Am a beginner

Hi, I got my guitar about half a year ago, but I never really took into consideration what I could do with it until this weekend when I finally decided to take it from its case and finally make an attempt at playing it. I was able to figure out how to play the intros to a couple songs from guitar tabs online (Scar Tissue and Californication), but I'm at a loss of where to begin.

Chords I am learning at the moment, finding a book is out of the option at the moment becuase there's not a store that offers them in a thirty mile radius, and I'm a bit of a loss in finding a teacher, although I would benefit greatly from having one. I'm sixteen years old and started playing Saturday, I've had no previous experience with a guitar or any instrument in general. My problem is where to start and what to really learn. Is there anyone out there who may be willing to help me out? It'd be greatly appreciated. Thx.

[font=trebuchet ms]If you go the Guitar Tricks home page and click the Beginners tab, it will take you to an index page that links to a bunch of good lessons to get you going. Hang in, it really does get easier.[/font]

There are many places on the internet, including this site, that have chords tabbed out. Those are very helpeful, but I personlly would rather have a chord chart or book of chords that I can physically open up and look at. You said there are no stores whithin thirty miles around you, but you forgot the greatest store right in front of you, the internet!! Check on ebay or just seach google for chord books and buy a cheap one. Also, like Lordathestrings said, check out this site. There is a lot of really good info on this site, and the wisdom and knowledge of many people who have been playing guitar for a long time. Check out the different lessons, or forums on what you are looking for. You can't put a price on that kind of information... oh yeah, it's free.

ok yeah i taught myself to play guitar and i was jus like u i had my geetar and i could play like a c and crap but i never really did much with it.

so yeah i taught myself and i was workin at it like everyday and it took 3 years for me to get real good

so im saying dont try to teach yourself.
go out and get a teacher-it will go so much faster and ur teacher will be a good resource.

rock on :cool:

you gotta love to play. and thats how you become good

I've been teaching myself for about 5 yrs now, and It helped me to play with other musicians.I regret not getting a teacher, and may still get one to increase my speed, and knowledge

Originally Posted by: Re2point0you gotta love to play. and thats how you become good

I've been teaching myself for about 5 yrs now, and It helped me to play with other musicians.I regret not getting a teacher, and may still get one to increase my speed, and knowledge

A teacher can't really help you increase speed. Practice helps increase speed.

A teacher may be able to show you techniques, but these are all over the internet. There is no magic key to getting fast, just a lot of practice.

do you know some good places (besides here) I can find some good tips and drills to increase spped then?

How about software??

Practics makes Perfect.

Originally Posted by: errochPractics makes Perfect.

Not quite. Practice makes permanent.