+1 I've been playing since around the same time 1966. Got my first electric in 67. I did most of my practicing without an amp. It only gets better with an amp. I have guitars all over the house and pick them up anytime I want. My amps are usually kept in one room.

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Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal

I just found out that I can walk, without shoes.

Hey folks,

I really thank you guys for the good input. After reading what Minnesotastrats said I tried playing with my shoes off but could only play something from the movie Deliverance!

I only hope no one tells us about playing in the nude, that would be an entirely different song! Its like when I broke my arm I asked the doc if I'd ever be able to play the guitar and he said "of course you can after your out of the cast"! I said that's great doc, I could never play it before!!!

You guys are the best,

Harry

Been done already Harry,
Glen Miller's " In the Nude"
John Lee Hooker "I'm in the Nude"
Rod Stewart covered " I'm in the nude for love"
Yes Steve Howe " Nude for a day"
then there's The Nudey Blues who had umpteen hits
sure there's many more

I pretty much always practice (not that I really practice anything specific these days, more just general playing to keep my fingers from seizing up) without an amp, have done for about 15 years now - if you can get something sounding right without the flattery of an amp or effects, you're 99% of the way there. Plus it means I get a lot more done, as I can just flop on the sofa with a Strat and noodle away to myself for hours without bothering to plug things in and set it all up.

Always found that when I plug in after a long session of playing unplugged, I sound 100% better and pay a lot more attention to dynamics, and I'm a lot less sloppy with my picking technique. If you can get notes to sing out without the aid of an amp, they'll absolutely burst into life when you add that extra bit of electrical help.

I agree that playing without an amp makes you better, this from a rank beginner right! But I've found that to be true even for a bean bag like me! I love all the pearls of wisdom that comes from different posts. I remember one where someone said "keep your guitar where you will see it" and wow how true that is. Mine sits just to the left of our TV in the family room and because I see it I pick it up all through the day for 5 minutes here and 20 minutes there. Not only has my picking gotten better but my fingertips built up before I even new it.

If I had to play with an amp all the time I would not play as much because I'd bother my wife watching TV. I could never do that with an amp without earphones but i'd not find that enjoyable. Frankly I like plunking away and watching TV at the same time and even that is good training. Why you ask, because I'm hitting notes and chords while looking at the TV and not the guitar, a good thing!

And of course the big-big-big deal is looking at that beautiful Black and Chrome Strat sitting there just shouting "play me Seamore, play me"! I know what you're thinking "I thought your name is Harry"? I think my Srat is telling me it wants to SeeMore Harry!!!

Its a fun trip that is for sure, well other than the G7 chord which I seem to have converted to a G6 and a half, man will I ever play a true G7...

Love you guys,

Harry

This is what I often use when I want to practice late at night, and not disturb anyone. Just plug it into the cable jack of the guitar, and also into a pair of headphones. Gives you a little bit of tone, while practicing.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... dphone-amp

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne