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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ The Learning Curve

Posted by: Conker Aug 4 2009, 09:10 PM

Hi everyone,
A bit of back ground first, I have not played a guitar for approx 20 years and was only a complete novice even then.
I know a few basic cords, but as I am mainly a metal / hard rock fan my playing was just a few power cords
into bit of a Rhythm with no lead work.

So here I am on a second lap almost but wanting to learn and progress.
My question is this what is the best sequence of learning, I feel I need some kind of structure to follow, and guidance.
Is there any where on this site that shows a step by step guide on what order to progress ?
I have no idea of scales or cord progressions.
What should I be learning first and then moving onto so the previous learning/lesson/technique complements the next step.
I probably have not explained it as well as I could have so I hope you understand my point.
It would be nice to have a 10 step plan for example.

Step 1 = ?
Step 2 = ?
Step 3 = ?
ect ect

Thanks for any help or advice.

Posted by: Fusar Aug 4 2009, 10:03 PM

Hey, nice questions, I've been thinking about this question as well since I began to play the guitar
I think there are 2 great threads who helped and help me in here: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=15072 ... and there was another where Ivan Milenkovic - I think - posted a great guideline, but I can't find it atm Maybe he knows what I mean!
This will not exactly answer your question about a 10-Step-Plan, but it'll help you - as well as reading some posts from Andrew Cockburn in his theory forum!
And apply for the MTP, an instructor will help you there to find your way through the great guitarworld!

EDIT: Here's Ivan's plan: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=23016&st=0&p=312457&#entry312457 enjoy it

Posted by: Laszlo Boross Aug 4 2009, 11:18 PM

I can only say that as I teach.
First step: basic chords, chord progression,learning of some simple song
Beside that you can learn some simple solo and basic scale.
After these learn different techniques in parallel (riffing, tapping, sweeping, chords, scales, )and diverse-style songs.
But for the results you have to practice a lot.
I know all people need different teaching strategy but studying of the basics is very important for everyone.
If you have any question we'll be here! Good practice!

Posted by: Conker Aug 5 2009, 06:17 PM

Thanks for the replies guy`s ,
I will have a good look through Ivans plan as a start.
Then add a few bits in as Laszlo has suggested.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 7 2009, 04:52 PM

Here is my lesson plan that I did as a suggestion for another member man:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=23016&view=findpost&p=312457

But I am ready and be glad to help you making your own customized plan. PM me for more details. Cheers

Ivan

Posted by: TheOldOnes Aug 7 2009, 08:07 PM

My own experience is very much the same although I spent a year or two of getting back into guitar before I joined GMC just over a year ago. The way I started was choosing a few lessons that I thought were just a little bit advanced for me (pushed me a bit). I had no experience with theory (and still lacking but daily visits to GMC have taught me quite a bit although I really should be concentrating more on it). After about 6 months I decided to pay attention to some of the scales that are presented in the lessons and realized I should have started out when I joined. By no means do I recommend learning them all right now but pick a couple and start fooling around with them and exploring alternatives on your guitar. One personal training trick that really helped me out was to play an easy lick you may already know (I chose the riff to Eric Clapton's Cocaine). In between the riff, try doing a quick scale progression (I had to find them myself by ear which is also good practice) - once you find one progression then try a descending progression from somewhere else - keep looking for them. I use this as a warmup exercise now (I should change the riff soon as I am not really a big fan of Eric Clapton myself - try smoke on the water riff - there is a good amount of time between the riffs to put in a run - no need to be like Yngwie Malmsteen though - he seems to be able to shoehorn 50 note runs into a half note).

One really cool lesson is the written lesson for theory. I can't seem to find it at the moment but lots of people should be able to direct you (help me please). Andrew Cockburns lessons for beginners is a good way to get you to a learning level you are comfortable with.

Posted by: Conker Aug 8 2009, 03:02 PM

Some great advice there , thank you.
It is so refreshing to be on a forum where people are genuinely helpful.
I am on a number of other forums [ non music related] and most are full of
arguments and little real help, especially for new comers.
Thanks again for making me feel welcome.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 8 2009, 05:55 PM

Anytime my friend