My guitar teacher thinks I'm the village idiot.

[madscientist451]

I've been trying to teach myself guitar. I can pick a tune fine but I can't play a chord to save my life. No matter what I do, one of my fingers is always touching a string it shouldn't.

Try a Baritone Ukulele. Its the same as the guitar except only 4 stings, the neck is narrow and the body of the instrument is small. You'll be playing all kinds of fancy jazz chords before you know it, and you can transfer what you learn to regular guitar. I've been playing guitar for 35+ years but I pick up my baritone uke when I just want to relax and play a few tunes. The main thing is to have fun, if playing an instrument is a chore, you'll soon grow tired of it.

 

[paulthenurse]

Apple, why would you be surprised I know Robert Johnson? I've been listening to the blues for almost sixty years. My fingers might not know the blues but my ears are intimate with 'em.

 

[madscientist451]

For maybe a little more than the price of one lesson at the music store, you can learn Robert Johnson from a real master of the style:

 

[applescrap]

Apple, why would you be surprised I know Robert Johnson? I've been listening to the blues for almost sixty years. My fingers might not know the blues but my ears are intimate with 'em.

Thats the right way, follow your ears. Your hands will need time, but follow your ears. Need to ask, your profile says you are 59, so 60 years of blues listening is pretty impressive. Were your parents rockers? Are you counting pre birth. If so right on. My parents were the real deal born and raised sf deadheads so i guess that i have been listening to the dead for 42 years. Cool you love the blues, i do too. That kind of syncopation is usually difficult for beginners. Sadly, i wouldn't go assuming that everyone around here is familiar with Robert johnsons music, especially the younger. That video above seems awesome. This new era of guitar learning is amazeballs. I am so glad this thread has rekindled some guitar talk.

 

[paulthenurse]

I thought you were supposed to follow your heart? Or your dreams? Or the Dead, like I did for years and years. Lived in a VW bug with my girlfriend selling T-shirts to pay for herb.

Yes that’s right. There was a time I could get jiggy in a VW bug.

 

[paulthenurse]

Who’s a happy guy?

Me! Thanks guys. My unused clicker held the secret button.

Can I have my man card back?View attachment 566024

 

[paulthenurse]

Wrong thread. I’m a *******. (But you already knew that)

 

[applescrap]

Wow, thats pretty cool. You probably partied with my family somewhere along the way. Along with many of my friends. I met a lot of dead heads in lincoln, ne at a phish show the first one after jerry passed. That was a good time. Hope you are playing some dead tunes.