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I have been using the Elixir strings but find once they are gone they are gone, I find they last me about 2 months at the most then I need to replace them. I was looking at a hand made string by Wyre and I am about to try them this week.

just a little follow up--- in Dec of 08 I got a 5 string banjo and have found it a fabulous experience to learn a new instrument. It is tough pickin up all the different rolls and picking patterns but right now if I play it and you don't play the banjo you might think I know what I am doing. I have learned most of it from you tube but I will be taking a lesson or two very shortly, I want to learn a few things right before they become ingrained in the wrong way.

Thanks to everyone for your input, I didn't realize Manx played a six string, he was one of my inspirations to buy a banjo-- go figure.

This is a great question- My first guitar was a Harmony, A Canadian made guitar that was very popular in its day, I then got a 12 string Gianninni, which I played for quite a while, then I found an old Martin, circa 1932 in my father in laws basement, which I played for a number of years.  This was an O17, I believe which is a small parlor size guitar.

For several years I stopped playing guitar and took up the piano, but then one day my wife bought me a Seagull, another, great Canadian Made guitar. It got me interested in guitar again and no I have a Martin D28. I think I have my final guitar, I love it.

I am, however, looking at getting an electric guitar and I am going to learn the banjo. keep learning different instruments is my theory. Ya never know when you will need to know a new sound.

I have been there several times and in fact have hung up the guitar for long periods of time but I was lucky enough to find some friends who were in the same boat, that used to play in their basements by themselves, so we got together and played a few songs, now we meet each week on a Monday at one of our homes, eat some snacks, drink some wine and play some music.

You talk about motivation, you want to be sharp when you arrive cause you don't want to let anyone down. We have been doing this for almost 2 years now and I am still motivated and look forward to each and every Monday night. My family knows I am booked that night and nothing can get in the way of it.

Don't know if it helps, but try to find some friends in the same boat, you will be amazed how many there are and who they are.

The discussions on the Bar Chords are absolutely correct, however, you can play a F#m by placing your finger across the first three strings on the second fret and reach for the 4 string 4th fret with the baby finger and only play the top 4 strings. This is only a stop gap measure.
You can also cheat on a Bm by simply playing 1st string 2nd fret, 2nd string 3rd fret and 3rd string 4th fret and only play the top three strings. Its cheating but can do in a pinch.

If you are looking for songs like Bad Moon Rising then search out a lot of the CCR songs. We run into the same thing, trying to find upbeat songs.  Many of the old classics are "guy songs" so they are tougher for a woman to sing. We have a female singer also so we toy with this from time to time. Other songs might include Me and Bobby McGee, We'll sing in the sunshine, Jambalaya, Kansas City, Margaritaville, When will I be loved, Mustang Sally, she also does Don't be Cruel.

I have listened to your music and you might want to try a few Shania Twain songs, I think they might fit Clare's voice and most of them are pretty easy to play.

Hope that helps.

I own a Martin d28, and a seagull and to be honest the difference in price is not reflected in the difference in playing in both sound and ease of playing. I have recommended the seagull to many people and at this point they are all happy.  Play one and see how it feels to you.

I will tell you the one concern I had with my seagull was the neck was quite narrow, so it might be tough for a guitarist with big fingers.

If you go into Public books, then down to Rock there are a lot of good public books for Rock songs some even focus on Acoustic Songs.

Good Luck

I know all kinds of songs that are medium difficulty and have chords on chordie, but it means nothing if you are not into certain types of music. what type of music do you like, Pop, rock, Folk, Country or Ballads.

Let me know and I will send you some choices that might fit.

I have found that often the buzz is not caused by fingers hitting the wrong strings but by not placing the fingers close enough to the frets.

I play the guitar, piano and harmonica and sing. Looking at learning the violin and/or mandolin. I find that learning the piano has helped me understand the theory behind other instruments and helps me be a better guitar player.

As far as the bass goes, many of the people I have played with share the thought of the other person, it is difficult to sing and play the bass also.