Are you trying to learn guitar? Or just trying to bump your chops up a few levels?


One of the best ways to do that IMHO.... is to find some guitar players who live around you and are willing to jam and are better than you are currently.

The old "Steel sharpens steel" saying proves true.

Nothing beats being able to ask someone... "hey, that was cool.... can you show me what you just did?" and have them take the time to show you the technical aspects of the lick or chord.

Books and videos have their place..... but nothing beats a live teacher. Quite often, it's been my experience that so called "guitar teachers" in the stores are often kids with fancy licks and no real concept of theory as to why...... I'm not any kind of guitar expert by any means, but that's been my observations over time. And yes, there are a few really dedicated and knowledgeable guitar players/instructors who teach for the pure love of passing on the things they know to a new generation..... if you're gonna pay someone to teach you.... that's who you need to find.

As for me, and how I learned to play.... I got the guitar, a few chord books, learned the chords, turned on the radio and started playing along. I developed my ear and play 99% of the music I play that way. I learned scales and did finger exercises and kept at it. I also jammed with players better than me, and yeah, I pestered the heck out of them to show me their cool little tricks and techniques. Playing in bands will teach you a lot in a hurry. When I was starting, I looked for and participated in as many jams as I could.

EDIT: if you're planning to do an online course.... some of them are pretty decent, and most are pretty crappy.... be sure there is interaction with the instructor and not just a case of... hey watch the video and do what it says. Also, consider the cost and if it's all due up front or is it a pay as you go kind of training. Lots of fancy guitar slingers have figured out that they can make more money selling videos than they can gigging in bars. All they need is a cool looking website and the ability to convince lots of people to buy their "How To" videos and you can be shredding like them in short order.

For that matter.... you can look on YouTube and find lots of tips and techniques.... tens of thousands are there for FREE. I'd look there first for video training.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 08/16/15 03:25 AM.
You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.