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Guitar: A Lets Play (and Learn) Thread.
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http://www.911tabs.com/ paired with a developed ear should do the trick, but it's not perfect/reliable by default. Best thing you can do is find the highest rated tabs, start learning the nuances by ear, and eventually, drop tab completely.
http://www.classtab.org/ for classical. It's an amazing resource.
If you're looking for tabs from games: http://www.gametabs.net/
Otherwise I think Ultimate Guitar is the best one out there: https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/ unfortunately it's terribly organised.
Paid wise, there's Music Notes: http://www.musicnotes.com/guitartab/
Ultimate guitar is my go to place.
Dont bother on a mobile device though. It will just try and force you to get their stupid ass app.
Get Guitar Pro, or an free alternative, I use Tuxguitar. It plays the tab for you to play along, much easier to learn songs IMO.
Angry Grimace
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One turns to the other and says "does something taste funny to you?"
I've always been of the opinion learning in any way that's intentionally hard is bad. The key to being good at guitar is learning to like guitar. It's not like working out at the gym.
(Yes I know I'm responding to a year old post, but it stands)
http://www.songsterr.com/ might be worth a look. Can listen to the tabs and mute tracks, I find it helps.
Thanks! I'm going to do this from now on.
Now that the thread had been resurrected, can anyone recommend some new songs to learn? I mostly play Interpol and Arctic Monkeys, specifically songs with a lot of switching between single notes (not a big fan of chords yet). Stuff like https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/i/interpol/specialist_tab.htm (guitar 2).
NotTheGuyYouKill
Member
I think... I've got my G, A, and E chords down.
I've had my guitar for a long, long time, and I just couldn't get it. Kept forgetting the chords, never practicing, just staring at it. And now lately, it's like a switch has been flipped. Feels good. I dunno what happened, but I'm memorizing these quick, and I'm itching to keep at it and no longer let it fall by the wayside.
Ultimately I'd like to be able to play Interpol/Arctive Monkeys eventually. Loved the latest albums from both bands.
I've had my guitar for a long, long time, and I just couldn't get it. Kept forgetting the chords, never practicing, just staring at it. And now lately, it's like a switch has been flipped. Feels good. I dunno what happened, but I'm memorizing these quick, and I'm itching to keep at it and no longer let it fall by the wayside.
Ultimately I'd like to be able to play Interpol/Arctive Monkeys eventually. Loved the latest albums from both bands.
Does anyone here have any recommendations for a decent practice amp that can be had for sub-$150 (will go used if needed)? After not successfully selling my LTD F-400FM, I figure I'd start playing it more and while the little 10 or 15W solid state Fender amp has done me good, I think I'd like something a bit more versatile and better sounding. I recently played on a friend's tube amp, not sure of the brand or model, but I enjoyed the fullness it provided. However, I'm not sure if a tube amp is suited to my more heavy style of playing and might just go solid state again.
Avoid tube for a home practice amp. Even the 5watt Laney Lionheart I had would blow the walls off before sounding near its best.
I know they're petite, but the Yamaha THR series offer a lot of bang for the buck. 10 watts of power, can be used as an audio interface, some effects/amp models, headphone out. There's multiple models that cater to different kinds of players (with the standard THR10 being the jack of all trades).
Plus they look pretty awesome.
I know they're petite, but the Yamaha THR series offer a lot of bang for the buck. 10 watts of power, can be used as an audio interface, some effects/amp models, headphone out. There's multiple models that cater to different kinds of players (with the standard THR10 being the jack of all trades).
Plus they look pretty awesome.
Vincent Alexander
Member
I've used Ultimate-Guitar for years now, but I just want to vent about some shady shit that happened to me. I really wanted to learn a song by Hurt---Thanks for Listening. When I did a search, they had no good tabs. But what is this? Their "Tab Pro" service had it and with 5 stars too! I finally said screw it....the beta wasn't that great, but they had a deal for a lifetime membership for $40, I think it was? So I coughed up the dough, logged in and guess what? They don't have a tab for Thanks for Listening. I did a search on Ultimate-Guitar again, and it did in fact say they have a tab. But once you pay the money and are actually logged in it doesn't exist. I emailed PayPal to cancel my payment since it was literally 5 minutes later, and had no luck there. So then I wrote a kind, harsh email to UG. Shocker! I never heard back. I sent a follow-up a week later. Nothing. But guess what? They took down "Thanks for Listening" so it no longer shows as being available for Tab Pro.
Fuck Ultimate-Guitar
Fuck Ultimate-Guitar
CarlieCaplin
Member
Yeah, that's pretty shady. You should also note that those "Tab Pro" tabs are rated with 5 stars by default.
It's also terrible that you need to pay for UG if you want to download Guitar Pro files on your ipad...
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
You guys should just buy Guitar Pro or Songster for iphone/ipad. One time pay, and then you have access to practically anything you can think of.
I still play G as a barre chord LOL. I hate switching from G in open form, feels so weird. Took me a long time to get the F barre shape down, just felt like I had to clamp down like my life depended on it. But yeah, once you finally, FINALLY get the hang of something that just initially felt impossible, that shit feels pretty good. Then you realize how much you STILL don't know and it humbles you lol. Just keep at it is all I can say really.
Been hacking away at it pretty consistently myself, more so in the last year than I have in the last ten years that preceded it. I'm still not good or anything, but I look at some of the stuff I struggled with when I first took up the guitar or some of the songs I felt were impossible soloing wise and they all look incredibly simple to me now. I've definitely finally burst through a barrier speed/stamina wise that I've been struggling with for a very long time, so that's definitely something.
I still play G as a barre chord LOL. I hate switching from G in open form, feels so weird. Took me a long time to get the F barre shape down, just felt like I had to clamp down like my life depended on it. But yeah, once you finally, FINALLY get the hang of something that just initially felt impossible, that shit feels pretty good. Then you realize how much you STILL don't know and it humbles you lol. Just keep at it is all I can say really.
Been hacking away at it pretty consistently myself, more so in the last year than I have in the last ten years that preceded it. I'm still not good or anything, but I look at some of the stuff I struggled with when I first took up the guitar or some of the songs I felt were impossible soloing wise and they all look incredibly simple to me now. I've definitely finally burst through a barrier speed/stamina wise that I've been struggling with for a very long time, so that's definitely something.
Hello everyone! I want to learn to play guitar, here's my question: I already have a classic guitar but I prefer the electric one, should I start with the classic One or should I buy the other?
And if so, what should I buy? I'm considering to buy the squier starter pack, is it a good first electric?
And if so, what should I buy? I'm considering to buy the squier starter pack, is it a good first electric?
Are you sure it's a classical you have & not just a steel stringed acoustic? Anyway, you should probably play what you're inspired to play, but I usually recommend starting out on a steel stringed acoustic guitar unless you're 100% commited to rockin'. If you can play acoustic, you can play electric. If you can play electric, there's no guarantees you can handle an acoustic.
Do you have any guitar playing friends/family members? Your best bet for any starter guitar is checking out the local used markets. Anything like a Squire, entry level Yamaha, etc, will be half the RRP used, and as long as you have someone with you to say "yeah, this all looks good," you'll be golden.
If buying new, then honestly, just go for whatever Yamaha Pacifica you can afford. Their low end guitars are pretty amazing.
Yeah, just checked it and it's an acoustic
I just realised that i can practice only in the evening, so using the acoustic could be troublesome (disturbing my family)
No Life King
Member
Avoid tube for a home practice amp. Even the 5watt Laney Lionheart I had would blow the walls off before sounding near its best.
I know they're petite, but the Yamaha THR series offer a lot of bang for the buck. 10 watts of power, can be used as an audio interface, some effects/amp models, headphone out. There's multiple models that cater to different kinds of players (with the standard THR10 being the jack of all trades).
Plus they look pretty awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXqQbCFLLhQ
Did a little review of the metal version. I cannot say enough about this little amp. Perfect for practice, works as a pretty good substitute in the studio, and tone for days when goofing off.
Not sure what's more impressive - Your playing or the amp! Awesome little video that.
Yeah, just checked it and it's an acoustic
I just realised that i can practice only in the evening, so using the acoustic could be troublesome (disturbing my family)
Well, unless you're really into heavy stuff, the Yamaha Pacifica advice is what I'm going to stick with. Used market is great if you have someone knowledgeable with you - Perhaps someone on GAF lives nearby to where you live?
No Life King
Member
Thanks, man.
NotTheGuyYouKill
Member
Who else uses Justinguitar?
adamsappel
Member
I like your videos; subscribed. That's technically a demo, not a review, but you showcased it very well! I have the THR-10, it's a great series of amps.
What's your budget? If you are in the US, check craigslist. Lots of Squiers and Pacificas getting dumped for cheap, usually with an amp included. I like the Blackstar Fly 3 for a nice little bedroom amp you can use headphones with.Yeah, just checked it and it's an acoustic
I just realised that i can practice only in the evening, so using the acoustic could be troublesome (disturbing my family)
He's a great resource.
Vincent Alexander
Member
Does anyone have a good system in place for tracking your exercises and routines, and if using a metronome, also keeping track of BPMs? In a perfect world I would love a program of sorts to help me out, but I'm at a point I might just use a good ole' comp book.
Set it at whatever speed you're comfortable at. You will get faster and more accurate and want to incrementally speed it up.
As for the rest of the stuff, I keep a notebook. I was trying to get it all on my computer at one point but was finding it to be a pain.
Probably a daft thing for a qualified teacher to admit, but... I don't really have practice exercises. I have pieces that I warm up with, but they're songs & not workouts (well, they're songs that double as workouts).
As for BPM, you should be practicing at just below where you start to struggle. Once you're able to nail a piece 10 times out of 10 at, say, 100bpm, try nudging it up to 104. If it's too much, bring it back down, and keep practicing.
Vincent Alexander
Member
Ah. Sorry. I worded that badly. I meant "...and keeping track of the BPM you're doing exercises at..." I've tried the computer method myself, and keep falling off the wagon with it...Stupidly, this is the first time I've considered a simple notebook.
I think I'm going to buy an old school wooden metronome to just have sitting on my desk constantly. I need more things that I can just have out constantly to remind me to practice.
Red Blaster
Member
now you're ready for the big time
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/s/steely_dan/deacon_blues_crd.htm
Italy
my budget is 250 (can go a little higher though) to get a guitar + AMP. Saw in a shop in my city the squier kit (guitar + AMP) for 210, I'm probably buying that. I can ask a couple of friends to help me choosing an used one, but there aren't that much offers in my area :/
NotTheGuyYouKill
Member
adamsappel
Member
Italy
my budget is 250 (can go a little higher though) to get a guitar + AMP. Saw in a shop in my city the squier kit (guitar + AMP) for 210, I'm probably buying that. I can ask a couple of friends to help me choosing an used one, but there aren't that much offers in my area :/
The only help I can give is to check out thomann.de. They're a German company that delivers to Italy. Harley Benton is their inexpensive house brand and seems well-reviewed, but they also carry Fenders et al. And buy a Tele, not a Strat!
Ether_Snake
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Welp I bought a guitar in 2012 and barely bother to touch it. Starting again from the start, NY's resolution. It's an acoustic guitar. Going to learn on justinguitar.com.
Send me good vibes, I really have to go through this this time!
Send me good vibes, I really have to go through this this time!
^^^ First, never think of it as something you "have" to do; it must be something you "want" to do
But good luck, though! If you can do a half hour per day of quality practice, you should see pretty dramatic improvement in a short-ish time. Justinguitar is for sure an excellent resource.
One thing I did that helped me is that I keep mine basically within arms reach. My electric is right here next to me in my office, and my acoustic is down in the tv room, so I can grab it and bang out some scales and chords without the big production of going to get it from upstairs, etc.
But good luck, though! If you can do a half hour per day of quality practice, you should see pretty dramatic improvement in a short-ish time. Justinguitar is for sure an excellent resource.
One thing I did that helped me is that I keep mine basically within arms reach. My electric is right here next to me in my office, and my acoustic is down in the tv room, so I can grab it and bang out some scales and chords without the big production of going to get it from upstairs, etc.
^^^ First, never think of it as something you "have" to do; it must be something you "want" to do
But good luck, though! If you can do a half hour per day of quality practice, you should see pretty dramatic improvement in a short-ish time. Justinguitar is for sure an excellent resource.
One thing I did that helped me is that I keep mine basically within arms reach. My electric is right here next to me in my office, and my acoustic is down in the tv room, so I can grab it and bang out some scales and chords without the big production of going to get it from upstairs, etc.
Great advice. I'm never more than 3 steps away from an acoustic, and the difference in playing time is quite immense.
Best advice right here.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
Yeah, it really is about consistency more than anything else. You've gotta have that to get anywhere with this instrument. I've made it a habit to not miss any practice days if I can help it and the gains have been very noticeable over the last year or so. I cringe to think how good I COULD have been if I'd actually had this level of consistency in the 10 or so years it's been since I actually bought my first guitar. I mean seriously. I could have been good enough to gig, write my own stuff, etc. So yeah, best advice I can give you is to stick it out and to know that it does in fact get better. You'll hit walls for sure, points where it feels like whatever it is you're banging against is practically insurmountable. Just stop, breathe, focus, and take it slowly, bit by bit, it'll come to you eventually.
NotTheGuyYouKill
Member
Justinguitar's One Minute Changes are taking be forever to get to 60 chord changes per minute. I'm currently at 36.
Do you have a link to this? It sounds like a fun exercise.
NotTheGuyYouKill
Member
Here's the first one:
http://www.justinguitar.com/en/BC-115-1MinuteChanges.php
After you've learned certain chords, the challenge is to be able to get all the changes at a 60/minute rate (this lesson is before you learn to strum in rhythm). This exercise is repeated throughout the beginners course.
I've memorized the chords, it's just taking forever to get the changes.
adamsappel
Member
The Ultimate Guitar Tabs iPhone app is free right now. Usually $2.99.
Nice, thanks for the heads-up! From a very cursory look at the reviews, it definitely looks like a good thing to have, and you can't beat free!
i took six months of lessons about eight years ago and haven't played a whole lot since, but for some reason it called to me in december and i've been playing an hour or two a day since. have improved a shitton from where i got to the first time - before i only really ever did like, power chords and metal riffing, but now i have an understanding of basic chords and shit and can play some acoustic guitar stuff. my rock playing has also gotten a little better also.
by far the most important factor to this has just been saying "i am going to play for at least an hour every day" - in the process of doing this for two months i've improved massively. i'm not really sweating the details past putting the time in.
justinguitar is great - i'm on stage 8 of the beginner's program now, have learned like eight songs and parts of even more. i had a head start so some of this stuff is easy, but the way he introduces chords (which i always sucked at) is fantastic and really helped me get down basic cowboy chord guitar playing stuff.
what i did was i'd listen to podcasts/watch tv while doing the changes mindlessly, focusing on doing them cleanly. do that shit for the duration of a three hour podcast and you'll see significant jumps.
by far the most important factor to this has just been saying "i am going to play for at least an hour every day" - in the process of doing this for two months i've improved massively. i'm not really sweating the details past putting the time in.
justinguitar is great - i'm on stage 8 of the beginner's program now, have learned like eight songs and parts of even more. i had a head start so some of this stuff is easy, but the way he introduces chords (which i always sucked at) is fantastic and really helped me get down basic cowboy chord guitar playing stuff.
what i did was i'd listen to podcasts/watch tv while doing the changes mindlessly, focusing on doing them cleanly. do that shit for the duration of a three hour podcast and you'll see significant jumps.
NotTheGuyYouKill
Member
I've now memorized and can do six chords cleanly. Still working on rhythm and strumming. My speed of chord change is still slow. I can make the switch, but the chord changes are messy and sound pretty shitty when I have to do them quick. I'm working on the first song in Justin's program, Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.
NotTheGuyYouKill
Member
This is a great idea! I'm gonna start doing this.
Can anyone please let me know which tuning this song uses? It sounds so heavy! https://youtu.be/u75Ypss9KTM?t=2m
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
Oh yeah, just wanna mention that, if you've never bothered to get your guitar set up, do it. Either learn to do it, or pay someone to do it. I have a Tele with the old three saddle bridge that I just took the time to work on recently. The action wasn't terribly high, but it was enough to force me to play very cleanly in order to sound decent. The problem is, I eventually hit a wall in terms of speed since I needed to apply more pressure to fret, and the height of the strings would make things sound messy if I played really quick legato runs.
Anyway, I got the action down as low as I could to where there wasn't fret buzz or my bends weren't being choked anywhere on the neck and it's made a huge difference in playability. Just feels so much easier to play very speedy runs or execute quick, consecutive bends. Ditto on stuff like barre chords.
Anyway, I got the action down as low as I could to where there wasn't fret buzz or my bends weren't being choked anywhere on the neck and it's made a huge difference in playability. Just feels so much easier to play very speedy runs or execute quick, consecutive bends. Ditto on stuff like barre chords.
^^^ Solid advice. I had my Ibanez for a good while before my teacher/friend told me I should get it set up. It was a night and day difference. Barre chords became FAR easier to do, and there was much less of an instance of getting caught up on strings. Very much worth the $50 or so that I spent. I'm getting a second electric soon, and since I'll have a spare, I plan on learning to do that stuff myself, but for people just starting out, no reason not to pay a good shop to do it at first, just to get you going.
along with everything everyone else has said, if you ever have a specific band you can always go to a fan website. some usually have a tab section and a very helpful forum.
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