Hey all , I am 33 years old , I love the blues and rock , I am not new to the guitar I am have problems on learning it , I realy dont want to read music, I can read tabs and I can learn by ear, is that wrong of me in learning that way or am I just to old to learn to play ,should I just start leaning some songs and working tho them ? I realy dont have no one jam with ? I just need some tip in starting out . I have a 09 USA delx strat and a 2010 Nos Blues jr tweed I love the tweed! my guitar has Van Zants blues pickups I realy like them but cant get the sustain ? should I just dime the volume? on the amp? thanks guys for the help

i know the feeling about not having anyone to play with, none of my friends play and i dont know anyone else other than my guitar instructor who is always at a gig at night and the local blues jam (which I am not even close to being ready to play at) so far as options to play with others.

You came to the right place with your question though, these cats in here will look out for you.

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Blues with a feeling.

GUILD GUITARS: MADE TO BE PLAYED!

I just need some were to start ? do I just sit and do the pent scales to my arm falls off ? I can do that if that is what it takes to learn . I love buddy guys he is my all time # 1 player .

You and about 90% of all other guitar players... I think I am one of the few that can actually sight read melodies.. But then again I am a Jazz player... A lot of the greats could not sight read music.. Correct me if am wrong but I think Slash, SRV, Jimi Hendrix etc.. can/could not read music...




Simple... Go to open mic nights and/or blues jams... That uncomfortable feeling of having to perform in front of others will light a fire under your rear end that will have you playing better fast...

I'm virtually the same age and in the same spot so I can kind of relate. I took some lessons when I got started and I feel like you need a combination of some things to improve. Obviously you need your scales and chords so that needs practice but you also need to let loose and play. Even if you only know part of a song try and play it as if you're performing onstage. You may mess up but keep in the moment and really play it. As for reading music I don't think that's a big hindrance. As long as you can read tab you should be fine. Something that's helped me has been a Youtube teacher named Marty Schwartz. He has a bunch of really cool lessons that are fast and easy. They help me feel like I'm progressing when I'm hitting a wall. You'll watch a few of his videos and have a few new riffs and licks under your belt in no time. Here's a link.

http://www.youtube.com/user/martyzsongs

http://www.youtube.com/user/guitarjamzdotcom

Best of luck!

If it's building from the ground up that you're interested in, then here are three elements that require your attention:

1) Music Theory (and I don't necessarily mean being able to sight read). Studying your theory will pay off in when playing you're playing to something in a particular key, you'll develop an understanding as to where the piece is likely going and so be able to play runs which are both fitting and that feel natural. You'll also be able to understand how chords are built (and thus, be able to whip out any chord you wish at different positions). You'll also learn to construct interesting chord progressions, and what fits best where. Don't forget song structures!

2) Ability - this one is self explanatory. Practice, practice, practice.

3) Songwriting skills - It's one thing to be able to play some impressive sounding stuff, it's another to be able to turn that "stuff" into something that an audience will enjoy. Writing lyrics to go with your progressions isn't always someone's cup of tea. It takes practice just like anything else.

Don't forget to listen to a lot of music which inspires you. I myself look to oldies for some inspiration. But don't copy! Music is about expressing oneself.

Just a few hints to get you on your way. There is an endless amount of material which you can absorb if you're willing to go far enough. I wish you best of luck in your playing!

If I may add one final comment - you're never too old to learn the guitar, among many things.

Marty is the best teacher on youtube by far, the guy has been a blessing to me and countless others. If only I could pay him to give me a lesson a day I would be ok!

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Blues with a feeling.

GUILD GUITARS: MADE TO BE PLAYED!

You may find some help here http://justinguitar.com/ Hope this helps............... Mike

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Get a couple of blues study dvd's, learn some blues rhythms (Hal Leonard's "Blues you can use" book and cd are a good easy choice) get a looping pedal, loop a rhythm and learn the Pentatonic scale to play over that. That should keep you content for quite some time. It Works for me

Wow, so many of us in the same position. I would suggest getting some decent backing tracks, especially if you like blues. You can really learn good timing and it gives you the freedom to make a mistake and not ruin anything. It will help you learn licks, etc. I try to learn a lick and make 4 or 5 variations and then start going into them with different lead ins, etc. if you have the ability to record yourself you can make your own backing tracks. If you don't have anyone to play with, get some one with a drum or a tambourine or someone who sings. Just keep playing and keep it fun.

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Keep rockin'

What he said, plus one thing.

Copying other people is good if you take what you learn and blend it all together into something your own. Copying licks and rhythms is how every great guitar player started out, but what made them great was that they didn't stop there. Copying is the first step. But it's never too early to start branching out and doing your own thing. I sort of think of it like the Borg from Star Trek, I try to assimilate as many styles as I can into one collective style.

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Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
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You and about 90% of all other guitar players... I think I am one of the few that can actually sight read melodies.. But then again I am a Jazz player... A lot of the greats could not sight read music.. Correct me if am wrong but I think Slash, SRV, Jimi Hendrix etc.. can/could not read music... [quote="CajunBlues"]

Seem to remember reading that NONE of the Beatles could read music.

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Stagemaster
Roadhouse Strat
Epi Traditional Pro Les Paul
Ovation Celeb
Esteban Celestial Night(nicely tweeked)
Blackheart tube amp

Hey all , I am 33 years old , I love the blues and rock , I am not new to the guitar

I am have problems on learning it
I am having a problem learning to play it

I realy dont want to read music,
I really don't want to read music

I can read tabs and I can learn by ear

is that wrong of me in learning that way or am I just to old to learn to play

,should I just start leaning some songs and working tho them ?
should I just start learning some songs and working thru them?

etc etc etc

after the first line I thought you were kidding Bro

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

after years in guitar lessons i learn by tabs in the past. sometimes i was furstated when it's not work like i want (brain, hands) bar by bar.
since some time i learn by ear and store my fave songs on the boss micro br i want to play with. and no frustation anymore.

cheers

If you want something thats a bit more fun than just reading tab and learning songs then tutorial dvds are good. Its a bit more interactive an a bit more fun. Just an idea!