Lisa asks…
Can anyone gimme some good beginner lead guitar songs?
Can anyone gimme some good beginner lead guitar songs. Plz gimme somethin that can be played in a nylon guitar or acoustic not electric.If there arent any good beginner songs, intermediate is ok coz the harder the song is the better ill get
FletcherMarcell answers:
Google a program called powertab and download it.
Download some classical tabs at ultimateguitar.com; there are quite a lot transcribed for one or two guitars. Bach is the best place to start.
Donald asks…
Guitar scales beginner help?
So I’ve been playing guitar on and off for a while now and I know my chords and can throw together a few songs.
But as for scales I’m hopeless, I just don’t understand how they work if that makes any sense.
My friend started playing about the same time as me and can do pretty cool solos and stuff, but when trying to explaine it to me I can’t pick it up.
Anyone know of any websites that can help us?
Thanks
FletcherMarcell answers:
Start by learning the 5 positions of the pentatonic scale. Doesn’t matter what key you start in but I find A minor to be a good starting place. But anyway, here is a good video to get you started. Marty is a great teacher I think. I use his videos a lot.
Once you learn these scale positions try to practice them 15 to 30 minutes each day to get really comfortable with them. Then start trying to make little licks out of the notes in the scale. You can start in just one position. So play a few notes in that position throwing is some bends, vibrato, etc. This is basically how you learn to improvise lead.
Also if you do a search on something like “easy guitar licks”, you will find many of them are based on the pentatonic scale. By knowing this scale the licks will make more sense to you and you’ll know how to apply them in any key.
Http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqICZi7hRq24A_iD7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBvN2EzYzIzBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDVjE0Ng–?p=5+positions+of+the+pentatonic+scale&vid=97fb0f97787d7a63fb96951f4a2d97ac&l=12%3A24&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DV.4645386143272047%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DFWZpb6IUxV4&tit=Guitar+Scales+Lesson+-+The+5+Positions+of+the+Minor+Pentatonic+…&c=0&sigr=11a4jcmv9&age=0&&tt=b
Helen asks…
I need a good starter bass guitar?
What is a good starter bass guitar for under 200? or under 230?
FletcherMarcell answers:
Like the other person said, squire is the cheap beginner bass to look at although of course there are others too. And you also need an amp, lead etc. If you are a complete beginner and will be willing to get something that sounds like s**t then you could get a $100 bass and a $100 amp, plus about $10 for the lead. Or go into your local guitar shop, they will usually have packages for begnners probably from $50 – $500, pick one that is in your range. They will sound bad though.
Lizzie asks…
What is it with my guitar? D; Or is it something else?
I have a Fender Squire Stratocaster electric guitar. I didn’t choose it but someone got it for me for my birthday and I don’t really like it. Anyways..I’m really into heavy metal but any time I try to play something on this guitar, it sounds very odd and not like the heavy metal songs I’d like to play. I’m wondering if it’s the amplifier that’s making it sound bad.
I have a “Fender Frontman 10G 10W Amplifier” and my guitar is always tuned.
~Could the string thickness affect the way the guitar sounds too? o.O
Are there any suggestions on what I can do to improve the way my guitar sounds when I play heavy metal? Maybe change the amplifier or the guitar itself?
FletcherMarcell answers:
Your guitar and amp are part of the problem, but don’t be too quick to blame everything on your gear. It sounds like you’re fairly new to playing guitar, and the equipment you have is “suitable” to get you started. There’s a whole lot of technique and basic skills that are best mastered before you start cranking up the distortion.
When you describe the sound as “very odd and not like the heavy metal songs I’d like to play,” I think many people are assuming that you simply can’t get enough distortion out of your gear. I’m sure that’s true, but remember that behind every distorted metal lead is (or should be) clean technique. If what you’re playing now is sloppy, it’ll sound worse with distortion. The problem is that distortion masks things so you can’t tell exactly what you’re doing wrong. What I’m suggesting is that you try to distinguish between the notes sounding wrong, vs the tone or effects sounding too clean. When you play a “metal” song without distortion, it should still sound okay….just not metal-ish. I know you say the guitar is “tuned” but there are a lot of other things that can make notes sound sour. Maybe you’re muting some of the strings. Maybe you’re accidentally bending the strings sideways when you press them…causing the fretted notes to go out of tune. Maybe the intonation on your guitar needs adjusting. There are a lot of possible “maybe’s” and only a few of them involve your gear. It would be helpful for an experienced guitarist to help you in person. (Have you considered lessons?)
To get a true metal tone, you’ll eventually want to upgrade all your gear. A guitar with “humbucker” pickups is generally regarded as better for metal, and a better amp is going to be necessary. For most beginners, this is a big expense and is often done gradually. I think the first thing you should upgrade is the amp. No guitar is going to sound great through a Frontman 10G. This is the cheap amp they throw in with guitar packages so you’ll have *something* to play through.
A Fender Mustang II or a Peavey Vypyr 2 would be worth considering. They have 40 watts with 12″ speakers and plenty of built-in effects. You should be able to get a passable metal tone out of these amps with your guitar, even though it isn’t optimum.
Your Squier guitar is also bottom of the line, but remember: when you buy a new guitar, make it an upgrade. Don’t just buy another cheap one that ‘looks’ like it should be good for metal. By then, you’ll have enough skills to go try some out in person and find a guitar you like. Plan on spending enough to get you into the “mid-priced” range.
Anyway, don’t get discouraged. Keep working with what you have until you can afford better gear. Try to find a mentor who can help you in person. It’s the best way to go, and fastest way to learn.
Sharon asks…
Getting an acustic-electric guitar, beginner?
What do you need for it? What are the best ways to learn guitar? What are good guitars for beginners+price? Stores? Anything, really, totally and completely clueless.
I was thinking about: Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Pack at http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-PR-4E-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-Player-Pack-103838777-i1150188.gc?mode=1
Is that good?
What are some good teachers? Or can I just teach myself with books and such?
FletcherMarcell answers:
Guitar shopping: nobody else can tell you what guitar will work for you–different people like different brands. I like Ovation but most hate them…
Go to a music store and pick up all the guitars in your price range–don’t fear the used or the display models or the scratch-n-dent if they’re warrantied. See how they feel–does your left hand happily wrap around the neck? Does your right arm drape comfortably over the body? Do your fingers reach? Then you’ll have several finalists.
Then get someone (even a sales clerk) to play the same tunes on each guitar while you turn your back. The one that sounds the best then is the one you want. Buy THAT ONE and not a “new in box” of the same model–acoustics (even with electric built in) will not all sound alike even if same model, wood grain and manufacture techniques are not all alike.
Also get yourself a solid case. A comfortable locking neck strap is good. Buy a lot of different types of pick and plan to try them all out.
To learn, get a teacher to start. If you don’t have someone correcting your fundamental errors, you’ll learn wrong–and in the worst-case scenario, that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrom! A dozen lessons with a teacher who’s recommended by the best music store in town, or the music department of your local college, will give you a solid foundation.
At the outset, practice no more than 10 minutes at a time, several times daily. This will yield fastest progress. Then increase your time weekly by a couple of minutes and after several weeks start to drop the number of practices, so that eventually you’re up to a single one-hour-plus section per year.
After your first dozen or so lessons, if you want to quit paying the teacher and you don’t mind learning slower, you can self-teach using books, cds, dvds, and observation. Also Guitar Player magazine Pick up used resources from ebay or a used bookseller if you want to save money; buy whatever looks good, if it turns out to be too advanced for you then just save it for when you catch up to it.
Donna asks…
What is cost of a good guitar for beginners and how much time do I need to learn it?
Actually I want a guitar as I want to learn it ! I am totally new in it I haven’t touched it also I don’t know how to hold it,how time it take to learn it!
FletcherMarcell answers:
I’ve been playing and dealing guitars for years. I’ve read through some of these answers and have to disagree with most. You do not want to spend less than $100, you’ll get junk. Neither does spending more than $100 buy you a good guitar. Price does not make the guitar. I have a guitar that I bought 20 years ago for $45 at a garage sale. After some work and customizing, it’s the best playing guitar I own. I’ve played $2000 guitars that I didn’t like also. You need to go to a local guitar shop and try their guitars. Let them know what kind of music you want to play and they will let you try some. Try more than one music store, shop around. I would recommend a Yamaha Pacifica (not the one that comes in the package though, the better one. You could probably pick one up for under $250. They are good quality, good sounding guitars. I’ve played cheap junk and I’ve played guitars that go for over $5000, you have to try them.
Now for learning to play. It all depends on your natural ability and amount of time practicing. You need to learn a few basic chords to start and you will be able to play some songs. The person who said that most songs are played with three chords is wrong. There are some easy songs like this in G,C and D, but not most. You should learn you major and minor chords as well as some sevenths. You need to learn the notes on the fretboard too. The best way to learn is to find a reputable guitar teacher and take formal lessons. If you do it on your own with no experience, then you will pick up bad habits that will hurt you down the road. You should be able to play most songs (rhythm), in about 6 months to a year. To be proficient at playing lead can take a lot of hard work and practice, especially to be able to improvise and just play along with people. I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
When picking a guitar teacher you do not want a teacher that is gonna try and teach you some licks right off the bat every week. My experience is that with teachers like this, you learn parts of songs, but never a whole song, or how to really play. You need a teacher that follows a curriculum and will teach you notes and scales. This is VERY important. You can email me at kramermusic1@gmail.com if you have any questions, I will guide you through and I may possibly have a guitar to suite you, for a good price.
Hope this helped.
Thomas asks…
Top 10 good lead guitar solo for practicing (Beginner lead guitar)?
Can anyone suggest me top 10 lead guitar solo, which would be for a beginner(Lead) to learn lead guitar. If it’s a bit lengthy, then it’s an ideal.
FletcherMarcell answers:
Maybe the opening to “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns and Roses. Clapton’s solo on The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is a classic.
Ken asks…
What does it mean to play tabs on guitar?
I’m in a beginner guitar class at school and there’s a girl that played guitar in a rock band in the same class. She says that she is in beginner class because even though she plays lead guitar in her band, she only plays tabs and doesn’t know notes. What are tabs and is it true that it’s a shortcut/easier way to playing guitar, and can you play rock music with only tabs and little or no notes?
FletcherMarcell answers:
Yes you can play rock music with tabs no you don’t have to know ANY notes to do it. The following is an excerpt from and article found at http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/lessons/for_beginners/reading_guitar_tablature_ii.html
“The basic structure for a tablature (or tab) looks like this:
E|————————
B|————————
G|————————
D|————————
A|————————
E|————————
This may have confused you. Firstly, ignore the letters on the left. You have six lines. Each one of these lines represent a string on your guitar. Ok?
The bottom line represents the top (thickest) string on your guitar. The top line represents the bottom (thinest) string on your guitar. Look at this:
Thinest |————-
2nd Thinest |————-
3rd Thinest |————-
3rd Thickest|————-
2nd Thickest|————-
Thickest |————-
Does that make sense? Now for the frets. This is the really awkward part. I will try and explain.
A fret is the area between the two (usually metal) bars on your guitar. If you were told to play the first fret on the top string then you would push down on fret 1 on the top string with your finger and pluck the string. I’m really hoping that made sense.
The first fret is the furthest away from you. There are usually 21, 22, 23 or 24 frets on a guitar. If you look, they all get thinner as they get closer to you. There are also marks telling you what fret is what. There is a dot on the third fret, the fifth fret, the seventh fret, the ninth fret, the twelve fret, the fifteenth fret, the seventeenth fret, the ninteenth fret, and the twenty first fret and maybe more. This is to help you get around your guitar quicker. Now to put frets into a tablature:
E|—————–
B|—————–
G|—————–
D|—————–
A|—————–
E|1-2-3-4———-
What this tab is telling you to do is first, to put a finger (The Index Preferably) on the first fret on the top/thickest string. Then you pluck the string. If you are pushing hard enough onto the fret you shall find that you get a nice, deep note.
Next, you put your next finger (preferably your middle finger) onto the second fret on the top string. Now hit the string. You should get a nice, slightly higher pitched note.
Then you put your next finger (your ring finger) onto the third fret, if you are pushing down hard enough you will find that when you pluck the string you will get a slightly higher pitched note again.
Then you push your next finger (your pinky) down hard onto the top string pushing it down into the forth fret, pluck the string and you will get another, slightly higher pitched sound. If you followed this carefully you should be getting the idea. Look at this:
E|1-2-3-4—-
B|———–
G|———–
D|———–
A|———–
E|———–
On this one, you are doing the exact same as the last one but you are put your fingers on, and hitting the thinnest string. You should get a very high pitched sound. Try this:
E|———-
B|———-
G|———-
D|1-2-3-4—
A|———-
E|———-
Had a good try? If you’re stuck, what you’re doing is putting your fingers on the third thickest string, the third one away from you. So what about this?
E|———
B|———
G|———
D|———
A|———
E|0-1-2-3–
A 0? What do you do with a 0? Fear not! A zero simply means you pluck that string without putting your finger on a fret. This is fret zero. Make sense? Here are two, infamous and simple riffs, try them out:
Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple:
E|—————————-
B|—————————-
G|—————————-
D|—————————-
A|—————————-
E|0-3-5—0-3-6-5—0-3-5–3-0
Ring a bell? Note that the whole song is played on the thickest/deepest pitch string.
Come As You Are by Nirvana:
E|——————————
B|——————————
G|——————————
D|——————————
A|——–0—0———2—–2-
E|0-0-1-2—2—2-2-1-0—0-0—
This song is played on the top two strings of your guitar. It looks hard but do it slowly at first and you’ll have it in no time. These two riffs are the first things I ever learnt on guitar!
Now you know how to play basic tabs! Now the advanced bit:
What does the EADGBE stand for? You may have noticed that between nearly all the tabs I have written here there is:
E
B
G
D
A
E
On the left of it. Why is this? Each letter represents a note. If you have ever played on a keyboard or a piano before you will notice that each note is written as a letter. C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. All the EADGBE is is different notes. The thickest string on your guitar is a low E, the thinest is a high E, in between them is A, D, G and B. You don’t have to remember this but if you do then you’re one more step closer to being a professional. I remember it like this:
Eddy
Ate
Dynamite
Good
Bye
Eddy
It works for me! I hope it helps. Next, bends, slides, hammer ons and pull offs. Sooner or later you’re going to stumble on a tab with one of these three in it. I guarantee. It will help alot if you know what they mean.
Bends:
E|————–
B|————–
G|————–
D|-3b4———-
A|————–
E|————–
What do I do? What do I do? Fear not. Firstly, put your finger on the forth fret of D and play it. That is what you want it to sound like. Now, what you want to do is put your finger on the third fret, play the string and bend it so it makes the excact same sound as fret four. Got it? It’s not that hard.
Slides:
E|————
B|————
G|————
D|—-7/9—–
A|————
E|————
This, too, is also simple. Put a finger on seven of string D, hit the string and quickly, making sure the finger is still pushing the string down onto the frets, slide your finger up to nine. If performed correctly you’ll get a nice sound rising in pitch.
Hammer On:
E|-2h4——-
B|———–
G|———–
D|———–
A|———–
E|———–
The “h” represents a hammer on, put your index finger on fret two of High E (the thinest string on the guitar) and pluck the string, quickly slam your ring finger down onto the fourth fret. It will change pitch and be a bit quieter. That’s all a hammer on is.
Pull Off:
E|———-
B|———-
G|—-9p7—
D|———-
A|———-
E|———-
The “p” means pull off. Put your little finger on 9 and your index finger on 7, pluck the string, and quickly slide your little finger off in a downwards motion (this keeps the string vibrating) and the pitch will change quickly from 9 to 7. I hope you understood that, it’s hard to explain so please don’t flame me if you don’t get it.
I hope this lesson helped you alot, tablatures are the most important thing you will come across when you try and learn guitar. If you just can’t understand my lesson then I suggest you go find another one, you won’t get anywhere without being able to read or write your own tabs.
If you’re really wanting to try tabs go to http://www.ultimate-guitar.com
Not do they have tabs but also lessons. If there is anything else I can help you with pertaining to your voyage into the world of guitar feel free to email me.
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