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Dirrerent strokes for different folks. Have you tried using the other hand?

Nela

Maybe not the best way but here's how I do it. I start by making sure my "A", "D", "G", "B" & "e' string are in tune. I then remove my low "E" string and replace it. After replacing it  tune that string to the "A" string. Then  remove the "A" string, replace it and tune to my "D" string. I continue with all strings until all strings are replaced. All that's left is a final tweak to complete tuning.

Also, when I am replacing srtings I place my guitar in a stand, facing me. This seems to be the easier method of all I've tried.

NELA

Why not start off small and do things per region. I don't know how things lay out across the big pond but here in the states you could have several "MINI CHORDIE STOCKS" all in different locations. IE: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi. Or, North Carolina, South Carolina. Georga, Florida. Or, any others. Just a thought.

NELA

Any song in the key of "Bb" is a killer for me. By using a capo on the 1st fret (it now becomes my index finger for a barre or nut) I can play an open A chord, an open D chord and an open E chord to the song. Now even though I am now playing simple open chords I am still playing in the key of Bb. To play a song in the Key of Bb without a capo and using only barre chords you would have to make an A shaped barre chord, a D shaped barre chord and a E shaped barre chord. My old fingers just ain't built that away. 'Nuff said.

Nela

This is a topic that  am interested in, myself.  I have an AC-60 Roland acoustic amp, as well, that I use with my Takamine acoustic/electric guitar. I also would like to ubnderstand more about the chorus functions. This is a GREAT small amp, has a lot of features and can really pack a punch. Roland now has a AC-90 acoustic amp and I have heard a lotta good thing about it. Small package with a whole lotta sound.

Nela

Old dumb me but I started on a hard one (and a long one, too). The 1st song I learned to play, beginning to end (rhythm) was Lyin' Eye's by the Eagles. After learning this song I strared staying with the simple 3 chord songs.

Nela

Listen to the Don Williams song "Tulsa Time" it has a good beat and only uses 2 chords - E and B7.

Now by playing the same strum pattern and changing the chords to D and A7 you will be playing Achy Breaky Heart.

That's 2 songs for the price of 1.

Nela

Also, find out ahead of time if tou can carry the guitar on as a "carry on". I do quite a bit of flying and have been able to do this. It helps if you are a frequent flyer and get early boarding privileges while there is plenty of overhead space, as well. In most hard shell guitar cases there is a small storage area where you can keep small "gear" items such as tuners, capo's , cleaners, polish, etc. - LEAVE THE POLISH AND CLEANER AT HOME. You may be asked what the capo is since it is a strange looking device. Have an anser ready. If you will not be needing something then leave it at home.

If you have to check the guitar case as luggage then expect to have some new "battle scars" on it when you get where it's going. Things are not handled very gently by the baggage handlers. If you place a "fragle" sticker on the case they will use it as a "bullseye" and hold target practice. You will not be allowed to lock the case, either, since it may have to be inspected as it goes thru the process of being loaded on the plane. If you have a "day / date camera I would take a photo of the case / guitar prior to boarding (along side of that day's newspaper) so the condition of the guitar can be determined at that point in time. (You said you were flying to Ireland but you did not say from where. The more stops and planes changes you have the more the case / guitar will be handled. Keep in mind that the cargo holding area is not heated in any way. Always loosen the strings several turns as the change in altidude will affect the guitar. Have a safe trip and NEVER / EVER carry more than 4 oz's of toothpaste with you while flying!

Nela

Lookin' good, yeah.

One thing I do that has helped me a lot with my timing is to keep a thin pick on the console of my truck and strum (across my chest) to songs being played on the radio, while driving. Since I drive approximately 40,000 miles a year I get to do a lotta struming. By listening to the bass (beat) of a song it helps me find the strum pattern while counting in my head. Since I have XM Radio and like the older country music it gets kinda easy once you've learned 6 or 5 strum patterns.

In 4/4 time:(D = Down & U = Up)

1  &  2  &  3  &  4  &
D U  D U D  U  D  U

1  2  &  3  &  4  &
D D U  D  U  D U  (I find this pattern is used a lot)

1  2  &  3  4  &
D  D U  D  D U

In 3/3 time:

1   2  3
D  D  D

1  2   &  3  &
D  D  U  D  U

Lets don't even go into "Triplets".

Nela

The last guitar I bought I went in the music store with a firm price range already in mind and played for several hours. I was looking for an electric acoustic and spent the time playing everything within that price range. When I had finished I had 4 to 6 guitars that I liked so I went home and thought about it, overnight. The next day I went back to that music store and played only the ones I had selected the previous day. Again I played for about 2 hours and finally decided on which one I wanted. I went home, confirmed my decision, then went to a different music store, played the exact same guitar for about $40.00 less, got the salesman to kick in a hard shell case and made the purchase. Also, it didn't hurt that the 2nd music store had the guitar in a Flamed Maple finish (back and sides) that was WAY better than the other store. Also, this was a "Mom & Pop" type of store who prided themselve on their service. They bent over backwards to help in everyway to set up the guitar and make sure I was satisified. Anyway, I am the proud owner of a Jumbo Takamine Electric Acoustic.

Nela

Good article. There are too many music stores (or just general businesses) who treat potential buyers as if they were on an assembly line. Get'em in the store, put product in hand, smother them in "BS", get'em outta the store, wave goodbye and then laff their butts off about the sell they just made. I am still learning but at my age and experince I can easily reconize the smell of hot air blowing over a turd. When I feel that I am not being respected by a salesman (anywhere) I'm outta the door in a hurry. I work in the construction industry and I am a Vice President for our company. My salary level allows me to be able to purchase items (within reason) when I want them (by this I mean that there are a few times when I don't have to ask my wife if it's ok). When I ask the salesman a question, most times I've already done my homework, I can tell if I am being answered correctly or only told what I want to hear. Either respect me and what I have to spend or I will go elsewhere.

Nela

PS: The line about "hot air blowing........." could be a "hook" for a new country song. Don't anyone try to steal it.

Acoustic / Classical Guitars.

I anyone ever gets the chance take a good look at what Willie Nelson is playing. You just might be surprised. And he does some amazing things with his music.

Nela