Hey guys I would like to introduce my self. My name is Jeremey but I go by JT and I'm a 39 going on 17 year old player. I'v been noodling around with the guitar for give or take 20 years now. My problem is after 20 odd years I still cant play! I can play the intros to a dozen or more songs but thats about as far as it goes. I tried lessons a few years ago, had a teacher come to me to teach me theory and neoclassical. I tried this for a couple of months but I felt like I was not heading in the right direction to achive my goals. My instructor did not even own a electric guitar or really no how to play with a pick. I was so frustrated and mad I gave up playing all together. I found Marcus Lavendells youtube page and thought I would give this place a try after taking some time off. My problem is I'm not sure where to start. I feel like I'm at a intermediate level with right and left hand skills but I'm a beginner at chord theory and scales ect. I'm trying to avoid setting on the edge of the bed noodling and not getting any where. Any and alll advise is appreciated.
Thanks
JT
Full Version: Hello From Dallas Tx
Welcome JT!
I think you are touching upon an important topic: It's not really what the instructor teaches that matters, it's what he plays. In order to teach something convincingly you have to be able to play it yourself!
So I think you have come to the right place, because that's what we do here
I think the best you can do to avoid that, is to as quickly as possible learn a whole lesson where you can really jam to the backings - if you can do that, you will quickly be able to move on to playing with other people/ a band.
Keep us updated on your progress!
I think you are touching upon an important topic: It's not really what the instructor teaches that matters, it's what he plays. In order to teach something convincingly you have to be able to play it yourself!
So I think you have come to the right place, because that's what we do here
QUOTE
I'm trying to avoid setting on the edge of the bed noodling and not getting any where.
I think the best you can do to avoid that, is to as quickly as possible learn a whole lesson where you can really jam to the backings - if you can do that, you will quickly be able to move on to playing with other people/ a band.
Keep us updated on your progress!
Hi JT and welcome to GMC
I would definitely advise to surround yourself with inspiring guitar activites, to keep your motivation up whilst you decide to knuckle down on your playing. Pick some lessons, or even cover tunes, of your favourite style and set yourself small goals that are within reasonable levels of accomplishment.. this way you're better placed to make real noticeable progress. During this, you're bound to stumble on particular areas (or technique, or theory etc) that leap out at you and make you want to explore them further and really get to grips with them on a more intense level.
I would definitely advise to surround yourself with inspiring guitar activites, to keep your motivation up whilst you decide to knuckle down on your playing. Pick some lessons, or even cover tunes, of your favourite style and set yourself small goals that are within reasonable levels of accomplishment.. this way you're better placed to make real noticeable progress. During this, you're bound to stumble on particular areas (or technique, or theory etc) that leap out at you and make you want to explore them further and really get to grips with them on a more intense level.
Hello JT & welcome to the most addictive guitar enthusiast site on the web. I'm new here myself but you are going to enjoy GMC. I know it's overwhelming at first but in a short time you learn what this site has to offer. You mentioned studying theory & neoclassical w/your private instructor.
What are your goals, favorite styles, bands, etc.?
Next question is how long each day & how many days a week can you practice? I would recommend dividing your practice time into thirds. First third; scales, arpeggio, speed (metronome comes in handy here...use it!), theory exercises. Second third; lessons on GMC you are interested in to help you reach your goals. Third third ( ) Fun time to play music you enjoy! These are examples, of course, adjust accordingly to fit your study & time constraints.
I also started a journal to track my progress. I found it a helpful tool that I could also look back on to track my progress. Just a few quick notes such as "pentatonic scale (reached 140 bpm on metronome) - 10 mins; Marcus Lavendell - Winding roads, solo lessons #1, #2, #3 for 15 mins, fun time: Sweet Home Alabama 5 mins. Be sure to note date & how long you practiced. If you do this, you can look back to see what is working for you & what isn't. It also let's you know if you are wasting any time during practice. Not all guitarists like to do this but I find it really helps.
Use the guitar lessons tab (above) to locate lessons by level, style, instructor, etc. Check out the forum for interesting topics. And don't forget to check out the video chats which are extremely fun & helpful.
Most important is make sure your practice includes some fun lesson, lick or song. The most important point (IMHO) is that you keep yourself motivated!
Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on so much.
Keep in mind that I am new here & really only at level 2-3 right now but these are ideas that have helped me.
Gary F.
QUOTE
I tried lessons a few years ago, had a teacher come to me to teach me theory and neoclassical. I tried this for a couple of months but I felt like I was not heading in the right direction to achieve my goals. My instructor did not even own a electric guitar or really no how to play with a pick.
.What are your goals, favorite styles, bands, etc.?
QUOTE
My problem is I'm not sure where to start. I feel like I'm at a intermediate level with right and left hand skills but I'm a beginner at chord theory and scales etc.
Next question is how long each day & how many days a week can you practice? I would recommend dividing your practice time into thirds. First third; scales, arpeggio, speed (metronome comes in handy here...use it!), theory exercises. Second third; lessons on GMC you are interested in to help you reach your goals. Third third (
) Fun time to play music you enjoy! These are examples, of course, adjust accordingly to fit your study & time constraints. I also started a journal to track my progress. I found it a helpful tool that I could also look back on to track my progress. Just a few quick notes such as "pentatonic scale (reached 140 bpm on metronome) - 10 mins; Marcus Lavendell - Winding roads, solo lessons #1, #2, #3 for 15 mins, fun time: Sweet Home Alabama 5 mins. Be sure to note date & how long you practiced. If you do this, you can look back to see what is working for you & what isn't. It also let's you know if you are wasting any time during practice. Not all guitarists like to do this but I find it really helps.
Use the guitar lessons tab (above) to locate lessons by level, style, instructor, etc. Check out the forum for interesting topics. And don't forget to check out the video chats which are extremely fun & helpful.
Most important is make sure your practice includes some fun lesson, lick or song. The most important point (IMHO) is that you keep yourself motivated!
Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on so much.
Keep in mind that I am new here & really only at level 2-3 right now but these are ideas that have helped me.Gary F.
Hello JT welcome to GMC!
Sorry to hear that you had a rough start with your guitar teacher man, it can certainly be demotivating. However, you managed to start to play again, and you came to GMC!
Here are couple of important activities that can serve you as a guideline on the site:
1. Start by learning complete GMC lesson. Use the "Search" option in the upper right corner of the site, and search for your favorite band, technique etc.. You will find advanced search options as well, so you can choose level of the lesson. Try to pick a very easy one for a motivation boost. We do have considerable number of easy-to-do famous song lessons as well! For example, check out this lesson of mine: Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton. Check the main video and slower videos, and if you can tackle the whole lesson - do it! I guarantee it will be rewarding!
2. If you come up with any problems, be sure to write us in the main board forum. It is certain that you will get an answer the very same day, often in the next couple of hours!
3. Once you've mastered your first lesson, try to do some theory too! It's important to know your patterns when playing guitar. I recommend one of my older lessons:Pentatonic Workshop Level 1 - CAGED Format and Timing Exercises
4. Have fun playing guitar!
Sorry to hear that you had a rough start with your guitar teacher man, it can certainly be demotivating. However, you managed to start to play again, and you came to GMC!
Here are couple of important activities that can serve you as a guideline on the site:
1. Start by learning complete GMC lesson. Use the "Search" option in the upper right corner of the site, and search for your favorite band, technique etc.. You will find advanced search options as well, so you can choose level of the lesson. Try to pick a very easy one for a motivation boost. We do have considerable number of easy-to-do famous song lessons as well! For example, check out this lesson of mine: Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton. Check the main video and slower videos, and if you can tackle the whole lesson - do it! I guarantee it will be rewarding!
2. If you come up with any problems, be sure to write us in the main board forum. It is certain that you will get an answer the very same day, often in the next couple of hours!
3. Once you've mastered your first lesson, try to do some theory too! It's important to know your patterns when playing guitar. I recommend one of my older lessons:Pentatonic Workshop Level 1 - CAGED Format and Timing Exercises
4. Have fun playing guitar!
Welcome to GMC! I'm sure you will find out your way here with our instructors & students help
Dogukan,
Dogukan,
Welcome to GMC! I have grandparents they live in Gainesville, TX.
Hi Jeremey, welcome to GMC!
Hi JT! Welcome to GMC!
I found this lesson in the neoclassical style, maybe learn the whole piece to start:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/
I found this lesson in the neoclassical style, maybe learn the whole piece to start:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/
Welcome to GMC!
Welcome to GMC! I am currently living in the Dallas area myself as well (Mesquite). It's nice to see a fellow Texan.
Home of SRV
Home of SRV
Thanks for the warm welcome
JT
JT
The good news is, you have come to the right place! Welcome! I'm Todd and I do Video Chat Lessons every Saturday @5PM EST, where we take two hours and help folks get over that "hump" that's standing in the way of them getting better!
There are tons of killer instructors on this site and a great community of players. You almost can't help getting better just being part of the gang here. Of course you will need to practice still
Here is a link to all of the notes from every Sat Clinic we have ever done. (About 60) and each is broken down in to easy to learn chunks. There's a TON of stuff but each is a very digestible bit. Try a few!
http://bit.ly/lessonnotes
See you Sat!
PRACTICE!
Todd
Welcome! I'm Todd and I do Video Chat Lessons every Saturday @5PM EST, where we take two hours and help folks get over that "hump" that's standing in the way of them getting better! There are tons of killer instructors on this site and a great community of players. You almost can't help getting better just being part of the gang here. Of course you will need to practice still
Here is a link to all of the notes from every Sat Clinic we have ever done. (About 60) and each is broken down in to easy to learn chunks. There's a TON of stuff but each is a very digestible bit. Try a few!
http://bit.ly/lessonnotes
See you Sat!
PRACTICE!
Todd
QUOTE (axewerks @ May 22 2011, 10:58 AM) 
Hey guys I would like to introduce my self. My name is Jeremey but I go by JT and I'm a 39 going on 17 year old player. I'v been noodling around with the guitar for give or take 20 years now. My problem is after 20 odd years I still cant play! I can play the intros to a dozen or more songs but thats about as far as it goes. I tried lessons a few years ago, had a teacher come to me to teach me theory and neoclassical. I tried this for a couple of months but I felt like I was not heading in the right direction to achive my goals. My instructor did not even own a electric guitar or really no how to play with a pick. I was so frustrated and mad I gave up playing all together. I found Marcus Lavendells youtube page and thought I would give this place a try after taking some time off. My problem is I'm not sure where to start. I feel like I'm at a intermediate level with right and left hand skills but I'm a beginner at chord theory and scales ect. I'm trying to avoid setting on the edge of the bed noodling and not getting any where. Any and alll advise is appreciated.
Thanks
JT
Thanks
JT
Welcome to GMC !
Continue to practice, and we are here to help
Continue to practice, and we are here to help
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