I want to play guitar, and I have some questions. If you teach or understand the guitar, that'll help...?

Question

I really want to start playing, but I don't know how to get started.

Where can I find a guitar teacher in or around the Tampa Bay area? My friend and I want to take lessons together, so it's not just about guitar, but about becoming better friends in the process, so we need an tolerant, patient, and easygoing teacher that understands that we want to put in the effort and be able to d**k around too . What supplies do I need to begin with? What are some things would help me learn on my own at home, so I can start the classes having the edge on my friend (or if lessons don't pan out?)

I'm only looking for answers that are long, detailed and comprehensive, preferably with many suggestions!

Answer 1

Hey Masked

Here is a good link:

http://www.tampaguitar.com/

All your questions can be answered on that site.They have all you need to take lessons.

Secondly, here are some basic tricks that will help you immensely.

Always use the >>>> One finger per fret technique. You have 4 fingers and each finger controls a fret and never alter this.

As for picking technique, always use the up and down stroke for each note. This is called alternate picking.

This is the basics but , the most important basics and make sure your hand is always parallel to the fingerboard. The fingers act like hammers.

Once you have played the first note on the 1st fret. Hold that note and play the 2nd note on the following fret, then the 3rd fret with the 3rd finger, and the 4th fret with the pinky.

Go all the way up to the small string. Then, work your way back using 4-3-2-1 fingering, again, one finger per fret.

Answer 2

To find the kind of ways you want best, you need to go to just a local music store. Even try yellowpages. THe best places for having a sense of humor while learning would be in smaller guitar or music shops. To help you at home, you need to be 1 with your guitar. Maybe subscribe to some guitar magazines and just play around with you guitar. It you want to learn the "art" of guitar, you need to play around and find the styles of music that you like to play. The art of guitar for you isn't someone elses way that they learned, but your way that you figured out. Sure a person can lead along the way but to fully experience it you need to play around a lot and find a style of music that fits you.

All you'll need to start out with is a guitar. A lot of people are freaking out; electric? Acoustic? Electric? Acoustic? It doesn't matter. What ever fits you best is what you should get. When you get your guitar, if you haven't yet, play areound with both types. YOu'll also need a guitar pick. Get a couple in case you lose one.

As you said, to have the edge on your friend, here are some things:

1. Practice picking, strum up and down getting the feel for the guitar.

2.Each fret equals one finger. First fret=1st finger

second fret=2nd finger and etc. Use this then and get your fingers used to the frets that they are meant to play.

3.Eye-hand-coordination. Practice picking and getting the fret down at the same time to get the full effect.

A lot of the guitar will come in time and you can't learn it in just a day. So be patient and practice a lot and you'll do fine!

Good Luck!

P.S. Put together a cool little mini song before the lesson so you have something to play and show the teacher. Haha, you're friend'll have nothng to play then. Good Luck!