Learning to play the electric guittar

[mummytait]

My lovely husband bought me a fender stratocaster for my birthbay but I can't play. Anyone any good advice? teacher, book dvd etc. I can read music but i think guittar is different.

P.S. last time he bought me a pressie like this it was a box of paints. I ended up quitting my job and am now doing full time art degree!!!

[mkt]

If you can affordand have time to get a teacher then obviously thats prob best but you would have to put up with learning all the boring bits first when you prob want to just get down to playing some decent tunes!!!

I taught myself guitar (i play piano so can read music although had no clue when it came to guitar tab!) I think if you can read music you won't struggle too much especially as you probably already know which notes appear in the different chords etc. I bought myself a couple of Learn to Play books.....learnt which strings were which and from there found it pretty easy. eg if you take D string...by holding down on the first fret you've got D#, 2nd fret will be E (just steps up as in piano)

I was playing all my favourite songs in no time. You'll find many songs use only about 3 or 4 different chords (!) so they're really easy to pick up. I'm sure you will be playing like a pro soon. Enjoy and don't give up!

[SaxyJag]

I would suggest you go along to a music shop (preferably one of the type that sell electric guitars and band equipment) and ask them:

a) if they have a list of local teachers, or any teachers' adverts on their noticeboard,

b) if there are any DVDs or books they can recommend.

Go during the week when they're not mithered out with kids and their doting parents, and explain that you've been bought a (very decent) guitar and want to learn. The people who work in these places tend to be passionate about what they play and only too willing to advise.

Have fun.

[Mortartube]

There are loads of websites that can help. I use this one a lot as I like jazz (which has some odd chords). Use the chord calculator to show you where to put your fingers for various chords. The barre chords are most versatile, as you can move up and down the fretboard using the same finger shape in different places to play different chords. You may find the hardest thing at first, is getting all of the strings to ring when you strum a chord. Also you may get sore fingertips at first, but persevere and you will find that it comes easier in time. Watch videos of guitarists on TV etc and notice how they hold their guitars and how they make chords (hand position etc).

Go here for the chord calculator.

http://www.apassion4jazz.net/strings.html

[Dan Glebitts]

electric gitar pro is quite a good learning CD. You learn at home and it works you up at your own pace....it's pretty good. Worked for me..and I play the most tricky of Hendrix now, good luck to you

[mummytait]

Thanks guys. I can definately do some of those things. Its all a bit scary but I think you're right about the tutor. Can't wait to get started, sore fingers and all!!!!