learning guitar

douchebagatron · November 2007

<div class="IPBDescription">thinking about it</div>so i found <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/avcards/8c43/" target="_blank">this</a> guitar for cheap and got to thinking about learning to play guitar. ive always kinda wanted to but hadnt put a whole lot of though or any money into it. i looked around a little bit and found <a href="http://guitar.about.com/library/blguitarlessonarchive.htm" target="_blank">these</a> guitar lessons online. i read through the first one and it sounds pretty doable and not too bad to start learning.

what im really curious about is how hard is it to start learning to play? is 20 too late of an age to start learning? would it be a good idea to buy that guitar and start learning or would it turn out to be a waste of money?

for a little more info im 20, almost 21, and a full time student. does anyone play guitar often? did anyone start learning around the age of 20?

any info or suggestions is desired

Liku · November 2007

It's never too late to learn, but you have to keep up with it. It's easy to get rusty if you don't play for a couple days but you'll eventually come to the point where you pick it up every now and then just to fiddle around.

I took "Intro to Guitar" my first semester of Community College, about 2.5 years ago (I was 18/19) and I'm in Classical Guitar 4 now. If your college offers and intro to guitar class, I'd take it though you'd probably need an acoustic. A Music 101 class is easy and helps with understanding and reading music which I recommend reading as any moron could read tabs.

P.S. I'm pretty stupid too, so if I can do something anyone can.

lolfighter · November 2007

Depending on what your ambitions are, it may be far too late, or it's never too late. A friend of mine had lessons for a few months, and according to him there's hardly anything left to learn after that, the rest is practice, practice, practice. You'll never become world class, but with a little dedication and effort you'll be strumming the chords in no time, and within a year or two you'll be a worthy addition to any camp fire.

Oh, and to add to what Liku mentioned: Get an acoustic, or at least a semi-acoustic that performs well un-plugged. It's much more portable (I'm keeping the previously mentioned camp fire in mind), and if you start playing in a band you can always get an electric. My (also previously mentioned) friend sold his electric guitar to buy an acoustic.

moultano · November 2007

I will third the suggestion to get an acoustic. Classical guitars are easier to learn on, or a steel stringed acoustic restrung with nylon strings. I'd check your local craig's list to buy one, but if you can bring someone who knows what to look for in a guitar. I started playing when I was around 17, didn't play much in college, and have picked it up again now that I have a job and free evenings.

Scythe · November 2007

My Dad's played guitar since he was a kid, he bought me an electric when I was about 15. I never really took to it. I didn't have the patience or drive to really put effort into it. A few months ago I caught wind of an Aunt who was about to throw away an old acoustic. I got it off her, bought some cheap strings and a cheap tuner. Surprisingly, I really took to it. Playing almost every day for months. I keep it right next to my computer and pick it up during a long load time for a game or during a long respawn delay. I went back to my home town and picked up my old electric and one of my dad's old amps. I don't play that as much because of the rigmorale of plugging it in.

I've learned a few chords and a few songs. I learn another one every so often.

I say: Get a cheap acoustic. You've got almost nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

--Scythe--

0x00000194 · November 2007

I'm going to go against the grain here and suggest at least trying an electric. My first guitar I got a bit over three years ago. It's a Fender Stratocaster. It is a bit more of an investment to go electric, because of the cost of the amp and all, but I can honestly say I wouldn't have half as much fun on an acoustic. I guess it all depends on what kind of music you like to play.

Here is a picture of my amp and guitar. I wouldn't part with them for anything.

<img src="http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3986/guitarod5.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

I'm especially enamored by the amp. It's got fun glowing tubes in the back <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

<img src="http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6144/tubesne5.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

douchebagatron · November 2007

one of the reasons im seriously considering it now is because i like the sound of electric a lot more over acoustic, and i found that usb one which doesnt even need an amp or anything. i get paid in a few days so ill probably go ahead and get it then.

Insane · November 2007

That USB guitar strikes me as a little gimmicky, and it might be that the attention lavished on that particular feature might meant that they've put less work into, say, making the actual sound any good. You'd do better to get an acoustic, or, if you want the electric sound an electro-acoustic. They're a little easier to learn on and whenever you feel like playing, you can just pick them up and go at it. Plus, if you ever end up feeling a bit of a show-off, it's much easier to stage an impromptu performance with an acoustic. Nylon strings are easier to learn on, but I don't much like the sound they make, so I don't necessarily recommend them.

Whatever you do, best of luck. It's a beautiful instrument.

Corporal_Fortier · November 2007

There is no age to start learning to play guitar! I know people over 40-45 who started learning and they've become very good guitar players. Now, it all depends on your ambitionÂ. If you plan on being able to play ultra-fast solos, then be ready to put a lot of efforts into it! But if you just want to play guitar, well you're already on the right track <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" /> I'd recommend you to practice a little everyday. You don't need to play for 2 hours every day (although progress may be a lot faster), but just play a couple of songs, some chords or 2-3 exercises, a matter of 10-15 minutes. I know what it is to be a full time student; I too don't have much time to practice, but keeping in touch with the instrument assures you you won't have to struggle an hour every weekend to gain back what you've lost during the week.

As for the guitar, I don't know... I don't really like real-time computer sound processing. I've been doing home recording for a while now and even the slightest lag becomes irritating (You want your bullets to go through this skulk when they're supposed to, right? Same goes for hearing the note you've just played ^^). Now I don't know how this guitar works, so maybe there's a integrated processor of some kind. You could also buy a "real" guitar and plug it into your microphone jack and use a amp simulator software. Either way, I guess you'll need some pretty good speakers / headphones if you want to hear your sound properly. Oh and try not to play with headphones too much, especially if you start liking playing guitar, it'll quickly become annoying and you may get some headaches, plus it's simply not good for your ears ^^

locallyunscene · November 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(6john @ Nov 27 2007, 12:39 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1661958"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>one of the reasons im seriously considering it now is because i like the sound of electric a lot more over acoustic, and i found that usb one which doesnt even need an amp or anything. i get paid in a few days so ill probably go ahead and get it then.</div>
That really intrigues me. I'd like to know how well it works if you get it.

Testament · November 2007

I considered buying an iAxe and never got around to it, but the reviews for it have been glowing. A fine starter guitar, from what I've heard.

0x00000194 · November 2007

If you do go acoustic, I would definately NOT suggest nylon strings. Your fingers will be bruised an red for weeks, but keep at it. After a year or so you'll lose a good bit of the feeling on your left-hand fingertips, letting you do slides and hammer-ons/offs without difficulty.

Liku · November 2007

Nylon strings sound better, but are meant for Classical Guitars. They also have a lot less tension.

I watched some reviews for the iAxe on YouTube, and it seems to be quite a nice piece of work for only $100.

moultano · November 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Liku @ Nov 28 2007, 12:42 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1662132"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>Nylon strings sound better, but are meant for Classical Guitars. They also have a lot less tension.

I watched some reviews for the iAxe on YouTube, and it seems to be quite a nice piece of work for only $100.</div>
I very much disagree that nylon strings sound better, but to each their own. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> I was recommending them because they are a lot easier on your fingers.

0x00000194 · November 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(moultano @ Nov 29 2007, 12:32 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1662270"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>I very much disagree that nylon strings sound better, but to each their own. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> I was recommending them because they are a lot easier on your fingers.</div>

The fingers are evil and must be punished!

schkorpio · November 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(0x00000194 @ Nov 27 2007, 01:15 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1661944"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm going to go against the grain here and suggest at least trying an electric. My first guitar I got a bit over three years ago. It's a Fender Stratocaster. It is a bit more of an investment to go electric, because of the cost of the amp and all, but I can honestly say I wouldn't have half as much fun on an acoustic. I guess it all depends on what kind of music you like to play.

Here is a picture of my amp and guitar. I wouldn't part with them for anything.

<img src="http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3986/guitarod5.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

I'm especially enamored by the amp. It's got fun glowing tubes in the back <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

<img src="http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6144/tubesne5.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>

how come out have a DS1 and metal zone pedals? i would of thought that the distortion/overdrive an amp of that size would be much more meaty? <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

0x00000194 · November 2007

I've had the DS1 since my old fender practice amp, and the metal distortion was on super clearance. Now, if anything, I just use a wah or phaser. The tube overdrive of the amp is far superior to either effect, although the metal distortion can be used for a bit more of a sterile sound.

lolfighter · November 2007

"Away team, set your phasers to... OVERDRIVE!"
"CUT! Stewart, stop trying to appeal to the 'x-treeem' crowd. You're BALD. It won't work."

Zydeco · November 2007

Age should never be a factor in things you want to do, time on the other hand. The more time you have to put into practise, the faster you will learn the basics and be on a good start. If it takes to long, the guitar might just end up in a drawer.

USB guitars are great for home use, i have one myself <a href="http://www.usbband.com/UG1_jm400.htm" target="_blank">http://www.usbband.com/UG1_jm400.htm</a>

Good solid workmanship, 2 singlecoils and one humbucker, works pretty damn well. What you need though is a good amp program, the one included in this (amplitube) is okeyish. If you can get your hands on Revalver 2 from alien connection, then youll find something that sounds as close to a real amp (a real nice expensive and nice sounding amp).

What im working on now is to save up for a digital drumset and a bass, then ill have drums, piano, guitar and bass to hook up into my computer (through USB) that i can do full production on. Or i can invite people over to jam with in the best rehersal space ever, my appartment. And everyone can use headphones and my neighbors wont hear a thing. Sweet.

Raza. · December 2007

It's definately not too late, I was 19 when I started.
Teaching yourself how to play guitar is possible, but I recommend to take lessons (expensive, I know <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> ) for a couple months, just to get the basics right. Having someone who tells you what you're doing wrong can by really helpful.
I'd prefer a real amp though, you can get cheap guitar/amp combos for 150$.

Check out www.cyberfret.com and www.ultimate-guitar.com for free online lessons and tabs.

0x00000194 · December 2007

I think i'm going to take considerable abuse for this, but I recorded myself playing for a few minutes. Just some general obnoxious noodling with a bit of Muse mixed in (also poorly, i might add.)

I'm better than i used to be, but I'm still fairly bad. I love playing, though. Fun for me, not sure about anyone else.

I also like playing with a lot of edge. This makes the highs a bit unbearable (especially towards the end.)

The snapping sound is switching between crunch and ultra crunch, or some distortion and a whole boatload.

<a href="http://www.supload.com/listen?s=SWWTX4UBINOQ" target="_blank">you've been warned</a>

Corporal_Fortier · December 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(0x00000194 @ Dec 2 2007, 02:29 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1662599"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm better than i used to be, but I'm still fairly bad. I love playing, though. Fun for me, not sure about anyone else.</div>
Heh that's what's most important! It's also quite hard to make a lone distorted guitar sound right. I'm sure with a simple drum loop and a basic bass line in the background, you'd come up with something great after a few minutes of "obnoxious noodling" to use your words <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" />

Btw what did you use to record yourself? I've been recording music at home for a while now, using different methods (with variating results *points at sig*), so if you want advices, just ask me <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

0x00000194 · December 2007

Heh, i just used my gaming headset placed about 2 feet away from the amp. The amp is set too low for recording, since you can still hear the actual strums on the guitar. Right now I have this thing set criminally quiet (apartment levels, for now.) That means that the master volume is sitting around 0.5, as well as the crunch volumes to get a decent gain.

60 watts tube driven is be quite loud. I could easily gig with this.

Crono5 · December 2007

Just a quick question while we're on recording: Is there a good free multitrack recording program? Every time I use Audactiy it seems to make my playing lag dramatically behind.

Insane · December 2007

Crono: Make sure you have the most recent version of Audacity installed. That track-rot seems to appear and disappear throughout it's history, but the most recent version seems to have improved it. The version I'm running is 1.3 beta and I've not had any problems with track-rot so far (which I would have noticed given that recently I've been recording very long tracks of audio and then extracting the bits I want from them).

Corporal_Fortier · December 2007

@Crono5: What sound card are you using? I'm using an E-MU 1212M and don't recall having any problems. I haven't used Audacity much though. Same thing happened to me in other softwares, but it was due to a misconfiguration of a lag compensation setting. If you haven't tried already, maybe increasing the software's process priority in the task manager could help, it solved some clipping issues for me, so maybe it can help you too.

Or maybe I misunderstood you and you meant lag using direct monitoring?

moultano · December 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Crono5 @ Dec 2 2007, 08:33 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1662667"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>Just a quick question while we're on recording: Is there a good free multitrack recording program? Every time I use Audactiy it seems to make my playing lag dramatically behind.</div>
That will happen with any recording program unless you have really high end recording equipment. The solution is to realign your new track afterwards, which is pretty trivial to do (drag it.)

Insane · December 2007

Oh yeah! It always records it intact, but with a slight lag so you have to drag it into place. Forgot about that.

schkorpio · December 2007

you just gotta get a sound card with low latency, i picked up the low end creative x-fi for under $100, you switch it to audio creation mode, and get ASIO driver settings to 1ms, then there is no lag what so ever <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

moultano · December 2007

<center><object width="450" height="356"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XqGryuKaCt4"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XqGryuKaCt4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="356"></embed></object></center>

(Don't bother) <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

learning guitar

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