INTERMEDIATE SECTION - "F" chord

This chord has been saved for a while because it can be somewhat difficult for a beginning guitarist. A certain amount of finger conditioning is usually required first. The F Chord involves a new concept, using one finger to press down frets on two strings. This is called a Barre, when you use one finger to press down more than one string. Start by placing your first finger on the first frets of both the first and second strings.

Now, it helps to slightly angle your finger back (towards the headstock of the guitar). Next, add your second finger and third fingers. You will probably need to use extra pressure on the neck with your thumb at first. Strum only the four strings. Chances are, at first, not all the notes will ring when trying to strum this chord. Check to make sure your second and third fingers are curled, and not flattened against the other strings of the guitar. The "F" guitar chord can be a tough one, and usually requires extra patience.

Try practicing the exercise below for a while, picking each individual string of the F chord. Use the correct fingers and eventually you should be able to keep all your fingers on the frets without picking any up.

e|--------------1---|---1--------------|
B|----------1-------|-------1----------|
G|------2-----------|-----------2------|
D|--3---------------|---------------3--|
A|------------------|------------------|
E|------------------|------------------|

ROOKIE SECTION - Acoustic guitar top 3 best buys

As a rookie, your first guitar will be an acoustic one. Some do start with a electric guitar. I don't recommend that.

I'll list you top 3 acoustic guitar best buys. If you can't afford one of these guitars, don't worry. All guitars will do you good at this stage. Most important is to get yourself one. Either borrow or buy. Maybe a gift? :)

So, here are the 3 top buys.

1. Seagull S6

These Canadian-made instruments are terrific guitars - very highly regarded, both for their beautiful sound, and their excellent value. The S6 features a solid cedar top, and mahogany back and sides. Although the price may be slightly above what some might be willing to pay for a first guitar, it should be considered an investment.


2. Yamaha FG700S

Perhaps not in the same league as the Seagull, the FG700S is still a solid beginner instrument, and for the price (significantly cheaper than the S6), it's a good value. Guitar features a solid sitka spruce top, with nato back and sides.



3. Takamine G-340

This beginner model Takamine guitar features a laminated spruce top. Although it clearly isn't on par with some of the higher end Takamine guitars, the general consensus is the G-340 offers a pretty good bang for the buck.


MY STARTING GUITAR

When I first started playing a guitar, I couldn't afford any of those expensive guitars. I managed to get myself a part time job, and saved some money to buy myself a guitar. I was looking to that moment for a long time.

I got myself a Yamaha CG-101 acoustic guitar, with nylon strings. It's mostly a classical guitar ment for finger picking. But, what did I know. :) I paid it around 170 euros. Probably could have gotten a cheaper and better one, but what the heck. I finally got a guitar.

It's a solid guitar. I still have it. But, be careful when you are buying a guitar. Try to gather as much information you can. Inspect all the models, get all the advice you can. Then decide and buy.

Either way. What ever guitar you buy, you'll love it.

ROOKIE SECTION - Easy songs for beginners

In the previous post, I've showed you a nice and easy song to play. It's rather fun and a lot of people know that song. Bob Dylan's Knocking on Heavens Door.

Now, I would like to give you a list of other good songs that are easy and fun to play.

Man On The Moon by R.E.M. - a great song by R.E.M.. In it, there is B minor chord. You can skip that one, as it's rather hard to play for beginners but it won't impact your playing. Just skip it. :) For now, of course.

Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's - a rather unique song. Link will provide you with a tab. You may see some power chords as F#m or Bm. Don't worry, you won't have to play power chords. Those ones are hard for beginners. Tab will show you how to play.

As Tears Go By by The Rolling Stones - easy one from the grandfathers of Rock and Roll :) Easy to play and fun. Enjoy it. Might learn a new chord.

Enjoy playing those songs. At start it may be hard, as you need some routine. But, with a bit of practice you'll get there.

Rock on.

More Rookie information coming soon..

ROOKIE SECTION - Chords for begginers

If you're a new guitar player, best way to start is to learn some basic chords, like C, G, D, A, Am, E, Em.

I'll put a great link for chords. Basically it's a Chord Book with all chords in it. You can easily understand them there. How to put your fingers, how do they sound, etc.

So, if you're a new to the world of guitars, try to learn those chords. That's what I did when I started playing a guitar. Learn to change them. Something like this.

You start with a G chord. You go down stroke, then another two down strokes and then you go up. That's the first part. Then after that up stroke, you go to the D chord and do the same strokes. Down, down, down and up. That's the second part. After D chord, you change to A minor chord. And go down, down, down, up, up, down, up, up, down, up. Then you pop back to G chord and start all over again. Do you know what you're playing? It's Bob Dylan's Knocking on heavens door. :) Ye ye, when you get the hang of it, it's really easy and fun to play.

Here, this is a link to Ultimate Guitar site, with a lot of song tabs, chords and so on. When you open it, Knocking on heavens door will be there, so you can practice. Listen to the song and you'll get the hang of it really fast. It's easy to play and a good workout for chord changing.

There, in an hour or two, you'll be playing your first song. :) Have fun.

Getting started

This is a blog dedicated to guitars. From acoustic ones to electric beasts. You wanna learn all about playing a guitar? Interested which guitar to buy, as a rookie, or as a experienced player? Not sure what amplifier to get with your new shiny guitar? Interested in different tunings? Wanna learn a few songs and have fun? Can't get down a cool solo?

All of that you'll be able to find here. From good buys, cool songs to play, to tips and tricks how to play, tune or just use your guitar.

Many of you are on different stages of playing a guitar. Some just got a guitar, and wanna learn to play. I'll get you a few cool songs that are easy to play and will help you learn some basic chords and chord changing. Some of you are a experienced guitar players and are interested in advanced playing, from complicated songs, riffs, solos, to new gear and new guitars.

But remember. It doesn't matter at what stage you are. It's all bout your will and desire to play and learn. Don't let your guitar lay in the corner and collect dust. If you can't learn a hard solo from Pink Floyd, don't give up.

YOU CAN DO IT.

As Dave Taub would say, "Rock on good people".