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Thanks, Jerome.  I think I get it, but I'll have to test it first on my guitar and make sure.  I will let you know.  If it's really as easy as it sounds, I owe you a beer (or whatever you drink.)

David

thanks to bootlegger and jay gordon for the info - i'll check out the link and talk to my luthier

David

Practice making the open E and Am chord shapes with your 2,3,4 fingers instead of the 1,2,3.  Don't worry about barring with the first finger until you get this perfected. Do a lot of open chord changes to and from the E and Am using your 2,3,4 on the E and Am.  Once you have this mastered, then just add the first finger as the barre and you got it.  Making the A shape with the 3rd finger while barring with the first will then be a piece of cake.

David

pick string while fretting 11th fret, hammer on 12th, pull off back to 11th and slide back to 9th - sure you can then go back to 7th by sliding or just using another finger

you don't need or even want real sheet music in standard notation - it will just confuse you - just try to get the lyrics and find a chord that fits the first and/or last note of the song or a measure - folks on this board will be happy to help you out from there - but you must get in standard tunig first - oh, and get the capo too - you will be glad you did
David

Hmmmm, no sheet music?  No lyrics with chord placement?  Making it kinda tough on you.  Might rethink playing with them.

Detman101,

I also stepped outside of my introvert box about a year and a half ago and invited myself into our newly formed church praise band.  (My interest in playing guitar was revived when I discovered the Avett Brothers, but that's another story).  We have some bonifide professional musicians and all I knew was how to make a few chords and strum a little on my old Alvarez acoustic.  Couldn't read a lick of music or tell you a thing about music theory.  They let me in and I'lll tell ya, it's been a life changing event.  They were understanding of my basically being a beginner and didn't really have anyone strumming acoustic rythym.  It's amazing how much I have learned from them and how much I have grown in my spiritual life.  What a way to worship!  (Out of my pulpit now).

I have now performed about 6 times.  One of those times was with a piano and myself as the only instruments for one vocalist, so, it goes without saying that my self confidence has benefitted greatly.  I also must say that a LOT of hard work and practice got me to where I am today, but the desire to learn MUST be there first.  Remember, anything worth having is worth the effort to get it.  If you can afford it, take some lessons also.  I've been taking lessons for a couple of months now and it has been invaluable.  Learning a lot of theory is not really necessary, but a basic understanding can surely uncomplicate things a little.  I'm almost ready to start playing a little bit of lead which is where I really want to get in order to become a more well rounded player.

I still consider myself a beginner compared to our other band members, but here are a few of my learnings.   Make sure you are tuned with the rest of the band first; probably standard tuning.  Learn enough theory to understand the key of a song and chord progressions.  Many times the key is the chord the song starts with, but it's usually the ending chord.  And, of course, there are always exceptions.  Music is all about math; it's not a mystery.  And definitely learn how to use a capo to your benefit.  It can be a non professional's best friend for some of the tougher keys using a lot of sharps or flats.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes and don't beat yourself up too much.  That's how you best learn.  My teacher says there are only two kinds of mistakes - hitting the right note or chord at the wrong time or hitting the wrong note or chord at the right time.  The point being that timing is the most important.  You can't afford to stop and correct your mistake because the rest of the band is going to keep moving and keeping time.  There are only 11 major notes or chords and you're not likely to make 10 mistakes before you land on the right one.

Sorry about the rambling.....enjoy

David

David - 54 years young from NC, USA.  Bought an Alvarez 5022 acoustic in '77 and taught myself a bunch of chords and strummed pretty fair.  Lost interest about 3 years later......you know, the marriage and kids thing.  Discovered the Avett Brothers at Merlefest '05.  Rekindled my waning interest in music and life hasn't been the same since.  Dusted off the old Alvarez and a lot came back pretty quickly.  My son bought a Martin DSM about a year ago and of course I had to have one.  Later joined my church praise band and now also taking lessons.  Wish I had not had that 25 year break, but no turning back now.  Slightly addicted to learning all I can.   

My wife of 33 years says I need some professional help for my addiction (not a guitar teacher, either).  It's hard living with someone who is always right.  Oh, yeah, this is a great forum..........and check out the Avett Brothers at - www.theavettbrothers.com- local NC band - all acoustic - warning - habit forming

OK, guys and gals.  I know you all aren't stumped.  Gotta be lots of opinions out there on this one.

How about it, bootlegger?

Thanks,good info.

<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>livebaitman wrote on Fri, 30 March 2007 22&#58;11</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>livebaitman wrote on Fri, 30 March 2007 21&#58;21</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I think the barre Em7 shape is just open the 4th string keeping the 3rd string fretted 1 fret above the barre and keeping the 5th string fretted 2 frets above the barre (E shape with the 4th barred).

David
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I think I just described the E7 shape.  The Em7 shape would be to lift the 4th string open too and just fret the 5th string 2 frets above the barred fret.

David
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Now that I think about it again, I think my first post above was correct.  Someone please confirm.  Thanks,

David