"It's funny, my playing really took off a couple years ago when I started finding a bunch of songs that all use the same chords and when I learned I could just transpose songs to use chords that I like to play them. Here's an example of…"
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Les's Discussions
So where were you...
18 Replies
Hey Guys,So it has been about 5 months of group lessons (once a week). I try to practice everyday for 45-60 minutes. This is where I am:Chords (good)E, A, Em, Am, G, Bm, A7Chords (Decent)D - still…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Adam 12 hours ago.
Suggestions for beginner practice schedule
4 Replies
Hey Guys,I've been taking group lessons for the last 4 months. Having a lot of fun learning how to play. I'm in Chicago taking lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The way that the classes…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Miles Walton Mar 10.
Guitar Update...
29 Replies
Hey Guys,Thought I would give you guys an update on my road to musical history. LOLStarted class this Monday. A lot of fun. Left class with both my fingertips and ears hurting a bit. The class…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Ray Nov 28, 2012.
Wall Hanger for guitar
5 Replies
Hey Guys,So I did buy a floor stand for my guitar but it is just not working out. It is always in the way of either the wife, kids, dog or my dresser drawers. I want to purchase a wall hanger like…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Alan Edmunds Oct 23, 2012.
Les's Page
Latest Activity
Craig MC replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."Not at all weird, Les. I can't make clean barre chords to save my life. My hands are relatively small to start. And, when I was a teen 40 years ago, I crashed a dirt bike and dislocated all four fingers on my left hand. It has never been the…"
"The basic grip for barre chords is different than what is used for open chords, and shifting back and forth between the two is awkward until you get used to it. Barre chords on an acoustic require a lot of hand strength. You don't…"
Les replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."You guys have some great suggestions. Every now and then I will strum with my fingers but I feel more comfortable with the pick. I've been trying different ways to hold the pick and seeing how they work with my "style".…"
"Oh, I got what you meant, I'm just saying it's not uncommon for plectrumists (sp?) to lose their grip. That's why you see so many artists on stage with "extrees". It doesn't matter whether you use a plectrum or…"
Craig MC replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."I didn't mean "accidently misplace the pick" I meant get rid of it, don't use 'em, ditch ''em, deep-six 'em etc...that's just me, not a fan of the plectrum."
"Craig, #1 Lose the Pick? I don't know of any performing musician that has never lost a pick. Take a look at some concert footaage of videos and you'll probably notice a collection of picks hanging from a mic stand. …"
Craig MC replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."Les, sounds like you are making good progress. Three suggestions:
1. lose the pick. I had some similar trouble when I started, but partly it was wanting to play quieter because I was shy about my poor playing. I'm much better now, but i still…"
"Well, Les, yes I can remember my first days and months learning to play "guitar". I bugged my parents for a guitar for 2 years, when finally I got a birthday present, a toy plastic "guitar". I was a bit disappointed…"
"When you move the F chord to the 5th and 7th frets, it becomes an A or a B. If you feel like it, you can play those chords with songs you already know. If I am playing something that goes from F to G, I will sometimes pull that F chord…"
Les replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."Yeah most people would say that I should have no intention of becoming a singer either. LOL
I have to say though, for the most part they do pick popular songs. Most of them I'm pretty familiar with the lyrics.
Les"
AJ Ouellette replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."Okay, the F chord is really hard for beginners. That's just a matter of building up hand strength, though. (It took me a really long time for that chord, but if you want, move that same chord shape the higher notes around the 5th or 7th…"
Les replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."JB,
I like the idea with the metronome. That's the only thing that I wish they did a little more during my group lessons, give me a little more guidance setting up my practice time.
With that said, I really am enjoying my time with the group.…"
JB Maddox replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."I use the song method too when teaching. You can get a metronome online. Once you have the chord progression of a song, write it out like C-Am-F-G for the whole song. Then put the tempo for the metronome way down--80 is good, then…"
Ronald Harris replied to Les's discussion So where were you..."I have been playing only a few months and am just in the process of switching to playing finger style because of problems controlling the pick. It rotates and also occasionally gets dropped. I attributed this to the fact that the muscles…"
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