Self-Teaching (Guitar)

Yep.

I've been playing 11.5 years so far. I've been slacking lately, and need a good kick up the backside to get me playing often again.
 
I'm learning acoustic at the moment and finding it so much easyer now I have a teacher who comes once a week.

My progress is probably 3-4 times faster than it was while I was teaching myself.

HOWEVER, there are quite a few people on this forum who were self taught and are excellent players.

Each to their own, but if your struggling or lack motivation I'd advise a teacher.
 
Completely self taught and it shows ;)

I'm an average player but I'm happy with that and proud that I completely taught myself. You don't need motivation, just need to learn a few basics then sit in front of the TV and play whilst you watch. Learning doesn't feel like a chore when it's something you're doing without realising it.

I always hit a wall every few months where it seems that I can't progress any further. A few weeks/ months later though and you progress again. That's always a satisfying moment.
 
I taught myself for about 8 years then had a year of proper guitar tuition.

My dad used to show me the odd chord progression and whatnot (Sweet Home Alabama anyone? :D) then I went looking for stuff myself.
 
I'm completely self taught, including classical music theory.. okay it probably would have been slightly quicker having lessons but I've always been disciplined and managed to regularly practise/learn theory.
 
If I was starting out I'd try and learn as many different things as possible. If there's a song you'd like to learn but it's obviously out of your grasp, get the tab for it/chords etc and have it as a goal.

Personally I taught myself from watching other guitarists to see what they were actually doing in terms of which fingers to fret notes, how they hold a pic etc and then tried to learn as much as stuff as possible, with the internet now this is much easier! (Try and get hold of guitar pro, I prefer power tab but the tabs for guitar pro are more readily available, try ultimateguitar.com).

I teach guitar myself now and think it's a good idea for someone starting out to have a few lessons with a teacher (maybe 3/4 or so) just because when you're starting out it can be very difficult to even hold the thing, never mind tips on how to position your hand correctly and what part of the finger to use to fret the strings most economically. Kinda going against the grain of 'teaching yourself' but once you get the basics down you can be on your way easily enough (but don't tell too many people this or else i'll be out of the business :D) of course it completely depends what you're wanting to do though; if you're just wanting to learn how to play some of your favourite songs then this method will work.
 
Andelusion said:
If I was starting out I'd try and learn as many different things as possible. If there's a song you'd like to learn but it's obviously out of your grasp, get the tab for it/chords etc and have it as a goal.
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David Bowie - the man who sold the world

always wanted to be able to play it tbh. my ex has lent me her old guitar and amp so I've go somthing to practice with, but I'm probbably going to have to get a few lessions to start with.
 
Yeah, been playing 13 years and never had a lesson. I used to play for 3-4 hours a day during my school days, now I still manage at least half an hours playing. I used to tab out songs myself before I had the net, and made it a mission to try and finish every song I started to learn
 
Yep, and I think I'm an all-round 'better' (subjective) player than many of the self-styled, professionally taught 'shredders' :)

I just feel the music man.
 
Self taught, athough I could play piano and a couple of other instruments before. If I was doing it again though, I'd probably go for lessons as I've picked up some really bad habbits :(
 
Yep. Although I'm very interested in taking some proper lessons. For the more experienced of you guys, what comes with being taught by someone else that I wouldn't be able to teach myself? If that's not too stupid a question! To become really accomplished, should I get a teacher or could I just work really hard...
 
starscream said:
Self taught, athough I could play piano and a couple of other instruments before. If I was doing it again though, I'd probably go for lessons as I've picked up some really bad habbits :(
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having lessions doesn't stop you picking your nose and eating it in public tbh
 
I have just gone and bought myself an acoustic guitar because i need a hobby. Basically what are nice easy songs to learn at first?

I know knocking on heavens door is real easy but what else should I be looking at?

Cheers
 
Cranberries - Zombie
Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm

Both the above are ridiculously easy and virtually identical to play.

Nirvana - Come As You Are (v.v.easy)
Bob Marley - Redemption Song (v.easy)
Blind Melon - Mouthful of Cavities (easy)
Blind Melon - Soul One (easy)
Lynrd Skynrd - Sweet Home Alabama (v.easy)
Pearl Jam - Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town (v.easy: also a good one to start with as the chords it teaches you are used a heck of a lot and sound absolutely amazing).

All of the above could be learned within a few days for someone who has never played before. Some of them, like the first three, could be learned in an hour or two.
 
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S7yl3s said:
I have just gone and bought myself an acoustic guitar because i need a hobby. Basically what are nice easy songs to learn at first?

I know knocking on heavens door is real easy but what else should I be looking at?

Cheers
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Greensleeves fingerpicking beginner version. The first song I ever played.

I can play more advanced songs now :)
 
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