I’ve never been musically inclined. I suck at the recorder back when I was in secondary school, and even now, I’m unable to play any musical instrument. I can’t sing in tune to save my life. Hell, I even suck at those guitar or drum games in the arcades.
Yet, this time, I’ve decided to challenge myself. I’ve been wanting to learn the guitar ever since I was 16, but procrastination often held me back. And so, it dragged on for 3 years, until I finally decided that if I wouldn’t learn it now, it would probably be never.
I may not seem like the kind who loves music. Maybe I never really am. What does loving music equate to anyway? Having an in-depth appreciation for classical music? Or does loving your favourite artistes to the extent of wanting to pick up an instrument just so that you can experience the satisfaction of playing covers of songs by them, even when your musical skill equates to getting a flashing, welcoming “Game Over” within seconds of the easiest GuitarFreaks mode? Or is it something else?
Anyway, I went ahead and signed myself up for lessons, with the very first one being today. In an hour, we were introduced to some fundamentals, as well as taught how to play 4 basic chords. It was the first time in my life I’ve ever strummed a guitar while holding down strings on the fretboard. The lesson ended, and I was still unable to play a single chord clearly.
My fingers on the fretboard wouldn’t budge as I wanted them to, no matter how hard I tried. It’s like they had a mind of their own, rebelling against my will. Most of my classmates, on the other hand, were doing quite well, despite everyone stating that their music backgrounds were mere blank canvases. It was then when I realised that I had to make up for my lack of skill with double, or even triple the amount of hard work.
I’ve yet to purchase an acoustic guitar, so I didn’t have the chance for any practice, which I seriously need. Since I’ve totally no experience in choosing a guitar, I’ve gotten a friend who has some to tag along to the store. If all goes well, I’ll be able to start practicing soon.
When I think of the guitar and anime, BECK’s the first thing that comes to my mind. DMC too, but Krauser-sama’s just too badass for me. I really admire Koyuki’s determination to continue playing the guitar through the difficulties. Disregarding the fact that he’s 2D while I’m a living breathing being, I wonder how my determination would measure up to his.
On a related note, BECK’s awesome, but it’s a real pity that the anime only covered a limited amount of the manga’s content. There really should be a live action for it. If there was one for Nodame Cantabile, I think BECK could have one too. But if there really is going to be one, they’ve got to choose the cast well, or we’ll just end up with eye candy instead of proper substance.
I think I shall end this here before I go on rambling to no end. I just hope I’ll be able to see myself still playing on even after a year down the road, and eventually moving on to learn the electric guitar. In the meantime, there’s work that needs to be done, by me.
P.S. I’d be grateful if anyone could offer tips as to how to make learning the guitar a much more effective process.
I’m not exactly a good role model for guitar playing because I’ve given up, BUT! practice! It’s really all that you need. And determination to stick it through.
It’s also good to find the chords of songs you like *cough*BoC!!!*cough* and practice those slowly. Then move on to the riffs themselves.
I should get down to learning the guitar too, the only instrument I know how to play so far is the recorder, and I do want to learn the guitar. Then again I always prefer to sing.
WOAH WOAH WOAH I was in the school guitar ensemble for 6 years man. Anyway you can ask Analitez, he’s a good teacher who can play like 5-10 music instruments proficiently, as well as WoW.
Damn you tj han! Why are you the Jack of all trades!?
JiaYou~
Learning the guitar is great!
Been playing for 2 and a half years now.
Some people say that it’s a waste of time, but really, it’s not.
It’s a good hobby, and girls love guys who can play the guitar, am I not wrong? ^_^
I don’t really have any tips, but yea, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself.
The first few months are tough, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Especially if you’re taking lessons, I’m self-taught xD
And yea, my techniques are wrong compared to those who take lessons..
Just check my videos on my blog..>_<
Anyway, good luck~ ^_^
Woah guitar … too chim for me .. I prefer to learn something simpler like cooking.
Lessons imho are the best way to learn. they are certainly more fun. and you are more inclined to improve your playing when practicing(competing) with other people ;). there are alot of teaching software on the net that can help you get an edge. best i found is the eMedia Guitar Method series. its as Setsukyie said, going to be tough and tedious for the first few months but when your finally able to play through the chords of your favorite song, trust me it will all be worth it :). who knows, you might even be on your way to making your own songs
All the best! I also just recently started to learn playing the guitar.
Wow it seems like quite a number of people can play the guitar. I think I should learn from some of you if I have the chance. After 2 days of practice, I still can’t switch between G major and C major properly >_>
I would like to learn to play a guitar too!
With music I usually pretend Im playing an imaginary guitar with my fingers..
it’s not that hard, I have been playing for over 7 years. first get yourself a real teacher that has knowledge in every guitar playing style, not some guy that only plays one style. your first guitar should be an acoustic not electric.
lol, I fail at rhythm arcade games too.
Also, it’s all perseverance, your fingers will get used to it after the hundredth or so odd time. And don’t use a pick when you start out
Here’s a tip.
When switching chords, try to do it in a two step process first. First step, position your index finger to its position in the next chord. This is important as it steadies the rest of the hand to follow suit. Next step, jump your middle and ring fingers to position while holding down your index finger to provide stability. Soon enough, you can do this so quickly that it becomes a natural one-step thing.
Anyway, it would be good to look ahead at what you are learning. After chords you’re going to move on to strumming techniques, then much later on onto tabs and picking techniques when you become more skilled (don’t worry about music theory yet). You will get there in time with enough dedication and passion. So don’t give up on the easier parts just yet. Also, DrumMania FTW.
I’m late but better than never!
I think different instructors run differently but mine taught me some finger warm up (compulsory 10 mins daily) where we had to practice so as to increase my fingers’ flexibility.
I also started on a note by note basis instead of working on chords immediately. While working on a note by note basis, I already lost quite an amount of finger skin so I can imagine how you’re feeling since you’re doing chords. @_@
Practice makes perfect, I practice at least 2 hours daily (spaced out) when I first started and that’s excluding finger warm up. In my opinion, the strings for acoustic guitar are more painful than the classical guitar, especially if yours are all metal strings. Hence, your fingers might need some time to shed its skin, beefed up and toughened themselves before you’re comfortable with the guitar.
Goodluck double! (:
Man, do your best. Let us know about your progress. I would love to see videos of u playing.
That’s awesome!!! I look for acoustic guitars for my boyfriend.And how to choose it.Which brands is the best ?I saw many web about this but your web is the best for me.Thank you.
http://otakuhime.blogspot.com/2009/06/beck-live-action-movie-boy-band-round_2441.html
BECK live action in the works roaming news found on the net… they eyecandy nightmare part you said seems it might end up as one T___T noo…
It might be too early to speak now. I just hope that the music isn’t mainstream JPop.
Hmmm… just a tip: If you’re playing an electric guitar, just cheat learn easier chords before moving into full blown six-string chords. Some power chords… or something like funky stuff on the higher 3 strings - like a mini-barre-chord played with one finger. Ask your teacher. Like some Talking Heads funky stuff, or punk/metal…
This will get you playing stuff faster, and you’ll be able to practice your rhytm sooner. When it comes to rhytm, it is all about the strumming hand. If you just focus just on the fingering hand it will take too long and you’ll be bored