Guitar Noob

[Rotlung]

I'm still pretty new to guitar. I do play the piano and know music theory. However, I am having tremendous difficulty with the guitar.

For starting out, I got myself a classical guitar. I checked out some songs, some tabs, etc.

Tell me, what are important? Chords? Scales? Or just being able to play fast?

I intend to be sufficiently decent at the guitar before I move on to a bass. What should I do?

 

[ShredCow]

well, for starters, when you started playing the piano, was it important to be technically proficient or musically voiced? Regarding chords or scales, which played the bigger role in your music?

Your answers to that would apply to the guitar unless you are heading in a totally different musical direction (eg. Jazz on piano to metal on guitar).

There's no wrong/right about this... you can strive to be the fastest out there but be totally robot-like... fine if thats what you want to be as what Francesco Ferrari has stated on his music.

And what areas are you struggling with? Fingering and coordination? You got theory knowledge, so I don't suppose theory is a problem.

 

[Rotlung]

Fingering is a problem. I can't play a lot of stuff well. Like some simple solos.

I am okay with chords, although I don't want to focus too much on chords.
I simply hate scales, even on the piano, unfortunately.

I can't EVER memorise the fretboard. It's just not as clear-cut as the piano keyboard. Sigh.

 

[almondx]

you dont have to deliberately memorise the fretboard :wink: sooner or later u'll find tt ur fingers move to the correct frets automatically after a few years of practise.. now that's muscle memory!

"I can't play a lot of stuff well. Like some simple solos. "

no excuse but to practise! everyone goes thru them so yea juz strive hard =)

"I am okay with chords, although I don't want to focus too much on chords.
I simply hate scales, even on the piano, unfortunately."

erm how exactly does hating to play scales on piano affect the way u play chords on guitar? 8O

i used to hate piano and music as a whole too so i quit piano.. after a few years i took up guitar and boy did i love music.. wanted to play as many instruments as i cud indeed. it changed my perception of piano where i practised juz coz "i'm being forced to". So waddaya noe? maybe playing chords may help u like to play scales on piano.. =)

ok enuff said. rock on :supz:

 

[anep]

i'm not much of an expert, but if you want to play simple solos fast/perfectly, the only solution is just practise.
its best if you practise a solo that you like. as in your over the top fav. solo.
coz, it make you want to play the song.
play it everyday. start slow, then increase your speed.
by the time u've "mastered" that solo, u'r fingers should be quite used to moving here and there. then, you can move on to other solos.
there you go. hope this helps...

 

[mus]

Start slow then build up on speed
use metronomes

 

[DoubleBlade]

Hey dude , I play the piano and guitar as well. I ususally do not apply my knowledge of theory on scales. I only remember the patterns and practice according to it. The only thing where my knowledge of theory comes into play is when I'm figuring out chord progressions....


Actually I enjoy playing scales on my piano and sometimes get hooked on it!!!! Scales are fun , makes your neighbour's think that you're some pro pianist when you're actually not!!!! hahahahahah....

 

[ShredCow]

1 question... why don't you want to focus on chords?

What makes knowning chords any lesser than... say.. scales, techniques and what not?

 

[DoubleBlade]

Actually chords are equally as important. As you might know , chords make your playing sound "full". It adds colour to your playing and as such , one should not say that chords do not play an important role as compared to scales and techniques in guitar playing....

I guess you're a classical pianist where the emphasis is mostly on broken chords and not so much on block chords and it's inversions?

 

[Rotlung]

Yes, I am a classical pianist. Most fledgling pianists start off there anyway.

No, my mentioning scales on piano is just to show my current dislike of scales. That's all to it.

Well... perhaps it's due to what I listen to. You don't expect someone who listens to Jeff Beck and Led Zeppelin (thus wanting to play their songs) not want to avoid chords, right?

Maybe I'm just trying to jump from the basics too quickly. I am still practising. At least The Who uses a good deal of chords to make my practising a lot more enjoyable.

 

[soft]

Rotlung, you bought a classical guitar? What songs are you practising now?

 

[Mobius]

U have to view both instrutments very differently. Being able to play one instrutment doesnt mean u can learn another instrutment fast. Everything takes time, be patient. The piano and guitar are very different beasts. So be patient my friend, give urself about half a year to get the basics right. Meanwhile njoy ur guitar learning.

 

[Rotlung]

Romance Anonimo, and some classic Rock songs, like Amazing Journey (The Who), and Stairway to Heaven (acoustic section). Can play those fairly fluently, plus a Christian song.