New and ready to learn

Hi everyone! my name is Cam and just recently recieved an acoustic guitar for an early Christmas gift. I am absolutely new to the guitar and have started on the "guitar fundamentals" course. I am excited nonetheless. My question is, is it normal for my fingers to sore and hardened? I am a lefty and started to notice this, and to be cautious I want to know if thats normal for a beginner. Anywhom, I look forward to enjoy and make some progress on this site and meet some of you good folks. Thanks and merry christmas to all!

-Cam

Don't worry, the fingers will start to build caluses (? sp) and the soreness will eventually go away. Until then you just suffer through it and keep having fun.

I think you'll find this site quite helpful in getting you started. Starting with Fundamentals 1 is a great place to start. Just take it slow and make sure you understand something before you move on. If you don't understand then everything else will be like Greek to you. I've taught some and know that I found my students needed to understand what I was covering with them thoroughly before we moved on. If you find you're having a hard time with something try using the forum to get your answers and understanding.

Have fun! See ya around.

Bluestoad

Thanks Bluestoad! I'm definately absorbing in what your stating. Hopefully this finger sore does go away, and in the meantime I'll be around alot more often through the forums here on out.

Thanks again for looking out for a rookie!


-Cam

Hi Cam,
Welcome to GT..
The old tender tips got ya.. It's worth the pain... It does last too long.
Good luck and happy picking..

yea it is worth the pain as they say no pain no gain :) and welcome to GT hope to talk to you more what kind was the guitar that you got?
welcome from
The Warlock

Originally Posted by: Markiepooyea it is worth the pain as they say no pain no gain :) and welcome to GT hope to talk to you more what kind was the guitar that you got?
welcome from
The Warlock

Hi Markiepoo, thanks for the welcoming hospitality my friend. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be a sammick. It has that "S" label at the top front of the head stock.

Also, has a plug in jack for an amp I think...not quite sure what to make of it since I thought only electric guitars have those....ahh...I'm gonna have to go back and review those previous sections regarding parts of guitar on the "guitar fundamentals course 1".

If I can come out of this whole guitar tricks thing knowing how to play at least one full song, I'll be a happy camper here on out.


-Cam

The king to remember is that your hands are doing something they are not used too. How often in your life have you ever held anything in the position by which you hold the guitar? My guess is most of us haven't. Not only that, but the act of pushing down on little strings and putting your fingers in all these funky positions is nothing short of impossible in the beginning. You are teaching yourself brand-new muscle memory that you have never done before. Finger wise, the soreness will fade; as playing the guitar is much like being an athlete. At first your body needs to adjust, and than with time it simply becomes a part of your routine and feels more natural. We all start on the same journey. Best of luck and remember to always fall in love with the process.

Originally Posted by: Douglas ShowalterThe key to remember is that your hands are doing something they are not used too. How often in your life have you ever held anything in the position by which you hold the guitar?[/QUOTE]

Very rarely. Definately feels awkward and unnatural for the most part.

Originally Posted by: Douglas ShowalterYou are teaching yourself brand-new muscle memory that you have never done before. Finger wise, the soreness will fade; as playing the guitar is much like being an athlete. At first your body needs to adjust, and than with time it simply becomes a part of your routine and feels more natural.

Awesome, I really do appreciate the insight you've presented to me Doug. Now I'm starting to get the picture now.

So metaphorically speaking, like an athlete, I just have to condition myself mentally and physically ( fingers/hand/arms,etc)?



[QUOTE=Douglas Showalter]We all start on the same journey. Best of luck and remember to always fall in love with the process.

Thank you, I will keep this in mind for sure.

Originally Posted by: frontierAk
So metaphorically speaking, like an athlete, I just have to condition myself mentally and physically ( fingers/hand/arms,etc)?

Not in the same way no. I use that comparison simply because in sports, you are using your body in all these new ways. While some people pick it up faster than others, the vast majority of people take time to learn any new skill. Playing the guitar, again, utilizes your body, mind, and ears in an entirely new way. This is both the frustrating and exciting part of learning the instrument. You don't necessarily have to do calisthenics, but you do need to be prepared for some physical discomfort, which will fade.

Another suggestion would be if you can, try and study privately so you can have someone work with your technique one on one. This will ensure that you do not incur any bad habits in the beginning that may be a bit hard to shed later on.

Best of luck and keep us posted on your journey.