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Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:46 pm
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rkreisher wrote:
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.


Thank you. :) Ya, I realized before I purchased the amp, that a 50+ watt amp was better for higher skill levels. But a 10-watt amp is great for me because a) I'm a beginner and b) I live in an apartment. ;)


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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:56 am
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Doesnt have to be a powerful amp, just a good tube amp that you are able to crank. A Twin is nice but in an apartment it's probably overkill if you cant crank it passed 2, then you'd have to use an overdrive to get some good sound out of it.


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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:05 am
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Location: metro Chicago USA
Relax, take it slow.

As someone said, get someone to tune the guitar. Watch and listen carefully. And check intonation at 12th fret octave. The bridge may need tweaking on one or more strings.

If you can swing it, have the guitar 'set up' by a good tech. In many cases, getting a true intonation and neck is like getting an instrument worth double the price.

And Philip Sudo's Zen Guitar book is great for the mind-instrument connect. Best of fortune. You will progress.


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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:49 am
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I went in to the shop I purchased the kit from. I busted out my digital quartz tuner, made sure it was all tuned according to that. Then he did it by ear and said it was good to go. :)

I'm still getting situated with the guitar, and still need to go out and get more picks. I'm practicing "When the Saints Go Marching in" and it's coming along pretty well. Hopefully even better once I get picks. :)

Thanks again all!


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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 3:08 pm
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I'm working on "The Saint go Marching in" and I've almost got the entire tab memorized (see here: http://www.guitarmasta.net/m/misc/279482.html).

I'm having trouble with my fingers tho. My picking fingers are doing great. But my note-playing fingers on my left hand seem to be too big for the guitar. I know that's not the case - definitely what it feels like tho.

I'll strum the open 2nd string, then push my index finger onto the 3rd key in the 2nd fret (or what-have-you) and my index finger will make the still-vibrating 2nd string cry in pain, basically. It's making it hard to sit up straight, too, cause I'll hunch over to see what I'm doing wrong.

Any pointers here? Or just keep practicing? Heh.


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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:39 pm
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urabbit wrote:
It's making it hard to sit up straight, too, cause I'll hunch over to see what I'm doing wrong.

Any pointers here? Or just keep practicing? Heh.

try holding the guitar as if it were a classical... in other words, put it on your other knee. it will help you with leverage and actually puts your body in a better position. after you begin to develop strength in your fingers, you can sit it on the rock and roll knee.

classical position is - if you're right handed, put the guitar on your left knee and visa versa.

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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 6:49 pm
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urabbit wrote:
I'm working on "The Saint go Marching in" and I've almost got the entire tab memorized (see here: http://www.guitarmasta.net/m/misc/279482.html).

I'm having trouble with my fingers tho. My picking fingers are doing great. But my note-playing fingers on my left hand seem to be too big for the guitar. I know that's not the case - definitely what it feels like tho.

I'll strum the open 2nd string, then push my index finger onto the 3rd key in the 2nd fret (or what-have-you) and my index finger will make the still-vibrating 2nd string cry in pain, basically. It's making it hard to sit up straight, too, cause I'll hunch over to see what I'm doing wrong.

Any pointers here? Or just keep practicing? Heh.


I am teaching my daughter the same song. I know I butchered that song for about a month before I had it down and could play without even thinking. Just keep playing it until you can play it without looking at all at the guitar. If you have a stool to play on, sit with the guitar in the same knee your playing hand is on, IE if you are a right handed player, play on the left knee. Twinkle Twinkle is also a good beginner's song. Practice.

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2007 Fender Highway 1
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2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:07 pm
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Thanks again. :)

I'll try the classical stance. Totally forgot about that. I'd try crossing my legs, but I can't. Heh.

I'll let you all know tomorrow how it goes.

P.S. I always feel like less of a newb coming to the Fender Forums. :)


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Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:54 am
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Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:56 am
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Location: metro Chicago USA
Newbs are the lifeblood of e-places like this.

Enjoy every second of your earlyplaying experience. Soon, you will be really great pals with the guitar and comfortable with one another as old buds. And here, you will be chatting from the position of veteran player. Spend the time and it will come. Headstock should be level with your shoulder.

"Shut up and play your guitar some more."
(Frank Zappa)


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