Where to start - Videos/Books/Course

50_caliber_bob · February 2019

Hi all,

I've recently got back into guitar after 4 years without picking it up (I have a four year old daughter, which Is why I stopped).

I'm self taught, and first time around I never practised formally at all, I just picked songs I liked and learnt them using videos/tabs. After a lot of work I could just about do the lead Sultans of Swing (probably the limit of my skill).

This time around I'd really like to develop as a player and actually get better. I'd also like to learn to improvise so I could noodle away amusing myself (along the lines of the guys from That Pedal Show when they are playing random ideas). I'm not interested in shredding at 2876bpm, just classic rock stuff really.

I don't know where to start with music theory though, I'm vaguely aware of the caged system (but not from memory, I'd have to slowly work it out) and could work out the string notes but not quickly.

How did you all get to the level you are at? Any tips or recommendations of books or courses?

I'd really appreciate and all comments.

Thanks.

Barney · February 2019

I would start with minor pentatonic in all postitions ...finding ways to link them and really trying to work on phrasing

I find a good way is to learn the pentatonics as they are then reply break them down....get a backing track and really work on ideas just on 2 strings say B and E..in one position ..really spend a while on it ...you can easily do a good solo on them 2 strings using just 4 notes...just stick with it ....the do same with G and B string ...ect ...then use 3 strings and do the same ECT...this will build good phrasing ...

Then join 2 positions using just 2 strings..eventually add another position until you cover them all...then 3 ECT...I think a lot of people think it's the notes they play that makes the music ...I think it's more how you phrase them and make good melody ....learning the pentatonics should just be the beginning to locate the notes ..

Also listen a lot to what you like ..then you know what you are aiming for

Rocker · February 2019

My stuck record suggestion is to find a music teacher and take a series of lessons. Sorts out technique and you will learn more in a month than a year learning from online videos and books. Go for it and welcome back.

Lestratcaster · February 2019

Agree with Rocker, get a tutor and save time/make progress properly. I should know, I teach! Haha.

A book only has one way of explaining a concept and there's no one there to demonstrate what it should sound like or in regards to theory, apply it to the guitar so you can hear it in use. A book can't give you feedback either. Plus its always more fun to jam with another guitarist!

BeardyAndy · February 2019

I've played on and off for nearly 30 years and I recently started taking lessons, there's so many gaps in my playing that apparently 1 minute i'm noodling something that a grade 8 student would struggle with and the next minute i'm scratching my head over the major scale!

If your self taught you'll have missed out on the building blocks that make you a complete player, its no good just picking up a book because there's a good chance half of it's irrelevant and you'll gloss over something important. In short, skip the next bout of GAS and get some lessons instead!

1979 · February 2019

It sounds like you’re pretty much in the same boat I was and the guys above are spot on about getting a tutor. Everything you would like to do is what I wanted, filling in gaps where fundamental skills/knowledge was missing. I started fortnightly lessons four months ago after finding a teacher I got on with and it’s probably the best guitar decision I’ve made. The freedom in playing now is so liberating. Go for it man

antonyiv · February 2019

https://truefire.com/guitar-lessons/street-theory-for-guitarists/c1163?utm

It's a great course. I'm not affiliated in any way. Check the free samples and decide for yourself.

close2u · February 2019

If back filling your skills and knowledge is your aim, Justin Sandercoe is going to have something for you.

https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/chords

https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/2-intermediate-foundations

https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/3-intermediate-modules

https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/practical-music-theory

https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/scales-modes

https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/arpeggios

close2u · February 2019

And what I linked you to is all free … there are paid sections / products too of course. But he makes masses of good stuff available for no cost.

50_caliber_bob · February 2019

Thank you to everyone who replied. Strangely I'd never even considered a teacher before, which is strange seeing as though I'm a teacher (of Science not guitar!)

Are most people here self taught, or did you all have lessons (and did they make a difference)?

I think I've got the physical skill to play at a speed I'm happy with, but not the mental agility to have a clue what to play (or the necessary muscle memory or scale knowledge). I've been trying to get into the electric blues in 6 weeks DVDs by Stuart Bull but they are a little dry. I'll take a look at the other links, so thanks to you all.

Has anyone used any of the Joseph Alexander books?

Thanks again.

Lestratcaster · February 2019

I was self-taught for about 6 years until I realised how rubbish I was so enrolled at the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2007. I was there for 4 years and grew not only as a guitar player but also as a musician. I learnt to arrange for other instruments. But keeping guitar related I was horribly exposed when it came to rhythm notation/reading, theory and technique. I could play songs obviously but with those weak parts I never progressed.

Almost a decade after graduating I see these weak areas as a tutor in many players who can already play a bit that come to me for lessons.

Studying at ACM made a huge difference to my playing and its more accurate and polished now. Would never have done it without the push of playing with others and good tutors to motivate and inspire me everyday.

blobb · February 2019

I learnt most from playing with other people, not so easy for everyone so my top tip is Trio+

LordOxygen · March 2019

Hi, sorry to sort of thread hijack, im in a similar position as the OP. I can play the guitar but I do not understand it. I tried a couple of tutors 2 or 3 years ago but it didn't work out for several reasons (mainly my work commitments at the time)

I'd really lile to develop as a player and understand the guitar, scales, keys, playing all over the fretboard.

So my latest idea is trying 121 skype lessons.

If you know any good skype tutors that can help someone at my level please let me know here or via pm if that's preferable.

Cheers.

Ddigger · March 2019

A great wee sight is...

www.fretjam.com

Lots of videos, 10-15min, easy to dip in and out of. No waffle, no ego etc.

I think the fella is from around 'ull or thereabouts. I'm not completely familiar with Englandshire accents.

I have made some donations in the past as it is a great, free site.

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Where to start - Videos/Books/Course

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