Beginner

[bosoxs_77]

Hi all just registered today. currently learning to play the guitar for the first time and wanted to know the best way to learn the cords and read tabs

[imported_timmyo]

Originally Posted by bosoxs_77

Hi all just registered today. currently learning to play the guitar for the first time and wanted to know the best way to learn the cords and read tabs

Welcome

Are you taking lessons at all ? It can be a real help to get you started.

Failing that a good book covering the basics can be an invaluable reference. for the absolute beginner I've heard good stuff about this book :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crash-Course...1122990&sr=1-1

Or there's the beginner lessons on Wholenote: http://www.wholenote.com/basics/basics.asp

others will probably have others to recommend too. Welcome aboard !

[clare_bear]

Welcome to the gang!

I've not tried the guitar version of the Crash Course Tim suggested, but the bass version of it is really good.

I like this for learning a few songs, building up from basic chords to slightly more difficult ones - you get to play to the backing tracks too:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Roc.../dp/1844490505

Hope that helps.

[Cytania]

Start with chords first learn E A D first, then add G and C, search for songs on the web and you'll find plenty that just use these 5 chords. Avoid F and B chords until you are getting real good, next should be Em, G7, Am, A7, D7, E7. Now a whole heap of songs should open up for you, still just with open chords. The first B you should try is B7 the open chord, once you can master F and Bm you are ready for barre chords, but that's for later...

[bosoxs_77]

Thanks for your useful advice. Trying to self teach myself the basics first, but currently looking into lessons. Would you say its best to learn the cords before considering lessons

[Fwonk]

I'd say it doesn't really matter, but it won't hurt to know the basic chords before you get lessons.

[imported_timmyo]

I'd say have the lessons - it'll be harder to learn the chords if you're doing something silly that a teacher could spot and correct early

[bosoxs_77]

Originally Posted by imported_timmyo

I'd say have the lessons - it'll be harder to learn the chords if you're doing something silly that a teacher could spot and correct early

Any ideals what tutors cost these days. They will probably have thier work cut out with me lol

[RolandG]

Originally Posted by imported_timmyo

I'd say have the lessons

One or two will lessons help you get your hand and finger positioning right. Un-learning bad habits is harder than getting it right first time.

My personal view is that the best tutors don't teach guitar, they teach a student to teach himself. Practice and experimentation are key, and the tutor points out techniques and encourages. How many people here limited their playing style to what they already know?

Guitarist features a different tutor each month. Prices vary depending on location, but are about £20 to £25 per lesson, and lessons are between 45 and 60 minutes. Go for a few lessons to get started, and then see how you feel.

[trumpetnut]

Learn how to play power chords and learn the notes of the low E and A strings. That will mean you will be able to play most songs quickly (if simply) whilst you get to grips with more notey chords. Progressive Rhythm Guitar is a fab book to get going with. Let me know how you get on.