Guitar players- a few questions

[underpants]

I pulled the guitar that my wife gave me TWO YEARS AGO out of the closet on Monday-my new years resolution.

I already figured out how to restring it (thanks google) and to fish a pick out of the body. One week-- pretty good huh?

I have two main questions pertaining to
-TUNING
and
-Fret fingering

First
I have an electronic tuner that show me what the key is and if I need to tweak it. The strings are supposed to be EADGBE but the sixth string always reads C. Is that right? CAN I get the 6th string to E are am I totally off base here?

Second
Okay I have got most of the A E and D basics figured out (5, major, minor) as well as the C F and G Majors but I have some problem with the fingering. I don't have that large of fingers but I can't seem to get my fingers out of the way on the strings they reach across. For instance on a C Major my #2 finger keeps laying on/touching the three string.

Is there some technique I am missing? or am I just supposed to work it out? Basically am I asking too much to not only memorize the finger play but expect to pull it off just like that???

One last one- the A major-are you really expected to get three fingers into one fret???

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Any link to a good discussion forum would likewise be greatly appreciated.

I have to stop now my fingers hurt.

[PVnRT]

1. A guitar that sits around for a while is always way out of tune

It's probably just massively (two steps) flat. While this might lead to an interesting sound (alternate tunings are fun to fuck around with) for the beginner, this is generally not a good thing. Tighten the string up, unless it feels really tight already. If that's the case, finger the fifth fret on the fifth string and pluck it, then compare that to the open sixth string. They should match.

As a side note, electronic tuners are not always right. For one, especially after sitting around for a while, you'll have to go through all the strings four or five times, since turning a tuning nut for one string will effect the tension on the rest. ALWAYS play some open chords after tuning like this and adjust the strings as needed, if you've got the ear for it. Just because the tuner says it's tuned doesn't mean that it will necessarily sound 100% correct.

As for fingering, make sure you're not holding your hand "flat," i.e., get your hand arched enough so that your fingers are perpendicular to the strings as much as possible.

For A major, no. Lay one finger across the frets in question and don't worry about the E string.

[DontBlameMe]

2. Good tips.

Couple of things to add:

When comparing the G and B strings, use the 4th fret on G.

When "testing" your tuning using basic chords, I suggest C and G. If you can, just think of virtually ANY Pink Floyd song when testing G.

Along with A major, you can also simplify G by using the thumb on low E and the second finger on B and high E, third fret for each.

[underpants]

4. What is it with that damned third string?

Everything is fairly standard and easy to remember but when you get to the third string HOLD ON everything changes. Even the scales thing is different.

I feel like the third string opens the doors to hell or something the way it demands such special care and attention.... hehehe that is just a beginner's observation.

I am trying to avoid getting the thumb involved for right now. G is really easy for me as are F and C-they are very much alike and they make sense to me.

[Squeech]

5. Bad habits

Don't get too used to doing that trick with your thumb to make a G chord, as in the post above. Yeah, Hendrix did it, but he was a mutant.

The real goal is not to learn the absolute easiest way to play each individual chord, but to learn a suite of chord shapes that minimizes the effort of changing between any two of them, especially the changes you're likely to have to make often.

For example, and to address the A chord question in your original post, the way I was taught to play an A major was: first finger on the G string, second finger above it on the D string, third finger tucked underneath on the B string. It doesn't cramp you up too badly, and once you get used to it it's actually pretty easy. But the big advantage is how good a platform it is to get to the chords most often associated with A. Your first finger is already in the right position to play a D chord-- move the third finger up one fret on the B string, and tuck the second finger under onto the second fret of the high E. And there are approximately thirteen million songs where you're going to go back and forth between those two chords.

I have just learned of an iPod software package called iRocker. It shows you the chord fingering chart on the screen, and the audio is the chord played one string at a time, then all at once. And it has a huge library of chords, up to and including all those weird Berklee jazz constructions. It's good for tuning assistance too.

Hope this helps!

[underpants]

6. Thanks

I experimented a bit with using my pinky in some spots -like the D major- but I realized that I had enough to leard without reinventing the wheel.

Thanks for the tips.

[DontBlameMe]

19. You're right about the bad habits.

My problem is I never "learned" to play the guitar, never took a lesson. I started with the viola, then switched to the cello. Finally, picked up the guitar for the chick-magnet potential.

One of these days I'll get around to learning properly how to play. Right now, I just play by ear.

[PVnRT]

55. Chord Encyclopedia = mad 1337 chord skillz

It did for me, anyway, having to play jazz music for a while.

[underpants]

3. Actually it was pretty close

I got it in tune first, of course. It really wasn't too bad at all.
I don't have an ear for it though...but I can tell if it sounds "right"
Last night I was so damned determined to get the Low E to show up as an E (and not a C) that I broke the string-that is why I had to learn to replace one already.

Fingering-I have my fingers so arched it is ridiculous. I set my fingers and go a strum or two (any strumming hints you can offer would be VERY MUCH appreciated) and then pluck each string to see if they are correct (I am following the DVD I got and about.com's online tips-both stress accuracy from the beginning) this is where I am finding the problem.
I think I just need to work on it.

I think I might be pressing so hard on the one string that my finger is being smushed down and it touches the one below it (okay this whole up/down high/low thing needs to addressed by the guitar teaching industry it is ass backwards and for a beginner especially an anal one like me a real bugger to get over) maybe I need to use a lighter touch.

Thanks for the great advice.

[Bassic]

8. Are the strings 2 years old as well?

If so, you might want to change all of them along with that E.

[underpants]

10. Yeah

but let me tell you they were in MINT condition. Hardly touched my man. Kept inside the Squier carrying bag and in a dry closet.

I don't know it mostly sounds okay to me but then I really don't have much of an ear for music. I think I will call the place that my wife bought this from and ask one of the techs. I still have the tag that the guy who constructed it left on it.

[underpants]

11. Okay response #2

You were right I just called Guitar Works and the guy said 1-3 months tops. Bring it back in for a $15.74 restringing.

Thanks for the tip. What am I doing doubting you guys. Sorry

[Bassic]

12. Don't pay that.

Just buy a set (here in Ottawa they go for a average of 7$ Canadian) and change them yourself. A lot cheaper :D

Edit to add: Also if you at all play regularly, you'll be lucky if they last a month (my bass strings usually don't even last two months), so you really want to limit the cost.

[underpants]

15. Yeah

I changed the one but it didn't exactly look like the ones the tech had put on. Oh well if it works it works but I think I will get them redone by a pro to start off.

[Bassic]

16. It's your call, but that's not necessary.

Even if it doesen't look as good, as long as it holds, it doesen't affect the sound. And the more you do it, the better you get at it.

[lukasahero]

48. Let them do it this time but watch and learn

Then you can do it yourself going forward.

Since the guitar has been in the closet for so long, they may also have to adjust the neck to get it to tune correctly. That's not something you would want to undertake until you have a much better handle on the workings of the instrument.

However, going forward, if you watch the kid string your guitar this time, you should be able to do it yourself and save a few bucks.

[PVnRT]

17. Yes, use a light touch

Apply just barely enough pressure to keep the string down. It will result in less finger smooshing, relieve stress on your rest (I suggest doing wrist and finger exercises to ward off hand injuries) and less fret noise when you move up and down the neck, more of a problem with the electric guitars.

As for strumming, the truth is, no one hears every note. Just try not to scrunch one out, but don't dwell on it. Kind of like what I said about the open A chord earlier.

As long as you can tell if something sounds "right" or not, you can adjust tuning based on what chords sound like. It is far more important for the guitar to be in tune with itself, so to speak, than a tuner.

Forget DVDs and about.com - grab a CCR song book (with tab, not just sheet music) and play some of those. Soon Mrs. underpants will be all over you and you will have hot, barely legal groupies following you around.

[underpants]

18. Just a little more explanation please

First of all I really appreciate the advice so far but I need to know

More about these "barely legal groupies" please!!!

:bounce:

CCR funny you should mention that-My first album was a CCR Greatest hits on *gulp* K-Tel and that was about all I listened to in high school.

[johnnie]

7. I really can't add to all what has been said

I think your questions were answered pretty well.

Honestly, it just takes practice. Your fingers will hurt, you will get frustrated and pissed off, but that is normal. I know it sucks watching people playing with what seems like such ease, and then wondering why the hell it is so hard for you to do it. I still suck at it after 30 years, so I still know the frustration.

Actually, I can play fairly easily, but I never wanted to learn scales and shit, so I don't play much "lead" guitar. I leave that to the people who practiced..lol.

Buy a book with music from a band you like and know. Get the ones with the chords shown above the music. It shows you the frets and little dots on the "strings" to where to place your fingers. Pick some songs you know pretty well and start with those. Play them slowly at first and sing along to them. Keep playing them until you can change the chords more easily. That's how I learned, and I would also play the songs faster and faster to work on my changes.

That's just one bit of my advice.

[underpants]

9. I guess my acoustic-speed-death-metal will have to wait

I was really planning on having a record deal by next Christmas.

:bounce:

Thanks for the tips. I haven't learned what each note/chord really sounds like yet -I am focusing on the mechanics- but I can tell you this.... this has almost killed my enjoyment in listening to songs on the radio. I now try to dissect them into the guitar parts. It is amazing how basic most of the songs I have heard for years really are- hey these are musicians for crying out loud.

This leads me to my "Nigel Tufnel rule" I know he is a fictional character but he is an composite of several actual rock 'n' roll heroes (primarily Jeff Beck I hear)when I get frustrated I stop and say,"Come one man you can do this NIGEL TUFNEL figured this out at some point you can too"

:bounce:

[CrownPrinceBandar]

13. I can offer a few tips........

As far as your C chord goes, you have to work on really arching your fingers to get all the string below to ring. Its a really painful process at the start but after a while it becomes habit.

On the A chord, you could cheat and flatten your first finger to cover the D,G & B strings. Of course, you will also mute the high E string. But if you keep practicing this, you will eventually be able to bend your finger off of the high E, and the chord will ring out beautifully.

Also, it may seem to be ahead of the game, but start working on barre chords. The E-barre and the A-barre are the most common. It'll seem really hard at first, but it will help you maneuver the fret board and give you some different voices when open chords start sounding generic.

Most importantly, keep playing. The more you play, the more enjoyment you'll get. Eventually, you may get to the point like me, where it doesn't feel right unless you pick up and play everyday.

Good luck.

[underpants]

14. Thanks you CrownPrince

I was itching to play all day yesterday. I got everything done as quickly as possible so I could play before dinner. My daughter (17 months)is having a bit of a conflict between what she must see as "that noisy thing Dadda is playing" and the Wiggles. You shold see some of the looks she shoots me.


I'll check out the barre chords (I've seen the name in both the tutorials I am using) but really I need to work on fingering and strumming-I think I am strumming way to hard. Richie Havens was not built in a day.

[KurtNYC]

22. I second the barre chord thing

It IS how rock/blues gets played. Learn the blues scale and you can just move that up and down the neck the same way you move the barre.

If you put the electronic tuner aside, you will have a shot at being able to play songs by ear. Maybe use it to tune the low E and then do the rest yourself. You will be way more inclined to know and react when one of your strings is "out." But the big benefit is to be able to play along with recorded music and just pick stuff up by matching up with it.

3 chord rock -- when in doubt try E - A - D

Give your left hand some time. you are asking it to do things it hasn't done before. It will take a while to get better control of those muscles. And if you have even been close to hooking your thumb then you aren't holding the neck in the best way -- put your thumb in roughly the middle of the back of the neck.

http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/lessons/LESSONS%2C6943%2CLESSONSANDSONGS-1.asp

[underpants]

27. Thanks

The fingers hurting is like a constant reminder. I keep practicing the fret fingering but I have to careful. The D5 with my hand out the car window could get me in some trouble

_|_ :bounce:

[ProfessorGAC]

24. We Gave Pretty Much The Same Advice

Should have read your post first, i guess. I did suggest a way to increase the arch of the fingers in my post below.
The Professor

[DontBlameMe]

20. Also, cut your finger nails.

It helps, especially for beginners.

[underpants]

26. Ha! I did that early in the playing

Funny you should mention that though. Thanks

[rbnyc]

44. I bite mine.

;-)

My son thinks it's part of warming up to play.

[SteppingRazor]

46. Unless you want to do a lot of fingerpicking. n/t

[lukasahero]

51. You'd still want to cut them on your left hand

Keep them on your right.

(Or vice versa if you're left handed.)

[XNASA]

21. Get some Slinky's.

Light gauge strings....maybe some 9's. (9's refers to the gauge of the high E string, or .009 if you prefer.)

It won't sound as good as heavy gauge strings, in fact, it will probably sound like crap, but that's OK for now. At least you can kinda work your way into heavier strings and it will give you fingers some time to adjust.

Also, don't get too hung up on playing all six strings, or even 5, at the same time. It's really not necessary, or even very practical. Sometimes the best notes are the one's not played.

Learn to play barre chords. Barre chords are your friends.

Another fun thing....open tunings. Like open G. Tune your guitar to DGDGBD. Actually, take off the heaviest string (or just disregard it) and tune the rest to GDGBD and go nuts. It works for Keith Richards. He's been doing it for 30 years.

Note that Keith only plays with 5 strings, usually. Also not that there's nothing difficult about the way that Keith has placed his fingers. Open G will turn you into an immediate Rock Guitar God.

[underpants]

25. Thanks I am hearing some good things about these barre chords

Interesting about Keef. I never knew that. The few chords that I do know I notice that only the G Major and the E's play the 6th string.


As far as the tuning I think I will wait until I know a little more about what I am doing but at least I know that I will be able to imprint my own style on it. I guess that is how different guitar players (as well as other ways) are able to create their own sound, huh?

Next stop Wembley!!!

[XNASA]

28. Alternate tunings are more popular than you'd think.

I spent the better part of my high school days trying to learn Led Zep songs the hard way, in standard tuning.

When I found out that Page used mostly alternate tunings, it really cleared things up.

One simple tuning is to just drop the low E to D, this is called "dropped D". It's very popular in heavy metal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop-D

[CrownPrinceBandar]

30. Proud Slinky user here......

Ernie Ball's are the shit. They sound the best, IMHO, on single-coil guits like Strats or Teles (my Strat loves 'em). Slinkys just have a really good natural twang that accents the single-coil sound that is rock and country.

However, they kinda blow on humbucking guitars like Les Pauls, SGs or an Ibanez SZ520 like mine. For humbuckers, I use D'Addario XLs. They tend to have a better chunky tone, as opposed to the thin tone which are the Slinky's forte.

[XNASA]

32. I use Boomers mostly.

My son uses Zakk Wylde's. The low E is a 60!! It feels like you're using a bridge cable.

[underpants]

35. I'm going to ask the tech about string alternatives tomorrow

either way thanks again and it will take time and noodling around to find what I like. The combination possiblities are endless.

I just hope the guy doesn't try to unload some banjo strings on me.

[ProfessorGAC]

23. First. Good Luck

Welcome to the brotherhood (or sisterhood for our lady players).

Larger strings will stretch more than the slimmer ones, so you will have to wind up quite a bit to get that 6th string to E. Keep in mind though, that as the thick strings wrap around the machine head, the new windings go over those so each turn of the peg brings it up higher and faster. So, it might not take as much more tightening as you think.

For getting all the strings to sound, make sure your thumb is on the right place on the back of the neck. If you have to (i have smallish hands, too), put the thumbprint on the center of the neck. Don't have it too flat on the back of the neck. Letting the thumb down a bit will create a natural arch in the wrist and get your fingers up higher on the fretboard. This should help from hitting open strings. So, i guess the answer is yes: There is technique involved in keeping only the strings you want sounding fretted and letting open ones be open.

That being said, don't overarch your wrist!!! If you do, you put a great deal of strain on the small muscles around the carpal tunnel. This can hurt like heck if you play a lot.

For the open A chord, here's what i do. I use just the 1 and 2 fingers. There on about a 30 degree angle to the fret wires and i use just the pads of these two fingers to press all three strings. In fact, it's been YEARS since i've seen anybody play the A chord with three fingers. I know a guy with pretty big hands that does it with one, sort of like a mini-barre chord.

Guitar World has a pretty good set of forums, but there are a lot of snot nosed kids (i'm kidding), so you have to be careful to whom you listen. You can usually tell which ones talk a good game and those who can actually play some.

Good luck with the playing. And your fingers will stop hurting. I promise.
The Professor

[underpants]

29. Thanks for all the great advice.

I will check out where my thumb is. I had starting learning with the neck resting in between the thumb and #1 finger because it gave me the best most consistent fingering on the frets. I am really trying to be disciplined in how I learn from the beginning no short cuts.

I even goofed around with using my pinky on the D major and minor but pulled back and decided to try to make it work as illustrated.

As for the A's-I was thinking when I saw the diagram "Man that is going to be tough" so when I saw the C Major using one finger for two strings I thought to myself that I think I can cheat a bit on the A's.

Thanks Prof. As I posted above the fingers hurting is like a constant reminder to practice but I caught myself driving down the road doing a D and realize that it might look like I was flipping people off.

[ProfessorGAC]

31. On The Short Cut Thing

Don't be afraid to do whatever is easiest. There is no "right way".

I have a another friend with long fingers. For some chords he wraps his left thumb over the top of the neck to fret the sixth string. I can't do that. Fingers aren't long enough. But, he is every bit as good a player as i am, although we're stylistically quite different. So, he does something that isn't in any book, something i never do, but for him it's easier. That's not cheating. That's just smart!

As to flipping people off with a chord position: Wait until you learn the second position barre chord. There's no way to do that without flipping people off!
The Professor

[underpants]

33. about strumming

I know there is no way for you to know without hearing or seeing it but I fluctuate between doing almost Townsend type passes to way too soft. Is it safe to say that that is just a repetition thing?

AS I have read in this thread I don't have to worry about hitting each string and it sounds to me like each player plays chords in their own way anyway.

[Blue-Jay]

42. RE: Flipping people off.

You have to be able to levitate first.



Lots of good advice on this thread. The more you do anything the easier it gets. The tough part is committing to sucking at it for a while.

[underpants]

47. Folks , THAT'S SHOWBIDNESS!!!

Yes very good advice. I have this weird calmness about me since our girl was born to not get frustrated and focus on the longrun. Amazing what not smoking or drinking can do for a person.


That being said I do use the Nigel Tufnel rule- COME ON NIGEL ****ING TUFNEL FIGURED THIS OUT HOW HARD CAN IT BE??? (this of course is an offshoot of the "3am baby rule" for my daughter- when she cries I just look at her and say, "Hey you aren't on TV at 3am standing in your own poo so knock it off with the crying allready")

ah parenting.

[eyepaddle]

56. Oh that is the TRUTH!

I just tell people to not worry about sounding good for about six months, and after that you will start liking SOME of what you're playing.

Is anybody every completely satisfied with their playing?

[SteppingRazor]

34. All your questions answered! Kinda....

Great that you got an electronic tuner. When I started playing I had to learn to tune by ear, and it was sooooo nerve wracking. As for the C vs. E thing, I'm thinking it must be a problem with the tuner, not the guitar. Consult your local guitar shop.

The clarity of chords comes with practice. You don't need long, slender fingers -- it helps, but you don't need them. Jimi Hendrix had small hands.

Yes, you are asking too much of yourself to be able to pull it off just like that. I still flub a barre-five chord now and then, and I've been playing for 16 years.

As far as the A chord. No, you don't need three fingers...you just "barre" (put one finger flat over) the second, third and fourth strings while leaving the first string open.

[underpants]

37. Thanks

Okay the reason I had to change a string last night was because I was determined to make that damned LCD display say "E" so I kept tightening the 6th string and it *POP*ped

:spank:

This whole 1-6 string thing is backasswards if you ask me. So is the high and low --high is on the bottom as I look at the guitar...DAMMIT!!!
Thanks I just needed to vent.

[kwolf68]

40. A chord

I play the chord both ways, using just one finger to barre over the 2nd fret on B, G, and D....and I can also use 3 fingers to play the chord.

What is most interesting to me is the chord sounds differently to me even though I am playing the same exact chord, just in a different way. I'm sure this has something to do with my technique.

[yellowdogmi]

36. Okay here is all the help I can give

Barre the a chord. Much easier.
Tune your high E string to the 5th fret on B string. Same note. That is how it was done before these gadgets came along.

Your pudgy little fingers need to be trained. Takes eons. Trust me. I've played for many years and there are still some chord shapes that my pudgy fingers just refuse to form.

Good Luck!
:yourock: or you will once you get the hang of it.

[underpants]

39. Your pudgy little fingers need to be trained

:rofl:

Thanks

[Rabrrrrrr]

38. Just run it through a numetal fuzzbox, then you don't have to worry about tuning

or fingering or anything, so long as the rhythm is correct.

[rbnyc]

41. I wish we could get together.

I'm great at showing guitar tips, but horrible at describing them.

Best way to tune is to use harmonics.

Best way to stretch those fingers is to spend an hour a day doing scales, make sure you use the correct fingers for each string, and make sure finger tip is square with the neck. Don't neglect that pinky.

Always keep the rhythm with your strumming/picking hand. If your fretting hand lands wrong, don't stop strumming or picking. Keep the tempo. Make your fretting hand catch up to your strumming hand. Don't make your strumming hand hold back for your fretting hand.

Have fun.

[underpants]

43. THANKS

Yeah I get hung up on getting it right everytime and I frequently stop to check if the fretting is right (this lead to the question about finger technique)

About the scales-Am I supposed to be doing them really quickly? I saw that on the about.com thing and I tried it but I would look at the fret....look down and pluck the string...look up and change my left hand...look down and pluck...etc.

It didn't seem to useful to me. Maybe I should do it faster...?

[rbnyc]

50. Like any exercise...

...it's most importnat to do it right. Don't worry about how quickly or slowly you do your scales. Just do them steadily, and use the correct fingering. Find a speed that feels comfortable for you. If you need to keep moving your head to see what you're doing, make it part of the flow, so you you don't feel so stop and go.

Stay perpendicular.

Start with a plain old boring C major scale. If you master that, you'd really be amazed at what you can do.

[kwolf68]

45. Website for guitar

This site

http://www.all-guitar-chords.com


has some great searches for all the scales you could ever want.

[Bake]

49. Forget the guitar. If you really want to attract chicks ...

get a BANJO!!!!

:rofl:

Bake

[Ariana Celeste]

52. Learn some finger exercises

and warm ups.

I play a little bass, and while I'm not awesome, lol- I have a lot of fun with it. I mainly just read tablature and play Alice in Chains and Pink Floyd songs. I bought (don't laugh, :P) Bass Guitar For Dummies, and there were some great little finger exercises and warm ups and tons of tips that really helped me. I don't sit down with the bass often enough though, so my fingers still tend to hurt at times. :) That just takes regular playing to get over!

There is a Guitar For Dummies book out there, too. And lots of others! :)

I googled 'guitar finger exercises' and this was the first site to come up-

http://www.cyberfret.com/scales/primer/index.php

http://www.cyberfret.com/chops/finger-stretching/index.php

Also I tend to go to http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/lessons/ for tips, there's a lot of info there and a lot of tabs, too.

Good luck and have fun with it!! :D

[underpants]

53. Finger excercises?

How little is this bass???

:bounce:

Thanks. I see that there all kinds of options to learning and it appears that it will never end (infinite options in playing guitar).

I just want to be able to play some songs for my wife and daughter you know something to tool around with.

[democracyindanger]

54. NO STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN.

Damnit. "Over The Hills And Far Away," however, is fairly easy yet impressive sounding.

[Chico Man]

57. I've found the best guitar instruction to be...

Found here..

On DVD.

http://www.homespuntapes.com

[underpants]

58. I took the guitar in to get restrung on Saturday

I have to go back today to pick it up (they are closed on Sunday and they didn't get to it until right before they closed on Saturday) GOD did I miss that thing yesterday.

Anyway I asked the guy at the store (locally owned place) about the concerns/problems I posted here and he said that he just recommends a lesson or two-$20 for 30 minutes. I think I will take him up on it in a few weeks.

[Crabby Appleton]

59. yep, that will help get you started off right.