156 replies to this topic

[AVV IT]

Well I went and got me an amp for Christmas!! 

 

So now the neighbours will soon be arranging my ASBO, whilst the various neighborhood cats will wail along in time with my out of tune strumming! Having only ever played an unplugged electric, I've noticed that it's considerably less physical effort to play it when you actually plug it in. Now that might sound a bit like stating the obvious, but I kind of assumed that an amp would just make it louder, not easier to play as well.

 

I've also noticed that I've now lost virtually all sensation in the finger tips of my left hand, which isn't all that helpful when you're a healthcare professional who has to take patients pulses countless times per day! "Yes I'm sorry madam, but you do in fact appear to be dead..... sorry no my mistake, it's just that I'm checking your pulse with my fretting hand again!!  " 

[ljs4]

Below are some links that I have used in the past and have found very useful. Been playing for 10 years and received a loop pedal for Christmas which is a lot of fun.

Guitar chords (very useful) - http://jguitar.com

 

Guitar songs for beginners - http://www.guitargui...song-book.shtml

More songs and tab - http://www.ultimate-guitar.com


I found listening to backing tracks on youtube a good way to familiarise yourself around the guitar. I started playing with an electric guitar and you do pick up bad habits which is why you should really start on an acoustic, it's not a big deal though in my opinion. 

Edited by ljs4, 30 December 2013 - 02:40 AM.

[Teapot]

Thanks for the above links and happy new year to all plonkers guitar students especially the OP who kicked it all off.

 

Probably behind the rest of the world I've caught up with Mike (Spider Fingers) Dawes, the guy behind the current Wonga guitars ad

 

 

and his explanation of the guitar as  "a cajon (box drum) with strings"

 

(starts at 1' 12")

 

Anyway, back to the One-Note Samba for me

 

 

 

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

My dad gave me his 80's Tanglewood acoustic this evening. I love it. He used to play it to me when I was growing up but I never thought I'd own it! Priceless. Plays great 

 

[ljs4]

Very nice! I got a Tanglewood just over a year ago, they make a nice guitar. I tried other makes which were far more expensive which didn't come close. 

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

It is lovely to play, beautiful action.

 

Couple more of my dads

 

 

 

[cradley-heathen]

nice hard tail 70s strat there. i would really like a hardtaill, but i really like 60s headstocks and rosewood boards, i see your dad is a maple man!

[davej]

Some very nice guitars you've got there Craig. 

 

Happy new year to you too Mr Teapot. I haven't been practising much this year yet, I will though.

 

Has anyone got any tips for making your fingers stretch further apart so you can go across more frets? My uncle used to be a plumber and used bits of pipe in between his fingers when he was starting out.

[ljs4]

Some very nice guitars you've got there Craig. 

 

Happy new year to you too Mr Teapot. I haven't been practising much this year yet, I will though.

 

Has anyone got any tips for making your fingers stretch further apart so you can go across more frets? My uncle used to be a plumber and used bits of pipe in between his fingers when he was starting out.

Running through scales is a good way to get your fingers stretching whilst improving your way around the guitar.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Cheers guys. They are gorgeous, the strat is wonderful. He bought it from Fender USA back in the day. He changed the scratchplate to black since black and white was so popular back then. All of the electrics are as they left Fender. I remember a few years ago he was going to replace the pots and some of the wiring since it was getting a bit crackly but ended up fixing the original ones since he didn't want to replace them. 

 

And he's definitely a maple man, I think that's where I get it from. As well as the Fender thing, to me, a new guitar means a new Fender.

 

As far as getting the stretch in your fingers, I've always had huge hands so it was never a problem for me, but I think the main part of the problem is not knowing where you want to go. I think that to play fluently you need to be able to locate your fingers on the fretboard without having to think about it, second nature, and when you can do that between chords and notes, then you can practice and practice, your hands do the rest. :)  

Edited by Mini-Mad-Craig, 20 January 2014 - 07:25 PM.

[davej]

I've always loved Fenders, especially the tele.

 

Yeah I'm going to have a go at some scales.

[ljs4]

I wouldn't mind a go on that Strat. I've got a sunburst Squier which I've had for over 10 years and love it but I plan to get either a gibson or Strat in the near future.   

[davej]

Have you got any pictures?

[ljs4]

Have you got any pictures?

I play the Fender a lot so it does show some wear and tear. I am going to fit a new scratch plate and give it a good clean when I change the strings. 

Edit: Just noticed the massive reflection which looks like a huge mark. 

Edited by ljs4, 20 January 2014 - 08:53 PM.

[davej]

Nothing wrong with a bit of wear and tear, looks really good