So I picked up the guitar on Jan 10th and really started trying to learn

[underpants]

I have had it (Squier) for 5 or 6 years. Messed around with it but never was serious about playing.

Now I get it.

It has only been just under 3 months but I can actually make real sounds with that thing. I used instruction I printed out years ago. I can do the basic chords ( hate the F) and some strumming on songs

"Patience" by Guns n Roses
"Man on the Moon" by REM (no luck yet on Driver 8)
"Wish you were here" by Pink Floyd and "Here comes the sun" both of which are remarkably easy to understand.
and the very beginning of the intro to "Sweet Home Alabama"- those guys were out of this world

Pretty cool. I have even written "The Josie song" (named after my daughter) which is an easy progression from some sort of a G chord (minus the E and then move down the second fret to the D and then the G string) but it sounds good.

I am just not very quick at changing chords. I am using the 1645 (G Em C D - C Am F G) to work on speed. The story of the Nashville coding is facinating to me.

I hate the sound of the F so I don't play the highE at all (on the fret or with the pic). How people learned without tabs and youtube examples is beyond me. I have no ear for keys yet so obviously that isn't nature for me.

I get it now. I really love playing.

[Captain Hilts]

1. I'm about to start learning! There are some great lessons on Youtube...

that make some great songs - like Norwegian Wood - seem doable...

[underpants]

2. Oooh I should check that out

I literally have a book of stuff I printed out years ago.

It is pretty cool to just pick it up and mess around with it isn't it?

[Captain Hilts]

3. Lemmie find that link....

Here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ebJojBYiNg

[underpants]

5. +

I like that guy. Very easy to understand and watch. Thanks.

[Captain Hilts]

6. I'm going to use his lessons. Good luck! Keep me advised on your progress. nt

[bluesbassman]

4. Good for you!

I second the YouTube idea. There is an amazing amount of instructional stuff there.

Have fun and keep at it!

[Captain Hilts]

7. I'm thinking of buying a bass guitar....nt

[bluesbassman]

9. Bass is a lot of fun.

Different mindset than guitar though. It's all about the groove. Nothing like it really when you can lock in with the drummer and drive a tune.

[triguy46]

8. Time for tricks like drop d tuning. Learn to love the F. The F can be your friend.