Any experienced guitar players have advice on how to learn better?
I played very little in highschool and now, 15 years later, I have the urge to go back to it. I’ve been playing for an hour or so most days for the last month which I know isn’t a lot but lets be honest, it’s just for my own enjoyment, I have no illusions of being a middle aged rock star.
Anyway I was wondering if people had any advice, good resources, sheet music that isn’t garbage?
In my position would you go the self taught route or is it really important to have a tutor? I’m particularly concerned about picking up bad technique and then practicing that, I feel like that was a big part of why I gave up in the first place - fucking up the same things no matter how many times I did them because I learned them wrong.
Thanks all.
Hey, thank you, both for the advice and the encouragement, your post is flat out inspiring. I’ve always loved music and I’ve definitely regretted giving up on learning to create it myself.
I have definitely noticed that my muscle memory is coming back quite quickly, I was wondering how long that stage would last though as I assume I’ll reach the same level I did before at some point and it will all be new from there but I find it interesting that you’ve seen a noticeable difference between people who did and didn’t play as a child. Of course I’m just taking it as it comes though, not comparing myself with anyone else’s progress.
As far as sheet music (or tablature) this tracks with my personal experience, then as well as now. Particularly for rock music, which makes sense given it isn’t exactly published by it’s composers. I had thought of trying some classical, just to take advantage of the wealth of resources for it, as I figure a lot of technique will carry over. However while I’m not one who thumbs my nose at classical music, I don’t have as much of a personal connection to it and I do only have access to steel string guitars. Do you think it’s worth trying as a learning experience?
I have found some pretty good (IMO) song tutorials on Youtube though, as you say, seeing someone’s fingering up close is extremely helpful.
I’m also interesting in the way you describe the different kind of challenges in playing. It makes a lot of sense to consider that you can be hearing or reading or understanding some music incorrectly instead of just physically playing it wrong, but I hadn’t really thought about it that way. I’ll definitely keep this one in mind while I’m practicing.
Hey no problem. I saw your post with a guitar in my lap, so I was primed to gush a little. Regarding classical guitar, that’s kind of a tough one. Classical guitar is a weird world. There’s a lot about it that turns me off. The instrument has relatively low prestige in the larger classical world because it’s almost never included in orchestras. And that’s mostly because it isn’t loud enough. There are two famous concerti that call for guitar soloists, but that’s about it. So classical guitarists have their own separate little world inside the classical tradition, and they collectively kind of have a chip on their shoulder. There’s a lot of dogma and politics. The technique is generally effective, but I think it’s needlessly dogmatic. And they are very reluctant to view modern innovations like steel strings and electric pickups as valid within their tradition.
The body of music written or arranged for the classical guitar contains a lot of great stuff though. Classical guitar is really inspiring to listen to. Playing it is even better if you can stand to put in the work to build up a repertoire. For people that get really good at reading, they can put a new piece on the stand and let it take them on a little journey. It’s like reading poetry or a short story. I never got there, but I can see the appeal. When all the notes are already picked out for you ahead of time, then everything becomes a matter of technique. So classical players are way more in-depth in the way they examine their execution. They get to be very skilled in finding the most efficient way to use their bodies to produce the correct response from their instruments.
To answer your question, I think it’s worth trying if you really want to get super nerdy about technique. Or if there’s some classical piece that you want to play. It’s kind of a big time investment if you’re just looking to build skills to transfer to other styles though. I’d say probably not if you’re just trying to get into playing pop tunes with friends or whatever. It’s not necessary to have some classical background to be an effective musician. But if you want to get into it, don’t think that using a steel stringed instrument or playing without nails makes your interpretation any less valid. Musicians can be snobs. If you want to play a cello suite on the guitar using a pick, go right ahead. They can’t stop you.
Hey I’m glad you did, my confidence needed the boost and getting the good replies I did totally hyped me up to play, and try some new things, today.
The idea of being able to sight read some super complex stuff and just nail it first time like the classical players can is cool and all but it sounds like a huge investment and to be honest, right now, I’d rather be playing the music that really excites me, you know? Maybe one day I’ll give it a try just to experience it.
I'd like to see those nerds try!
Kidding, love ya classical nerds