Johnny! I got a guitar question!

m2 · Post by m2 » 8/3/2009, 10:58 am

Should I get a Jaguar or Les Paul? Price doesn't matter to me. Just a Gibson Standard Les Paul or a Regular Black Fender Jag.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/3/2009, 1:03 pm

Price doesn't matter to you? And you're how old? I'd love to have your disposable income.

Anyways,it depends on two things: tone and feel. Which sounds better? Which feels better in your hands? I can't choose for you and the best thing you can do is go and try them out. You could even bring your own amp down to the store and test out the sound as well. In fact, I recommend you do that.

AnnieDreams · Post by **AnnieDreams** » 8/3/2009, 1:35 pm

I bought my first guitar a little while ago!

Well, besides the old tiny one I used to borrow from my sister.
I gotta used Washburn for $250. I personally know nothing about guitars (yet), but my friends who do wholeheartedly approve. I've had one lesson so far!

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/3/2009, 3:33 pm

Right on! I'm proud of you!

m2 · Post by m2 » 8/3/2009, 3:35 pm

After trying, i'm leaning towards the Les Paul. Thanks guys!

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/6/2009, 2:10 pm

show pics when you get it.

AnnieDreams · Post by **AnnieDreams** » 8/14/2009, 3:21 pm

Bar chords are hard

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/17/2009, 3:06 pm

Aww, yeah they are when you first start out, especially the Fmaj barre chord. Are you learning on an acoustic guitar?

AnnieDreams · Post by **AnnieDreams** » 8/18/2009, 6:21 am

I am. And I'm not sure my fingers bend that way!

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/18/2009, 10:19 am

Yeah, acoustics are generally harder to learn on due to the heavier string gauge. Its definitely less of a struggle learning on an electric.

m2 · Post by m2 » 8/18/2009, 3:31 pm

Yeah, I'm getting the Les Paul. Gotta save up though only $250 to go

beautiful liar · Post by **beautiful liar** » 8/18/2009, 7:52 pm

AnnieDreams wrote:I am. And I'm not sure my fingers bend that way!

you probably already know this, but practice moving your fingers into position for the bar chords slowly; it's like working any muscle group - you're better to take it easy at first. Repeat the motion of baring without worrying about the rest of the chord so you callous your finger. then work on moving your fingers into various bar chord positions without pressing down; once you get used to positioning your fingers over the frets quickly, then start practicing with pressure, then start practicing actually playing the chord as you build up speed. that's how my teacher had me learn, and it seemed to help me out, especially because when i was learning i had tiny 10-year-old hands and a big classical guitar. although i'm not sure i'm describing things well. in any case, you'll get them down soon

AnnieDreams · Post by **AnnieDreams** » 8/19/2009, 8:33 am

I haven't had many chances to compare, but I'm told that as far as acoustics go mine's a good one to learn on.
Plus, acoustic is what I wanna play, ergo..

I'm sure I'll get it eventually, it's just frustrating to not be able to play it even once and make all the strings sound. He said the reason he gave them to me already was that it would take forever to get right.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/19/2009, 10:04 am

You just need strength in your hand. That'll come in time.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/19/2009, 3:34 pm

What kind of finger exercises does your teacher have you doing?

AnnieDreams · Post by **AnnieDreams** » 8/20/2009, 7:17 am

umm, he has me playing chords, pretty much. Nothing extra. What kinda stuff did you do when you were learning?

I'm pretty sure I already have strength and agility in my fingers (I'd certainly hope so, at least), it's just that I have to adapt it to the guitar instead of the piana. It certainly involves a lot more stretching (Rachmaninoff not withstanding).

I totally got a bar chord yesterday though! Especially when I tried it on a classical. Nylon strings are fun.

m2 · Post by m2 » 8/20/2009, 9:34 am

I had the penatonic scale and bends and stuff for finger exercises.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/20/2009, 12:30 pm

AnnieDreams wrote:umm, he has me playing chords, pretty much. Nothing extra. What kinda stuff did you do when you were learning?

Well, I created finger exercises for myself. Once I got the patterns down, I played along to a metronome to practice my timing and to build up speed, trength and dexterity. I also went out and bought a cheap ass'd scale and key book, and then used my method to learn those scales.

Lando · Post by **Lando** » 8/23/2009, 1:33 pm

and johnny's method is unique, because he's the only one in the world who focuses on "trength" training.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 8/23/2009, 2:35 pm

Damn right.