Search options (Page 1 of 2)

Heartwood is the one I was referring to.  I just wasn't sure it was OK to post web addresses to this forum.  I guess it would have been OK.

Hi, Dave.........You are the same age I was when I started, 60.  That was 4 years ago.  Right now I couldn't even THINK of not continuing. Where I live "in the middle of no where", access to instructors is nil.  I have learned sooooo much on the internet, this site and others.  A buddy of mine that has played for almost 50 years got me started.  The best thing he did was get me started on chords that fit into a progression.  If you learn chord progressions, you can play numerous songs.  Being able to play songs as you learn chords is a BIG help to keep the boredom in check.  BUT above all............Keep It Fun, Dean

I CHEAT.  A buddy of mine that has been playing for 45+ years got me started with a "thumb-over" technique.  I fret the e and B strings with my index finger and the E and A strings with my thumb.  It makes easy work of F, Bm, etc.

A wise old guy (re: smart a$$) told me "lighten up!!".  You don't need to press the string thru the frett board.  Learn to press just enough to get a good sound.  Once the string is firmly on the frett wire, more force won't make up for poor technique.  My calouses have actually softened a bit since I concentrated on technique instead of force.  Keep It Fun, Dean

I have problems picking up on a strum pattern, also.  I have no problem picking up on the beat of the song, but the pattern is a different animal.  What does help me, though, is if I sing along with my playing.  I think I'm developing a "sing strum" method, not good, I've been told.  But it works for me and I enjoy playing.  I make sure I work on songs I know well and can sing along with.  I have not found anyone to give me a good method to work out a strum pattern for a song.  If you find a good method of what to listen for, HELP ME, TOO!!!!  Just Keep It Fun.

WOW.............if you only sound like crap once in a while, you're ahead of me!!!!  I'm 63 and been at this for 3 years and I think I sound like crap MOST of the time.

Thanks a BUNCH for your time and input!!  I'm gonna make a copy of "the circle" and post it in my "misic closet" for referrence.

So, If the song I'm playing (Good Hearted Woman by Willie Nelson on this site) is in D-A-G and the ending is "chorus up one key to end", I would play a chorus in A-D-E?

I started this git thing almost 3 years ago at age 60.  I had th same condition you are experiencing.  What helped is when a smart a$$ player told me to stop the DEATH GRIP on the neck of the git and RELAX.  Techinque is MUCH better than gripping the neck tighter.  If you're not getting good ring to your chords, improve your grip/technique, don't grab tighter.  My buddy that got me started has been playing for over 45 years and has very little calouse on his fingers.  Just need to relax with good technique.  Keeping It Fun, Dean

My buddy that got me started with guitar makes his own picks.  He cuts them out of Crisco can lids and puts a wrap of duct tape around where he grips.  He also holds his pick with a 3-finger grip that it curls between his fingers and thumb.  I have a few I made and use them along with "store-bought" picks depending on the music I'm playing.

As you can tell, I'm a NEWBIE myself.  I started this almost 3 years ago at age 60 and having a riot.  As far as strumming, I have the same problem.  I listen to the original arrangement and try to play along with it.  I mute the strings and just try to match the strum/beat of the song.  I was working on a song the other day when my wife had a suggestion.  We enjoy dancing of all types, she was dancing a 2-step to the tune I was listening to and trying to develope a strum.  She said "try stumming to the dance step; slow-slow-quick-quick 2-step".  It sounded pretty good!  I played that a few times and then modified it stightly from that.  It worked for me.  good Luck.