New Guitar Student - Chicago - Some Issues... Options

[ImSoDan]

Hey guys,

I'm stumbled upon this site while browsing other guitar forums and tried out the free trial. I've decided to sign up for 3 months since I especially like the detailed video lessons.

Anyway, I'm excited about playing guitar, but also a little discouraged.


I've pretty much been self taught on and off for about 4 months. Only recently have I really started practicing regularly every day. I have had some problems though...


First of all, I realized yesterday while practicing that I am just not sure about my technique at all. The guitar slightly moved from my normal playing position, and I then realized that the way it had landed was actually a MUCH more comfortable position to play in. I am happy that I finally noticed this, since in a matter of minutes I was able to play considerably faster than I was able to before the switch. However, it is frustrating that such a simple change effected me so greatly.

This leads me into another topic. Practice habits.

I normally will practice scales up and down along with playing some of the few tunes I can manage to play. I don't think it is effective though. I've tried lessons with an instructor, but while he was a great guitarist, he just didn't seem to be able to teach. I had 4 lessons with him and he didn't notice the flaw in my posture or the way I held my guitar; I had to discover this for myself.


Anyway, I did just drop 450 dollars into a new guitar. And I really enjoy being able to play along with music, but it seems like I need a little more guidance when it comes to daily practice in order to improve steadily.

If anyone has any suggestions or input, please let me know.



EDIT: I should mention that I mostly am interested in electric guitar, but I also do have an acoustic guitar. I'm a big fan of Jethro Tull, so I attempt to play their music (with no success) a lot.

The new guitar I got was an Epiphone Les Paul Quilt Top. After trying over 20 guitars for about a week, I felt that the Les Paul fit me the best. I liked the extra weight and I am happy with the action and the sound of the guitar.

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This post has been edited by Kristofer Dahl: Dec 12 2006, 09:46 PM

[Kristofer Dahl]

Welcome Imsodan!

So does anyone have some piece of advice to share?

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[Screech1989]

What exactly have you been practicing as of late?

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[ImSoDan]

What exactly have you been practicing as of late?

I've spent a lot of time on the A minor pentatonic. I've also been practicing a few specific songs that are just simple chord transitions. Otherwise, there isn't anything I consistently practice.

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[PickNGrin]

"Sitting on a park bench" Ian Anderson! Saw them once...a long time ago!
I'd be interested in the just how you were holding the guitar vs. how you hold it now. Back when I was learning, it was "cool" to hang the guitar (while standing) as low as one could stand it. So you looked like Jimmy Page....problem was, man was it uncomfortable! the wrist just could'nt wrap around the neck comfortably to get to the fretboard. To really play--it was easier to hike the guitar all the way up into your armpits, The Beatles had thier guitars hiked up high, and that looked lame.
Actually, at 4 months, many, if not most students would be playing simple chords, maybe still not executing barre chords cleanly, if at all. Know parts of songs but not many complete songs. Might know an easier solo of a song, and be practising a scale or two and doing finger excercises. You may be going for tapping or sweep picking, or palm muting techniques. You should have changed a set of strings by now, and if you play electric ---there is this whole humongus world of amps, pickups, effects, etc.
Lots of things to be covered!
The only time I "constantely" practice something is when I come to a part of a song that I cannot execute cleanly-----then I repeat only that part over and over---taking breaks, often over days or weeks, until I can nail it.

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[beebo]

I would usually play a simple song just to get me warmed up and feel a little more inspired. Then I'll challenge myself by trying to learn something new or improve my speed with the metronome. Just like Kris said you do need a metronome to increase your speed. At first I didn't really believe it 100% but I went and bought and noticed Kris was right. So you should get a metronome try some easy things first and then challenge yourself on something that's not too crazy. I still have problems but there's only one thing to do.
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Good Luck.













"Rock Rocks"

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[ImSoDan]

"Sitting on a park bench" Ian Anderson! Saw them once...a long time ago!
I'd be interested in the just how you were holding the guitar vs. how you hold it now.

It might be hard to explain, but I"ll give it a shot.


Originally, I would hold the guitar in front of me so it was nearly parallel to my chest. The better way that I've learned is to pull the body of the guitar in and down. Now my hand can actually anchor onto the guitar instead of just floating above the strings. Floating above the strings made speed picking very hard.

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