I have found, in life generally, that the folks without formal training seem to have the most knowledge and wisdom. They've learned the best way, by figuring out what works and what does not.

Anyway have fun, and like they say, practice, practice, practice...

if you can arrange to play (practice, jam along with tv commercials, anything) at least an hour a day every day for a month or two, youll be amazed at how much you improve. it's almost impossible not to do so (this is the first time i stumbled onto the fact you play). of all the stuff available online or off that lets you utilize your computer as a teaching tool, guitar pro seems to me the best...altho you can learn a lot simply by recording a short rhythm track (use a cheap mic hahahah sounds silly but its true) and then play with yourself (so to speak).

what kinda guitar do you have?

FREEEBIRD...........FREEBIRRRRD!!!

the folks without formal training seem to have the most knowledge and wisdom.

He taught me a lot, yes, but he couldnt explain to me how he forumlated strum patterns...it was just something he did, and couldn't explain how or why.

Anyway have fun, and like they say, practice, practice, practice...

I'm putting in 3 half hour sessions a day.  More than that, and my fingers hurt too much...once the callouses have built back up i'll go to longer.

 

what kinda guitar do you have?

I just got a little Rogue acoustic...it's not a full size either, it's a smaller one.  I had a full sized Fender but had major issues reaching some of the fingering because I have tiny hands, so thought this would be better...and it is. I look like a person playing a guitar that fits them now, instead of a little person playing a huge ass guitar like I was with the Fender. I've seen a sweet deal on Musiciansfriend.com, I can get an electric guitar, amp, cables, gig bag etc etc for under $120, so once I get used to this acoustic, I think I'm going to get that...try my hand at some loud ass rawk and roll, baby!!!!

(this is the first time i stumbled onto the fact you play).

I started when I was thirty.  I got tangled up in work, school and stuff a year after that, so I didnt have time to play anymore...and it's only recently (like since Ive been hanging around waiting to pass this kidney stone) that I've got the urge to play again.  Now that I have though......I'm freakin' lovin' it, dude!!!

FREEEBIRD...........FREEBIRRRRD!!!

We'll see.  Let me get 'Turn The Page' down first....one song at a time!

All i'll say is

HAVE FUN!

Hehe

Hey Dharma!! Glad to hear your keeping it up, even if you are cheating with the superglue!! ;~D

The benefits to learning from someone with formal education are that you get more training in the technical side of playing. Tabs and mimicing others can get you far, but as you point out, you never learn 'why' you're doing anything.

When I teach, I first start with the notes on the first three frets before I teach any chords. Once we start with chords, I teach them according to Key signatures. That way when they play along while friends sing, all they have to know is in which key their friend (or the song on the radio) is singing.

The drawback to learning from someone with formal training is, too often they insist on the student being technically correct, instead of experimenting with you own personal style.

I look for a happy medium. Playing should be about Fun and self expression. On the other hand, if hurt your own ears while you play, the fun and expression don't go very far. ;~D

I had classical lessons for three years when I first started. I learnt how to read music, how to write music and the 'correct' technique. For a long time after, everything I did was defined by these lessons. It took me a long time to get past this and, as ParaTed said, find a happy medium. There is so much to be learnt through lessons but equally as much through experimenting. Good luck with it all, rock chick

You gots mail...

...and you're on my private list too.
sorry to disturb your regularly broadcast blog!

I look for a happy medium. Playing should be about Fun and self expression.

Yep, it should, and that's what I'm aiming for.  I've hurt my own ears once, but that's okay...I learned from the mistake I made and haven't repeated it. 

 

There is so much to be learnt through lessons but equally as much through experimenting. Good luck with it all, rock chick

Thanks, dude!

 

You gots mail...

and you're on my private list too.

I didnt get it, and I dont know what that means.....try sending it again (dharmagirl69@gmail.com), and can you explain to me what 'private' means?

I didnt get it

sigh...damn hotmail! I'll try again.

and can you explain to me what 'private' means?

Look on my blog, you should be able to see it.