self-learning the guitar

[dilettante]

So a long time back I picked up a classical guitar and case at a garage sale for $20. Every now and then I've played around on it, but now I've taken a fancy to actually learning how to play something. Nothing impressive, I imagine, but it would be nice to be able to play a couple songs decently, if only for my own amusement. I figure the odds are pretty high that some people around here know how to play; any tips for a beginner? :music:

[Greendruid]

So a long time back I picked up a classical guitar and case at a garage sale for $20. Every now and then I've played around on it, but now I've taken a fancy to actually learning how to play something. Nothing impressive, I imagine, but it would be nice to be able to play a couple songs decently, if only for my own amusement. I figure the odds are pretty high that some people around here know how to play; any tips for a beginner? :music:

Learn to read tablature (TAB) as soon as you can - it will save you time and money on formal lessons and music reading if that isn't something you wish to invest in. Also, once you learn some things, play until your fingers hurt and feel like they're close to bleeding. This will build the calluses on your finger tips. Pick up a little pitch pipe to tune your strings properly too. Nothing worse than finding out that this really neat little melody you've figured out actually doesn't work in standard tuning.

[Lily]

So a long time back I picked up a classical guitar and case at a garage sale for $20. Every now and then I've played around on it, but now I've taken a fancy to actually learning how to play something. Nothing impressive, I imagine, but it would be nice to be able to play a couple songs decently, if only for my own amusement. I figure the odds are pretty high that some people around here know how to play; any tips for a beginner? :music:

What kind of music do you want to learn? Do you wish to accompany yourself while singing? Do you wish to play along with CDs? Do you wish to learn blues? folk? classical? jazz? rock? tejano? Would you like to learn fingerpicking style or play with a pick?

I'm self-taught, although I have training in classical piano so I do read music. However, I learned guitar by playing along with records (yes, the vinyl kind). With the folk music of the mid- to late-60s, knowing a few basic chords basically allowed me to play pretty much all of the popular 1-4-5 songs of the time. A capo allowed me to change keys without actually having to play in D-flat or some other strange signature.

Early on I bought a chord book. I still have it. They also make lifesize wall charts and posters. It's a good investment. Pitch pipes are good, but you could also get a tuning fork or an electronic tuner. You have to learn to tune the guitar. That's the first requirement.

[Greendruid]

You can also get a free online guitar tuner here (http://www.centerstream-usa.com/online-tuner.html). Not as portable as a pitch pipe or electric one but handy if you play while you're on the computer like I do.

[dilettante]

Thanks. I got a little electronic tuner that seems to work pretty well; apparently I lack the tonal sensitivity to tune the guitar to itself. Anyway, callus-development is underway.

As to the purpose behind learning to play, I don't really have a grand goal. I've found that just playing around with the guitar for an hour or so can be a nice stress-reducer and I thought it'd be nice to be able to play a few simple songs, mostly for my own enjoyment. I foresee songs of the country/folk genre being most likely, though I could probably get into a little Jimmy Buffet too. :cool:

[jerom]

For a beginner going for music classes will be better or must keep practising, you can also be friends with someone who plays a guitar. That will be much easier because he can teach you.