the staff above the tab notation. Tab has 6 lines to indicate the strings of the guitar, whereas standard notation has 5 lines on the staff. Tab is easier to read as you simply position your fingers as indicated on the tab notation. The problem with tab in itself is that you cannot get a precise timing from the notation. However, if you follow the timing indicated by the notes on the standard notation while playing the tab, then you have it!

Standard notation is challenging for a guitarist and is now normally restricted to classical guitar... and sometimes jazz.

View attachment 29158

Then you have what I always think of as a 'chart' and that is a chord chart. These are generally used by rhythm guitarists and jazz guitarists and indicate the chord played and the rhythm in which they play the chords. Like this:

View attachment 29157

Apart from this, you may have simple chord boxes placed above the lines of a song or simply the name of the chord itself. Such as Gm7.

So, it is not so straightforward as good old standard notation, but it does make us guitarists a versatile bunch.

Do you see anything here that matches what you have?
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Yeah, I think this may be a bit too over-whelming for someone just picking up a guitar for the first time.
 

oldman said:
Good for you. Although I enjoy playing the banjo more than a guitar, I still have fun messing around with an old Gibson that belonged to my Dad. I would recommend maybe just taking a few lessons to get you past learning the chords. This will help you move on quicker, so you can start playing some simple riffs, which will then help you to learn playing a full song. Learning to read music will probably slow you down a bit, unless you already have that expertise, but don't get discouraged. After a few weeks of continual practice, it will start to come together.
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Thank you for your advice. 30 DVDs came with the guitar. The instructions say you learn to play 30 songs in 30 days. I guess it starts out real easy, like a 2 note song. I may take longer than 30 days to play 30 songs. I'll do it at my leisure. I just hope that I don't make too much noise in my apt. I shouldn't worry about that because I'm going to play during non sleep hours.
 
I watched a good part of the first dvd. I also tuned the guitar with a youtube video. I never realized how hard this would be but i'm not giving up. I am having a problem with my third finger. I damaged my wrist long ago and it is hard to move that finger. I'll keep on trying. :)
 
I finally was able to get my camera card recognized by my computer. Here is the chart. I guess my camera isn't the problem.

KXorp5R.jpg
 
OK, now that I see it that top chart makes sense, and I assume "natural" means no flats or sharps.

The chord diagrams just below that one are how I learned to play. I play guitar by ear.

What sort of music do you want to learn to play on your guitar, Ruthanne? Classical? Rock/folk/pop accompanying yourself and others singing? Other? All?
 
Guitarist said:
OK, now that I see it that top chart makes sense, and I assume "natural" means no flats or sharps.

The chord diagrams just below that one are how I learned to play. I play guitar by ear.

What sort of music do you want to learn to play on your guitar, Ruthanne? Classical? Rock/folk/pop accompanying yourself and others singing? Other? All?
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I realized I had to cut my finger nails! Can't play guitar with long nails. lol. I would like to learn all kinds of music in time. I was playing with the band in the Keith Urban video. I didn't do very well so far but it felt good playing along with a band!! I like that feeling. I also looked at a youtube video of some cords. I just need to be patient with myself. Sometimes I'm not patient with anyone including myself. But I don't think I'm much different than others.
 
Ruthanne, I am sorry if the chart examples I posted were confusing, I had only tried to establish which type of chart you were looking at. The one you have posted is simply a diagram of the fingerboard and where the notes lie on it.

Try not to do too much at once. You will experience some strain on your hand and wrist if you have not been used to playing before. Some of the stretches can be a challenge and be careful not to strain your hand by attempting something that you have not yet mastered. There will also be times when you get dispirited because what you are attempting does not sound as you want it to. That happens to everyone even if they have been paying for 40 years! There is nothing wrong with taking a break from the guitar for a day or 2 and ignoring the 30 day target. You will discover that when you do this, you will feel more refreshed and eager to return to it. Happens to me all the time.

Also, something to remember. When learning something new, practice slowly and repetitively. Over and over. It is the best way to get things right. Especially with music where timing is essential.
 
ossian said:
Ruthanne, I am sorry if the chart examples I posted were confusing, I had only tried to establish which type of chart you were looking at. The one you have posted is simply a diagram of the fingerboard and where the notes lie on it.

Try not to do too much at once. You will experience some strain on your hand and wrist if you have not been used to playing before. Some of the stretches can be a challenge and be careful not to strain your hand by attempting something that you have not yet mastered. There will also be times when you get dispirited because what you are attempting does not sound as you want it to. That happens to everyone even if they have been paying for 40 years! There is nothing wrong with taking a break from the guitar for a day or 2 and ignoring the 30 day target. You will discover that when you do this, you will feel more refreshed and eager to return to it. Happens to me all the time.

Also, something to remember. When learning something new, practice slowly and repetitively. Over and over. It is the best way to get things right. Especially with music where timing is essential.
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Thank you for all the advice given. That made me feel better. I was wondering if I was developmentally delayed after my first attempt. lol. Actually it is fun to be starting something new and learning new things. I don't understand the chart I posted yet. In time things will happen. Thank you so much! :)
 
I had to look at a youtube video to find out the way to properly hold the guitar. It seems among newbies there is a tendency to lay the guitar down to look at the strings and that is what I did. That is why my fingers couldn't reach the notes! So now I am holding it right. A step in the right direction!
 
I have seen Keith on TV with this offer, an no your never to old to learn. It may take alittle more time to get with the program but ya need to practice everyday. Even if it's only 30 minutes. I joined Guitar Tricks.com an it's the best program I have ever found. Ck it out you may want to change on an off between Keith's cd an Guitar Tricks. Sometimes we get bored an I have to say it takes alot of practice time to be decent . Just saying but would like to know how your progressing an what songs your working on. I live in Jax Fl an we have alot of great musicians come from my town. Keep us updated on your progress. Good luck lindap
 
Congratulations and good for you wanting to learn guitar. May I please offer a few things.. It's a good idea to wash your hands before playing, that get's any oil or grime on your fingers off the guitar and off your guitar strings, they'll last longer. It's a good thought to wipe off your guitar when your done also. A clean cotton cloth works great, I use old baby diapers (remember those things?) they're great, nice and soft. Squeezing a soft ball will help with the finger strength, not to hard now.. But make sure you learn to tune the guitar when you play. Around here you can buy a great little tuner that goes on the headstock, gets you tuned in pitch and cost around $13.00 (last time I checked anyway) Good luck and have fun !!
 
Hi Hazy Thanks for the suggestions an I do everything you are suggesting. I did purchase a SNARK ,WHICH IS A TUNEr put on the headstock of the guitar which you mention. How long have you been playing?
What kind of music do you play? Or anyone as far as that goes. I'm old time Classic Rock n Roll. Or tapping into my James Taylor type music. JT is tough,seems he makes up his chords,lol. Thanks for sharing. lindap
 
Thank you all for the tips on guitar playing. I really appreciate that. I'm going through a spell where I haven't played but want to get back to it. I hope to soon.
 
happytime said:
Hi Hazy Thanks for the suggestions an I do everything you are suggesting. I did purchase a SNARK ,WHICH IS A TUNEr put on the headstock of the guitar which you mention. How long have you been playing?
What kind of music do you play? Or anyone as far as that goes. I'm old time Classic Rock n Roll. Or tapping into my James Taylor type music. JT is tough,seems he makes up his chords,lol. Thanks for sharing. lindap
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Hi Linda, I started playing bass in my brother's band back in high school. Then about 3 years later I just played guitar. I've been playing/jamming since then, been in a few bands and played some local stuff, nothing fancy. I grew up playing the same tunes, Classic Rock n Roll and whatever else was fun to do. Nowadays we just get together On Saturday nights at the house, no more gigging, but we're still having fun. We've recorded and posted some homemade tunes at, https://soundcloud.com/partly-banded it's free to listen to if you're curious what we're doing.

We use Snark tuners also, aren't they great, very easy to use and very affordable. I'm a big James Taylor fan also and you're right about his chords.. whew. Thank you for asking and best of luck to you.

Hi Ruthanne, You know I think we all go through these spells, no worries.
 
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I started with the guitar in my mid-60's and have enjoyed it ever since. I also moved on to the mountain dulcimer (a great "group" instrument), the bowed psaltery, electric bass, and dobro. Advice - to enjoy it the most, keep it simple at the start and find others to pick with.

I have a group that gets together weekly for very basic, simple stuff - traditional bluegrass, C/W and old gospel. It is great fun to change the instruments around.

We also have a spin-off group that does doh-wop and folk.

The instruments are fun and satisfying. But feeling yourself involved in the "package" is truly great fun.

Good luck and .....enjoy!!!
 
Ruthanne: Playing the guitar decent is a real job. It's one of the hardest to play. With that said, it simply takes alot of practice on a REGULAR basis
First the fingers have to get callouses on them which takes about a week. Then learning an changing from one chord to another without hestation is the next step
After you get down all your open chords ,which will take practice, you can play about any song,no kidding. Don't get discouraged, an do pick it up everyday.
We are all here to help an encourage you. Once you learn all your open chords your neighbors will want to hear you play. If it's to loud just unplug your
amp. Your going to love it, I promise. :cool:
 
happytime said:
Ruthanne: Playing the guitar decent is a real job. It's one of the hardest to play. With that said, it simply takes alot of practice on a REGULAR basis
First the fingers have to get callouses on them which takes about a week. Then learning an changing from one chord to another without hestation is the next step
After you get down all your open chords ,which will take practice, you can play about any song,no kidding. Don't get discouraged, an do pick it up everyday.
We are all here to help an encourage you. Once you learn all your open chords your neighbors will want to hear you play. If it's to loud just unplug your
amp. Your going to love it, I promise. :cool:
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I'm not using an amp even though I have one for my accoustic guitar. Thanks for your post. :)
 
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