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Post subject: Learning Resources
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 6:49 pm
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I was strumming for 40 years and got nowhere. Since April I have started hitting the books and practising 2 hours a day, and up to 4 or 5 at weekends. I am into this. I progress a bit, then learn a tune from YouTube, then make stuff up ... another new chord, a bit of everything but quite random. I have learned more bar chords, CAGED, pentatonic, a few scales etc. I know where more of the notes are on the neck and can figure them out quite easily now. I have improved but feel I have a long way to go. My problem is - I don't know where I am headed so it is difficult to know which way to go. Can someone lay out a sensible learning pathway? I'm into rock or light rock. What do you recommend? My aim is to learn where the notes are, to learn more and more chords, preferably through learning new songs etc. Some groups of chords go really well together - does anyone have a list of chords that flow well together (not just the usual DAG simple ones)? For example - I like Am, Dm, FM7,C,E7 - they go really well together. Does anyone have a list of really easy to learn songs that contain useful chords? Ones suitable for learning - not necessarily because they sound cool. I have found YouTube to be very useful - there are many guitar lessons on there - some teachers are good, some are not as they go too fast and you have to rewind 50 times. Any recommendations appreciated.


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Post subject: Re: Learning Resources
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 7:52 pm
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Your level of commitment is certainly there as well as your desire become an accomplished musician. My compliments to you. Like you, I have been playing for many years and my favorite genre was classic rock until a couple of years ago. Now I play the blues almost exclusively. The reason that I bring this up is that you will hear the blues influence in many other genres, even in some country music so it may be a good next step for you. There are lots of barre chords and bends and for me I play more from the heart when playing the blues.

You know the minor pentatonic scale and the only difference in the blues scale is the addition of a lowered fifth aka: the blue note. For example, the blues scale in C goes:
C, Eb, F, Gb, G, Bb

The YouTube stuff is okay, especially if you are interested in theory, but IMO you can't beat gigging with other musicians or taking in-person lessons from the right teacher. Maybe a neighbor plays. Go to some open mics and if you don't feel comfortable playing, just sit back and enjoy. Maybe you will make some new friends. :D

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Post subject: Re: Learning Resources
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 3:52 am
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You're definitely on the right path by learning songs by popular artists. It sounds like you're approaching the point of playing more moderately complex songs so there are a number of great artists/bands you can pick from to help develop your ear and your technique. Aside from learning new and interesting chord progressions you can also develop your strumming techniques from older popular songs.

Some artists you may want to look at are The Rolling Stones (Honky Tonk Women, Brown Sugar, etc.), The Who (Pinball Wizard, See Me Feel me, etc), pretty much anything by the Eagles will both challenge you and enlighten you. As far as some of the more modern artists I'd say look at Green Day..especially the American Idiot album. Your best bet is to pick out some artists you enjoy and start working your way through some of their songs. You're bound to learn something.

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Post subject: Re: Learning Resources
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 6:39 am
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Try taking some lessons from a qualified teacher that you like. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Learning Resources
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 5:29 pm
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Thanks - and yes, I like blues and blues rock too. I tried to learn a ZZ Top riff but, crikey, the notes are easy enough to follow, but to get the right sound is an entirely different story. Comfortably Numb - the chords are easy - but the solos! I have yet to find a good, slow repetitive YouTube vid teacher. I'd like to see a vid where they replay the tricky parts ten times slowly. Minimal explanation - just show.


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Post subject: Re: Learning Resources
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 1:46 am
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I was in the same position as you earlier this year. I decided to go the internet tutor route and after sifting through a lot of different options I signed up for TrueFire when they had their annual Easter sale.
Tons of really good stuff there with lots of courses which they've also put together in learning paths sorted according to genres.
They have a free test period if you're curious.

But physically playing together with someone better than you is of course always the best.

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