by grimm » Tue Aug 04, 2009 4:50 pm
So here's a lesson that's not really a lesson, but sort of an introduction before I post any actual guitar/music related lessons.
When people want to play the guitar, they want to learn the instrument for maybe a few reasons. Perhaps to impress their friends, significant other, or someone they want to be their significant other, or whatever. It could be that their parents are forcing them to do so. Maybe they just like the way the instrument sounds. Or it could be that they're bored, and would rather try to do something rather than sit there and stare at the wall. Then there's people who love music, happen to love the versatility of the guitar, the sounds it can produce, and want to figure out how to express their emotions on the instrument. Whatever the case maybe, in order to learn, you have to truly want to play. You have to understand beforehand that unless you're some sort of prodigy, you won't learn over night and in fact, it could even take you years to get where you want to be. You also have to understand that the learning will never stop, even if you've become a capable jam session hero, or an insane virtuoso who can do seemingly anything with little to no effort.
Things to keep in mind when trying to learn is that it is in fact possible to teach yourself the guitar, for those who think its impossible ( I used to think so, and then I proved myself wrong), it will be tough, it will take a lot of practice, but if you stay focused, utilize your practice time efficiently, and love the guitar, you can get there with the help of some books, some sheet music, some tabs, a large memory bank of music, an open mind, practice, practice, practice, and most importantly some good ears. There's a multitude of ways to learn. People can learn to play guitar completely by ear, just trying to mimic the sounds they hear in songs, or in their heads. People can learn without any knowledge of reading music and without any knowledge of music theory. On the flip-side, people can teach themselves guitar playing and music with self-study guitar books and self study music theory books. Whatever the case is, I'd like to post from time to time lessons on technique, rhythm, music theory, etc for those who want to know. I might not be able to post all the time and I might not know everything, but if I can help I will. Thanks GML!
The hands find a way to do what the heart wants to say. -- Paco De Lucia