You are not logged in. Please login or register.
Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by Kahuna
DW,
From my learning, I found that it's not a good idea to use your fingernails for fingerpicking. You should always use the fleshy part of your fingertips instead.
However, if you like a louder sound, get yourself some slip-on thumb and finger picks! Personally, I like using my fingertips and can't stand using my nails for picking.
Just my $.02 worth.
Kahuna
BDD,
I think a question you have to ask yourself is what kind of music you like to play or listen to? If you like to listen to classical guitar music, then a classical guitar with nylon strings is your destiny. However, if you like to play normal/fun rock and roll, country, or blues, you should look into a steel string guitar. You also need to know that playing style is different between classical and typical rock & roll or country. With that said, there is nothing wrong with using a classical (nylon string) guitar to play country or rock. They will just have a different sound output.
My personal goal is to have all three major types of acoutic guitar (steel, nylon, and 12-string). Right now, I have one acoustic/electric and one electric. I'm still in the market for a 12-string and possibly nylon string guitars.
I hope this helps.
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>BBDGus wrote on Tue, 20 March 2007 05:32</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Hello every one,, I'm new at this and I have an acoustic guitar,, but I was wondering what's the right move? to learn with acoustic or clasical?
any advice will be apreciated:-)
</td></tr></table>
Fullpana,
Good to hear that you've progressed so well. Don't stop, however! Right now, you're strumming to songs you hear on your CDs, and probably know a few progressions. From here, you can advance your knowledge by learning chord structure, root notes on your fret board, and may be fingerpicking. What about Dim, Sus, or Add chords? Also, do you read tabs? These things can help you progress to a more complete player. If you ever get bored, then learn some Pantatonic or Blues Scales.
Nonethelesss, good luck and keep on playing!
Kahuna
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>fullpana wrote on Sat, 17 March 2007 20:53</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Hello, im new to the forums, so hello to all.
I've been playing acoustic and guitar overall for 4 months, self taught with advice from friends, I play on a daily basis since im addicted to it. I can now play songs like Romanze and strumming songs like all the Neutral Milk Hotel ones easily. The thing is that now I need to keep improving my technique, I can play lots of chords and the F or B's are no problem for me, what should I do? I dont just want to keep on learning other easy songs, I need something that will allow me to play much much harder stuff.
Thanks for the help.
</td></tr></table>
Kahuna Here! I'm currently living in Tempe, Arizona, USA! Been playing since I was 15 (I'm in my 40's now!) I'm currently playing both electric and acoustic. I'm taking lessons on pantatonic and blues scales. It's been a lot of fun. Good to know there are so many guitarist out there in the Chordie World. Good to meet everyone!
Cheers!
Scrimmy,
I posted the message below on another thread (but same topic.) See if this helps.
---------
A good practice for a B chord is to start out with an A chord (2nd fret). Hold an A chord with your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers. Then slide your fingers (while still holding A) up two frets. And, add your index finger to the 1st string (2nd fret). You now have a B chord! After you master this change, try going backward (to the A chord.) Of course, you can also barre with the index finger to get the full sound. But, if you're just starting, this exercise would help you form a good-sounding B chord.
--------------
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>scrimmy82 wrote on Mon, 12 March 2007 18:21</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I cant barre chords, so is there any other way to play B?
I can play an open F, so i was thinking that if this was possible, then B must also be possible?
Does anyone know how to do this?
Thanks in advance!
</td></tr></table>
I agree with Alvee33. A good practice for a B chord is to start out with an A chord (2nd fret). Hold an A chord with your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers. Then slide your fingers (while still holding A) up two frets. And, add your index finger to the 1st string (2nd fret). You now have a B chord! After you master this change, try going backward (to the A chord.) Of course, you can also barre with the index finger to get the full sound. But, if you're just starting, this exercise would help you form a good-sounding B chord.
Hope this helps!
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>alvee33 wrote on Mon, 12 March 2007 18:14</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
How are you playing it just now? I returned to the guitar about a year ago after a 12 or so year lay off. I played electric mostly then and found B pretty easy barring with my index finger and barring the B,G and D strings with my ring finger. However that is easier on an electric and since my return I have moved to acoustic and find that method a lot harder. I now play it still barring with my index but using a different finger on each of the B, G and D while muting the low E with the end of my index. Sounds more complicated than it is.
Practice playing an open A chord using your 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers. Then when you are comfortable with that slide it up and throw on the barre and hey presto.
You'll get there in the end.
</td></tr></table>
I agree with most of the folks here. Playing a guitar will take time. With chords, it will take time for your hand and fingers to create "memory" on the fretboard. This means a daily practice of about 30 minutes to one hour per day! One thing you need to do, in the mean time, is strengthen your left hand!
Pick yourself up a spring-loaded grip exerciser and use it about 30 minutes every other day. You'll see a great improvement in holding your normal and barre chords.
There is no easy solution to be better at playing other than practice, practice, practice! Also, find somebody or group to jam with! You'll be surprise how quickly you'll advance!
Sparra,
You can consider string size, but it would be good to not go below .011. Have you tried having your guitar set up by a music store? If not, you might want to do this first, before you start looking at a new guitar. There are many things that can make a good guitar harder to play. Some of them include: Nut/bridge too High, Worn Out Strings, Guitar Neck Bowed, etc.
One of the most common issue with a new guitar is the nut if often too high. Which makes it harder to hold barre chords. For about $50 (plus strings), a good instrument repair shop can set up your guitar to make play as well as those higher-priced ones.
Kahuna
I agree with Jay! I recently bought an Epiphone Les Paul Studio, and really like it! I had debated between this guitar and a Strat. But, decided to go with the Les Paul! Epiphone does make nice (and less expensive) guitars. I say go for it!
Good choice on the Ovation! I have two myself! My next guitar will be either a Takamine or a Martin! I love to have a Taylor, but don't have $2,000 to spare.
Kahuna.
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>HardlyDylan wrote on Tue, 20 February 2007 01:41</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Hi everyone. Newbie here. Just got myself a new Ovation semi acoustic guitar and was surprised at how good it sounded. I think it's my favourite guitar that I've owned( so far ). Anyway, I'd be interested in knowing what other people consider to be their favourite sounding guitar. Thanks In Advance
</td></tr></table>
Jessie,
I can relate to your frustration! I'm like you, I need to know the process of how things work. Finger picking is pretty simple, once you've learned the basics. I have been spending more time practicing this lately. Also, if you haven't done so, subscribe to the Acoustic Guitar magazine! This publication has a wealth of information that would help beginners and pros alike. And, it's only $20 a year!
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>JessieR wrote on Fri, 16 February 2007 21:57</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
To respond to my own question, utube has a wealth of mini-lessons. I watched one on finger picking that gave me a better understanding of how it is done. Even if I'm not there yet, I like to have an idea of how things work or I get frustrated.
</td></tr></table>
I tend to agree somewhat. If you play an acoustic guitar, knowing how to finger pick can add another realm of play to this great hobby! Strumming is important and easy to learn, so you can definitely start here. As you get more proficient with chords and progressions, try putting the pick down and start doing some finger picking!
Good luck and happy playing nonetheless.
Kahuna!
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>drantle wrote on Fri, 16 February 2007 19:20</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Just to add to your request,
I have been only playing for a year and i have not even
tried picking yet, because I want to be great at strumming first.
cheers
Ron
</td></tr></table>
Hi,
Another idea that won't cost you too much money is to see if you local library has any guitar books and/or Lessons on CD you can borrow and take home. You can at least start learning the basics until you're more comfortable about moving to the next level.
Hope this helps!
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>geneseoguitars25 wrote on Tue, 06 February 2007 05:10</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
thanx alot i just play around with my friends guitars and its real fun and i think ill stick with but i dont think ill be able to take lessons because of the cash and howi dont have any but thanx alot for the good advice
</td></tr></table>
Thanks Rubin! You're a great help. This is my first Electric since 1977, and want to make sure I learn about it as much as I can.
Well, I finally did it! My longtime love for a Les Paul has been fulfilled! No, it wasn't a Gibson, but I was told the Epi version is just as good. The Epi Studio model was affordable and received many good reviews.
Any other thoughts and/or feedback would be appreciated. I used to owned an Epiphone hollow body back in the 70's also.
Try Fastballs - The Way!
Jerome,
Thanks very much for your message! I think you've answered my question. I'll do more research in the pentatonic scales section. And, yes, you're right about Albert King. He was a Blues man, who often used this technique.
Thanks Again,
Kahuna!
Hi Wayne,
How it was shown to me was an area a lead guitarist would stay in when doing repetitive licks (not sure if I'm saying this right.) But, when we jam, I would play the rhythm part and my friend would spend his time running leads around the 10th and 12th fret--going back and forth between the 1st and 4th strings. Thus, forming a "box"!
He mentioned that most lead guitarists use this technique to create different riffs and licks. Of course, I'm no expert here, but it looked pretty simple to learn. I'm just having a hard time finding some basic materials to this.
Again, any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>WayneHann wrote on Mon, 12 February 2007 20:04</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
i know your asking to know a bit more about the albert box technique, but as a curious learner i would just like to ask you if you can tell me what it is?
</td></tr></table>
Try some of the Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) songs too. Most of their songs contain three or four major chords.
Greetings,
I started to do some jam sessions with friends who are in a band. And, he mentioned that most lead guitarists use the A-box or Albert Box technique (hope I'm saying this correctly.) Can someone please shed some lights on this subject for me? I would also appreciate any additional information. I'm still learning scales, so wondering if this is the same thing?
Thanks!
Crapo,
Regarding the B chord. Try doing an A chord first with your 2nd,3rd,4th fingers. Then slide them up to the 4th fret, and add the 1st finger to the 1st string, 2nd fret. This will form a B chord without having to barre it!
Just play the first four strings. Hope this helps!
Kahuna
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>crapo wrote on Tue, 06 February 2007 11:19</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Hi all...
first post here, found this site last night while browsing for chords, and was amazed at the amount of useful topics in the forum, decided to come on board, to chip in when I can, and annoy you with my own questions <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_smile.gif" border=0 alt="Smile">
Playing acoustic for about 2 years, teaching myself, just bought my 3rd guitar. Started with an "ok" thingy, then bought a ridgewood, and purchased a takamine semi acoustic last week. I'm still pretty rubbish at playing guitar though, I can just about manage my barr chords, but struggle with B like some people here <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_lol.gif" border=0 alt="Laughing">
Anyhow, just said I'd say hi and look forward to chatting...
PS. Amazing lately the amount of Tab/Chord sites that are being forced to stop putting songs online?! Copyright infrigement and all that, pity really.
</td></tr></table>
Do you mean the pick guard? Why would you want to remove it? Just curious! The guard is there to protect the guitar against scratches from pick use. The guards can be replaced over time, once it gets too scratched up.
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>xChicken wrote on Mon, 22 January 2007 17:48</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
The black thing on the guitar, below the sound hole, mine has a see-through plastic sheeting over it, and I was wondering if it's alright to take it off or woule it leave more scratches on the black thing...
See, there's a bunch of air pockets in it, and it's starting to come off from a huge air pocket, and it looks really ugly <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_sad.gif" border=0 alt="Sad">
</td></tr></table>
I agree with Orion! Although it's good to strum with the actual song, your strum pattern may be a bit different when you play it without the song. As long as you keep the beat count and change your chords accordingly, you should be fine! Do what feels right is good!
Kahuna
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>OrionsByte wrote on Thu, 11 January 2007 23:27</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I tend to strum on instinct. I small change to the strumming pattern can have a huge effect on the sound of a song, so I tend to play what I think sounds good and not really worry about how close I'm sticking to a particular strumming pattern. Some songs are easier to play that way than others.
I guess I'm just saying, "Do what feels right."
- OrionsByte
</td></tr></table>
How about Peaceful Easy Feelings by the Eagles? You'll get to use both B and B7. Good and steady strumming song!
Kahuna
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>scrimmy82 wrote on Tue, 09 January 2007 12:51</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Ok, ive figured out which songs i like best, songs like Wonderwall and Breakfast at Tiffany's!
Quick chord changes and lots of strumming is the way forward, I still cant play and B chords which kinda holds me back, but can anyone suggest any more songs like these that I could try?
</td></tr></table>
Cruel,
Absolutely! I can't imagine playing a guitar without knowing chords! Most finger picking patterns started from basic chords! Although there are Tablitures and scales to play, knowing chords will only make you a more complete player!
Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by Kahuna
