Learn the blue scale it is super easy and starting on the fat string(E) start with the
Index finger(1) say on the 12th fret and then 4 frets over with the pinky(4) and then
move down to the next string(a) 1 then the ring finger(3)three frets over then the next string(d) 1 then 3 then the next string (g)1 then 3 then the next 1 then 4 (b)and then to 1 then 4(e) That is the basis to almost every lead riff and throw in a few
string bends and mutes and it will boost your confidence and your fingering skill.
Wal mart has a poster of chords and would be a good thing to hang where you play.
Take the tabs you find online with a grain of salt since most are not complete or just
plain wrong!!
If you want to see some amazing playing check out you tube and search
for Super mario and watch zack kims videos and check out the one of the
eleven string BASS guitar playing it!! whoa!!

 

I use any means of learning ......... been learning 20 + years to play guitar, What ever keeps it interesting for you IMO.... Tabs, theory lessons or, jams just keep plugging away at it. if you want to learn you will learn, although some methods will speed the learning process up......... you need to learn to walk before you run. learn the scales and chords, it's boring but effective as you will find out later in time. Don't get caught in the "Power Chord " trap like many do it's a one way dead end street.....

That super Mario on the Bass is wicked !!!

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, I'll keep what you said in mind. Got any recommendations on good beginner guitars? Or basically just what to look for in a guitar.

 

I shudder at the term "beginner guitar".

A beginner guitar is usually pretty cheaply built and plays and sounds like it. It's worth your time and money if you plan to take this seriously and stay with it to get a good guitar right off the bat. If it sounds good and is enjoyable to play, then you'll practice more and get better faster. If it's a POS that has high action so the strings feel like high-tension fence wire, you're going to get discouraged very quickly as it won't play easily or sound decent. Acoustic guitars are strung more heavily than electrics and so it's really critical to make the right choice.

I'm a big fan of Martin guitars and they have excellent sounding and playing guitars starting in the $500-$600 price range (check the Musician's Friend website for some good prices.)

I see these Johnson guitars all over the place at really low prices and they're ok for the money, but not quite my cup of tea. Not a very pleasing sound to my ear. The action is..ok, but can be improved with a good setup.

A friend of mine picked up a Simon and Patrick (made in Canada) a few years back and it was a really nice guitar for 300 bucks. Solid wood (as opposed to laminated, or plywood) on the top and back, laminated sides, palyed nice and sounded excellent although a little on the quite side. But the tone of a solid wood guitar will improve as it ages and "opens up" whereas a plywood guitar will always sound the same.

Having said all that, when I was in my 20s I picked up an Ibanez acoustic for about 200 bucks on sale, it was laminated but had a really nice tone and easy action. For the money it was a really decent guitar. I think you'll want to hit the music stores and see what they have. If you can, I would take a friend who's an experienced player with you to help you choose.

 

The hardest thing to do is to get the fingers to stretch to the correct positions on the neck to make the chords. You will think the fingers will break, or you need to be a contortionist, or they just flat will not go to these positions.

This is where some get discouraged and quit. It takes a while to do this, lots of practice in order for all strings to be allowed to vibrate as they should without other fingers touching them. The fingers will get sore as hell in the process. Stay with it as its worth the effort. jd

 

learn how to play a power chord.i learned on my own like they say learn trhee chords and youll be able to play 1000 songs

 

Also check pawn shops, they're big in this area. I picked up a new Yamaha for $140, sounds decent and will hold up to camping trips and travel, but I won't be too heartbroken if something happens to it. Strum a few in the store and you'll be able to tell what sounds good to your ear anyway.

 

He has so much conflicting advice right now its sad. The worse part is i bet every single person that gave advice is sure their way is the best.

I agree with about half of the advice given.

 

To each their own, who's to say any one method will work for anybody, biggest thing is keeping interest, progression keeps interest..

As far as myself I learned on a no name POS Garage sale beauty with 1\4 action, looking back in retrospect, It was the best thing I could have done, it worked for me, may not for anyone else but it did for me and I have never stopped playing since. I know I can appreciate the sound and feel of my Takamine, after owning a Jalopy or two over the years....

 

ya most important thing is too not give up,i learned guitar,then i kept playiing and got interested in other instuments as well ,guitar really helps with bass,and it helped me a lot on learning how to play piano