The Recreational Guitarist

The Basics Part 9, A Boogie

May 10th, 2011

Video Included

Okay, this finishes the series of “basic” technique posts designed to get you started on your guitar journey.  I’m going to finish now with a boogie to help you put your tab reading to work.  Remember that the numbers are always frets so all you have to do is determining which string the note is on and which finger of the left hand to use.  I have made this a little more challenging by writing the chart in the “second position”.  The second position simply means you use you first finger for the second fret not the first, and if you use the first finger for the second fret you use the second finger for the third fret the third finger for the fourth fret and the fourth finger for the fifth fret.  It sounds a little complicated but it’s quite easy once you get the idea and will make some difficult fingerings easy.  Enjoy and please send along a comment or suggestion for future posts. – Michael

Pick Style Boogie in E

The Basics Part 8, Understanding Tablature

May 9th, 2011

Video Included

Tablature was the original way people wrote for most stringed instruments including guitar.  It is far easier than “standard notation” in some ways and very inferior in others.  If you are familiar with the song you want to play then an accurate tab sheet is tops.  This video details the basics of reading from tab. – Michael

The Basics Part 7, Alternate Picking

May 8th, 2011

Video Included

We all want to play fast and without buzzes so it’s important to learn some kind of alternation when playing.  That sounds complicated but it’s really quite simple, it means that you should use up and down strokes if you use a  pick or alternate between two fingers if you play fingerstyle. check it out. – Michael

The Basics Part 6, Single Note Fingering

May 7th, 2011

Video Included

It is often said that “guitar is an instrument that is difficult to play badly” and that is very true! If you play with bad technique guitar is indeed very difficult to play.  Fortunately there are a few basic principles that make learning the guitar easier.  When it comes to melody or “lead” playing understanding how to finger notes in a “position” is very important.  This video will get you started on the right path.  please leave your comments and ask any questions. – Michael

the Basics Part 5, Fingerpicking

May 6th, 2011

Video Included

Fingerpicking  or fingerstyle guitar is when you use the thumb and 3 fingers of the right hand to pluck the strings rather than a pick.  It is often called “classical” style as classical guitar is played in this manner.  The video demonstrates the proper way to use hold your hand and which string each finger plays along with other insights – Michael

The Basics Part 4, Rhythm

May 5th, 2011

Video Included

Once you can read the chord windows and learn a few fingerings you can start playing some rhythms.  Here is a little video to get you going, remember to start slowly at first, speed comes naturally with practice.  I have also included a handy chord sheet so you have lots to learn. – Michael

Basic Chord Chart

The Basics Part 3, Understanding Chord Windows

May 4th, 2011

Video Included

Here is a little video taken from one of my DVDs that shows you how to read a “chord window”. Chord windows are the foundation of accompaniment and chord solos. I will post a good basic chord chart a little later.   – Michael

The Basics Part 2, Using an Electronic Tuner

May 3rd, 2011

Video Included

Today’s video lesson demonstrates the use of an electronic tuner and gives audio examples of each string. Using an electronic tuner is pretty straight forward but I have a few tips that will make it easier for you.

1) An electronic tuner works by counting the vibrations given off when a string is played so do not strike the string repeatedly as this may confuse the poor little chip. Strike the string, watch the meter (or lights) make an adjustment and then wait for the needle to stop (or the lights go out) before striking the string again.
2) Try to rest you hand or fingers on the strings NOT being tuned as they can vibrate in “sympathy” to the struck string.
3) If you are plugged directly into the tuner make sure the volume on your guitar is on full.

There you have it, back tomorrow with more!

The Basics Part 1, Guitar Types and Parts

May 2nd, 2011

VIDEO INCLUDED

I thought it would be useful to spend a week posting a “quick start” set of videos covering
all the basics and creating a foundation for further more detailed posts. Much more to follow!

Please send your comments with suggestions and questions. – Michael

How to change guitar strings

March 23rd, 2011

Video Included

Next to tuning, changing your strings can be very frustrating at first.  If you have a good music store close by ask to watch while they do it for a couple of changes then jump in yourself. This video should help with the basic techniques.