Acoustic Newb

Comment

Comment by Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press on April 7, 2009 at 7:09pm

Some folks might enjoy the discussion in the Teachers Group regarding free handouts for our students.

Here are a couple of links to free samples from my book:

Free Sample Pages
Free Sample Jam Track
Free Lesson Video corresponding to these pages and MP3 track

The PDF file contains:
+ The Introduction to the notes E, F and G, along with some basic rhythms
+ A Note Identification Worksheet for you to fill out
+ One page of Rhythm Studies to be practiced with a metronome
+ The first Reading Study for the notes E, F, and G and the basic rhythms that you can play with the MP3 track

The rest of the first half of the book follows the same format, it just keeps building notes and rhythms in an extremely progressive manner. (The second half of the book covers chords, scales and theory.)

Try it and tell what you think, if you feel it.

Thanks,
Susan Palmer
Guitar Instructor at Seattle University
Author of "The Guitar Lesson Companion"
www.leadcatpress.com

Comment by Walt Pilcher on April 4, 2009 at 9:54am

Tom,
That's a cool site! I'be bookmarked it. Thanks so much.

On several songs I've written, I've chorded them the way they are supposed to be, but then I've also done an "easy chords" version to make it easier to play the song at my current skill level (or I'll try going to the capo transposition chart, but that's another story). This, like the site you recommended, gets me playing & sounding reasonably well & good right now and having more fun instead of struggling through every song. When you have fun you play & practice more. The danger, of course, is using these techniques as crutches that impede learning & growth. However, if you play with a music circle or a band, the "easy chords" might not sound good with what the better players are playing (and maybe the "three chord" technique sometimes won't either), and that forces you to learn anyway, so it all works out.

I like that the host on the site gets into finger picking demos too, as I'm now beginning to delve into that myself instead of just playing chords all the time.

Thanks again, Tom!

Comment by Tom Hughes on April 3, 2009 at 4:52pm

Hi Everyone, Found a great little web site for us beginners who want to play a song right away. It's called threechordguitar.com , A list of songs that can be played with three simple chords and includes video instruction. Let me know what you think or if you know of any similar sites. Thanks Brother Thomas

Comment by Tom Hughes on March 29, 2009 at 7:32am

Hi Everyone, It's nice to know I'm not alone when I feel discouraged or dissapointed in my progress. I believe the key is to keep it fun, accept the level you play at right now and practice, practice,practice. Thanks for all the encouragement and advice, Brother Thomas

Comment by Walt Pilcher on March 27, 2009 at 8:50am

Welcome, Tom! Maybe we're kindred spirits, both having picked up the guitar later in life than most. I haven't regretted it for a second! Play on!

Comment by Tom on March 27, 2009 at 8:31am

Hi folks!
Derrick invited me to join this group, he thought I might find it to be very helpful. I am a 56 year old man who is DETERMINED to learn to play the guitar well enough to actually make some actual "music". Music that people will recognize and want to sing along with! Trust me, I'm a LONG way from accomplishing that goal...BUT I'm determined to get there (someday!)
So...hello! I look forward to sharing with all of you my struggles, my accomplishments, me pain and, yes, my JOYS in learning to play this amazing instrument that we call the acoustic guitar!
Take care!
Tom

Comment by Jim Saunders on March 24, 2009 at 7:40pm

I aint a newb ,just play that a way.....

Comment by Walt Pilcher on March 19, 2009 at 8:13am

Hi, all. I've been focused on songwriting, but I want to be able to play my songs (and others of course), and after looking over some of the discussions here I realize I should be in this group too. I started playing about two years ago, later in life than most people and with no musical background. I took some good lessons at the beginning and am in a weekly music circle with other guitar, fiddle & mandolin players (some are really good players) doing mostly Celtic & folk, so I'm getting some experience and am no longer a rank beginner. However, I am not quite at the point where I can get through a whole song smoothly. Looking forward to learning! Not sure I can help anybody else yet, though I'll try.

Comment by Donna Zitzelberger on March 11, 2009 at 2:40pm

Hi Everyone,

I saw Derrick's invite for teachers to join up here - so here I am.

Comment by Greg on March 3, 2009 at 11:03am

Michelle,
How is the new Guitar? I sure hope it is playing and being good to you!!!! I have recentley had a new addition myself and I couldnt be happier. Best of luck and let us know how it is going

Greg

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