It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 3:25 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 24 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: I'm lost!
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 12:23 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:17 pm
Posts: 13
So I was trying to follow the DVD that came with my Strat starter set, but that was much too boring. I couldn't get past the first two power chords, and all the while I was wanting to pull my hair out in boredom.

So I decided to go at it in a different approach. I looked up some guitar tabs and youtube videos looking for some easy beginner songs. I came across the Star Wars theme song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNK8CJQJK0Q), but I've come across a few issues:
1) My guitar sounds NOTHING like the one in the video.
2) 2nd string sounds... nasty... Almost sounds as if I wasn't pushing it down all the way.
3) I just can't seem to find my way around the guitar well enough to practice (Am trying to practice the first three notes he mentions in that video)
4) I feel like a boy going thru puberty all over again! :(

It seems my approach to learning is not the correct ones. Anything else I can do to fix what's not working? Or find another way to learn? I'm beginning to wonder if I should have gotten the instrument. :(


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 12:29 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:58 pm
Posts: 1348
Location: Motor City
1) My guitar sounds NOTHING like the one in the video.
- Depending on what guitar you have, what amp you're playing on, and what the setting it, it might not sound anything like that guy. What gear do you have? Details...


2) 2nd string sounds... nasty... Almost sounds as if I wasn't pushing it down all the way.
- Then push it down until you get it to sound out clear and loud. If you're pushing really hard and it's still not sounding right, try a different angle with your finger, or a different finger.

Don't expect to pick up your first guitar and start belting out tunes in no time, it takes some patience and a lot of good practice. But, it's well worth it.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 12:39 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:17 pm
Posts: 13
It's just a Fender Squier Strat with a 10-watt SP-10 amp.

Was hoping there was a certain trick I was missing. :wink:


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:01 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:58 pm
Posts: 1348
Location: Motor City
It won't sound like the first version he plays, but you should be able to get that sound when he's showing you how to play it.

No "tricks". Just trying a lot of different things until you get that sound.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:12 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:06 pm
Posts: 410
Location: Florida
Hello urabbit.
I started about this time last year and found it very difficult at first. When you depress the string you only need to push hard enough to make the sting securely contact the fret, I used to (once in a while) press so hard that it bent the string at the fret a little bit. Don't try to push the string to the fretboard because it wont make it. Good luck. Practice alot and it will become easier.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:17 pm
Offline
Roadie
Roadie
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:22 pm
Posts: 223
Also make sure your guitar is in tune. That could also be a factor why you don't sound like the guy in the video.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:30 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:17 pm
Posts: 13
I use the digital tuner that came with the set, but it still doesn't sound the same. Also, after tuning it, my friend (who plays guitar) said it was out of tune.

:(

I feel as tho I'm missing something. I'm pretty sure I'm not depressing the strings properly, as well as the position in relation to the fret bar that my fingers go.

I dunno. I feel like I'm missing so much. Like I've skipped something that I need to know.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:37 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:12 pm
Posts: 600
Location: Central New Jersey
First off, make sure the guitar is in tune. There's no point in playing a guitar that's not in tune (I have to tell my 13 year old this all the time)! From thinest to thickest, 1-6, the notes are E B G D A E. What tuner do you have?

Secondly, it probably wouldn't hurt to invest in a book. Run out to Borders tonight (or whatever local bookstore) - there are many reasonable choices for beginning guitar. I'm not sure there's anything suitable on YouTube for a complete beginner.

But make sure that guitar is in tune! It could be the primary source of your frustration. [/i]

_________________
http://www.bluesrepublic.org/

2008 Fender American Stratocaster
2008 Fender Deluxe Telecaster
Fender Power Jazz Bass Special 1987 (MIJ)
Egnater Renegade Head
Egnater Tourmaster 2x12 cab


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 2:47 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:58 pm
Posts: 1348
Location: Motor City
^^^ I agree. Your friend that says it's out of tune? Tell him to tune it for you. And have him tell you why it wasn't in tune, when you thought it was - so you know for next time.

When you're first starting out, it seems like a thousand things to learn and very overwhelming. Then you learn them and think "Oh, that was easier than I though" and things start to make sense. There will be times when they won't be easy, and you'll really have to work at them, but that's the great part. If it were easy, everyone would do it.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 2:53 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:45 pm
Posts: 320
Location: England
My friend I don't know how long you have been trying to play guitar but I am guessing not very long at all.

Just remember practice makes perfect, don't run before you can walk and persvere.

Some of us have been playing a long time and if you read the threads you will see the pursuit of certain tones is an ongoing situation.

Don't get down hearted, just keep on rocking and soon you will say 'thats it' and have a big smile. We have all been there.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:11 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:17 pm
Posts: 13
I'm using the digital quartz tuner that my Fender Strat pack came with. Powered by a D battery. I choose which string I'm tuning, pluck that string, and adjust accordingly. When I tuned it, I made sure all the strings hit 0 on the meter.

I'd go get a book or something, but I am not sure what to look for, and am not sure I have the change to spare for it.

Why must every hobby cost money? Heh.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:31 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:38 am
Posts: 3959
Location: Rochdale UK
Ok Urabbit, Don't try and fill your head with too much information too quickly, take a slow measured approach, it's quicker in the longrun.
Work on the basics first, scales and simple chords. There is no secret formula, no magic wand, no mysteries that guitar players are hiding. We've all looked for them and they are just not there pal.
It's just hour after hour of practice.
I've posted this before but if you look, you will find lots of basic stuff here for beginners. Hard work brings it's rewards in the end.

http://guitar.about.com/


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:50 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 18, 2008 9:04 am
Posts: 715
Location: Marshfield, MA
here's a link that was posted recently, some good stuff on it:
http://guitar.about.com/

you've got a few things going for you:
1. you've got a good tool to start with.
2. you seem to have a lot of ambition.

if you ask your friend to show you some easy songs, you'll feel like you're getting somewhere. your playing is going to sound like you're missing a lot of notes until your fingers develop calouses. as long as they're in the right places, you'll do fine and as your fingers get better trained, your playing will clean up and start to sound like something.

keep at it. my 11 year old started two summers ago... right where you are now... you should hear him today ;)

_________________
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:00 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:17 pm
Posts: 13
Yes, I'm absolutely IN LOVE with my guitar, especially after hearing what the guy at the shop and my friend can do with it. :)

I hope it gets better when I get callouses, cause I hate having to stop playing due to my fingers hurting haha.

So I'm attempting to learn via guitar tablature. I really don't wanna learn power chords and what-not, but I will if it'd make things easier. But, really, I just want to learn how to play songs I listen to, just to pass time, relieve stress, etc. I don't see myself playing gigs or anything. So is guitar tab good for me to learn on?

I'll be checking thru that page. Thanks for the link. :)

And thank you all for going easy on the noobie. :P


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:06 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:53 am
Posts: 5189
Location: Magnolia, Texas (just north of Houston)
Playing guitar is a lot like learning to run.

1. You have to learn to stand...in this case tune your guitar and figuring out how to make is make a noise without sounding like a cat in heat.

2. Once you can stand you have to put one foot in front of the other and walk...Practice chords, scales, progressions, learning songs, ect...

3. You are ready to run...Have fun play and compose.

Practice, take your time, and most of all have fun. If you can find someone a little better than you that is willing to jam with you could help out. If all else fails...there are lessons. There is nothing wrong taking lessons from a teacher/instructor. Just try not getting discouraged. I hate to say this, but you will never sound like a pro with a small amp...but they are good to practice on. As you progress, buy equipment that makes you sound like you want. Keep playing, it really is a good hobby. Just remember, small steps.

_________________
RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 24 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: