26 Topic by pjl6364

(4 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi all,
I have been learning and practicing for 5 months now.  I have built up some good calluoses, but my fingers still hurt and I find it hard to continue practicing through more than 1 tune.  If this is normal, I will just man-up and deal with it. 

However, I was wondering if there are a set of strings that would allow me to continue to practice for longer periods or is there a way to change the "action" (distance strings are from the fretboard - right?) that would create more comfort.

I would love to get the most out of my washburn wd-32sw.  Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks much folks,

P.J.

Go to forum: Acoustic

27 Reply by pjl6364

(4 replies, posted in Acoustic)

All,
Thanks for the great feedback.  From talking the seller eveything seems to check out (nice sound, never dropped, straight neck, etc., etc.  I am going to give it a test ride on saturday.  Thanks again for all the welcomed feedback.

Guitarpix - your reply was very helpful thanks for taking the time.

P.J.

Go to forum: Acoustic

28 Topic by pjl6364

(4 replies, posted in Acoustic)

My apologies if this is posted in the wrong section.

I have been playing for about 5 months on a Yamaha F310 and now I have an opportunity to purtchase a used Washburn WD32SW for $ 200 USD. 

From what I can tell through online research this seems like a pretty good deal.  The Washburn site has a suggested retail at $649 and all the reviews I havbe seen give good to excellent scores.

I just wanted to see if anyone here can give me there opinion on the guitar and some tips on what to look for when I go check it out this weekend.

Thanks much for any feedback.

P.J.

Go to forum: Acoustic

29 Reply by pjl6364

(20 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I have been at it for about 3 months and am feeling your pain.  I have used some of the tips mentioned above.  The suggestion from Zurf has started to pay dividends as now I am starting to move smoother between G > C and D > C.  I too thought it would never happen, but then it did so hang in there.
There is also a suggestion on justinguitar.com.  He suggests taking a chord change and then seeing how many chnages you can do in a minute and track your progress.  I found doing this while watching TV works well.  Now I can't wait to actually start piecing these together into some tunes.  Stay with it.....

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30 Reply by pjl6364

(7 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Far from gifted.  The operative word here is  "recognizable"  LOL.  My fingers hurst so good.  Stay tuned..............

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31 Topic by pjl6364

(7 replies, posted in Acoustic)

All,
Well, it has been 2 months since I started and I am happy to say that I have made it through my first few songs (Evangeline, Take it easy, Atlantic City).  Whoooooo for me!  Mind you they are no way near perfect, but they are recognizable and I can notice a difference in how my left hand is beginning to work it's "muscle memory".  I still find moving from G to C and G to D a challenge, but it is improving.  The strumming is also a work in progress, but I am having a blast.

I was psyched to see my first "axe" (Yamaha F-310) listed in the top 10 acoustic post

Thanks to all for the replies to my previous posts.

Cheers,

P.J.

Go to forum: Acoustic

32 Reply by pjl6364

(5 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Somebody taped a portion of the show - for those interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjec7Zq8kGs

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

33 Topic by pjl6364

(5 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

My apologies, I know this probably doesn't belong in the Acoustic forum, but that is where I am at with my guitar playing.

I was fortunate enough to be in the presence of greatness last night in a small club located in Pawling, NY.  Last night I saw Sonny Landreth and his krewe.  Being a guitar newbie, I was in awe of the talent, and wondered if he had evefr "sucked" like I currently do, at any point in his career.  For those that haven't seen or heard of Sonny, I suggest you do - go to YouTube.  He brought up a special guest for a few songs, Arlen "master of the telecaster" Roth - who I not heard of, but plan to. The best part was that the guy was out front after the show to meet, sign and thank those who attended.  Alert omni magazine, for last night the center of the slide guitar universe was in a small town in upstate NY!  What a show!

P.J.

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

34 Reply by pjl6364

(16 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I was just reading that Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes Robinson's was influenced greatly by Nick Dake.  I haven't heard any of his stuff, but I plan to

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35 Reply by pjl6364

(5 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Thanks much.  Practice, practice, practice

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36 Topic by pjl6364

(5 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hey all,
Can anyone share some tips, tricks, or past experiences that helped them get up the learning curve with pull-offs?  I understand the concept, but getting my fingers to carry it out is a bit of a challenge.  Thanks much.
P.J.

Go to forum: Acoustic

37 Reply by pjl6364

(10 replies, posted in Acoustic)

All,
Thanks for the replies and ALL the constructive comments.  The easy 3 chord search worked like a charm.  Currently my teacher has me practicing to the C - G - C - G chord progression, the A - D  - E - D - A chord progession, the E-minor and A-minor pentatonic scales and just yesteday was introduced to hammers (to use to strenghten my fingers) and pull-offs, which quite frankly are as hard as hell!).

Thanks for the Free Fallin' tips, which is one song that I have actually been working (pure dead brilliance that something so catchy can be written based on those 3 chords.....)

I am playing on a Yamaha F-310.  I was hoping to ask a few more questions to the chordie crew.

My fingertip calluoses develop "flat spots" which make appying the right amount of pressure more difficult.  I have filed them down.  Any suggestions?

Is there a set of strings or a "set-up" I can have done to the guitar to make it easier to learn?

Do those finger exercise machines actually work or are they the equivalent to "extenze male ehnancement pills"? Lol

I am looking forward to reporting my progress back to you all.

Thanks again,

P.J.

Go to forum: Acoustic

38 Topic by pjl6364

(10 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi all,
At the age of 43 and after reading "Skydog - the Duane Allman Story", I was inspired to take guitar lessons.  So each Saturday, I joyfully head to the music store in town for my 30 minutes of instruction.

During the week I have been scrolling through the chordie site for tips and tricks that will help me accelerate up the guitar learning. Thanks to all.

Here are some general questions that I am sure you have all answered before, but am hoping you will contribute again.

When can I expect to stop sucking?  (changing chords are frustrating the hell out of me.............)

What are some songs you can recommend that a newbie can play and stay motivated?

Can anoyone provide some tips on picking lottery numbers, so I can quit my job and just practice my guitar? Lol.

Thanks,

P.J. (pjl6364@msn.com)

Go to forum: Acoustic