Old Guy Can Learn new Tricks?


jhackbart
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Joined: 12/02/13
Posts: 2
jhackbart
Registered User
Joined: 12/02/13
Posts: 2
03/15/2014 3:11 pm
I'm 51 and first time trying to learn. Having so much fun, could always sing, but never accomplish an instrument....very determined to do this. My wife bought me a Yamaha guitar for Christmas, took first lessons in January, making progress, but struggling with the pic. I can't seem to keep it in correct angle position, keeps slipping to one side or the other, have tried different pics with same result??? I seem to need to grip it so hard that it does not seem natural? I think I could catch on to the right hand thumb picing patterns? I can play some songs only when I am not using the pic but using my thumb...in order for me to keep having fun and feel like I am progressing, I would like to go the direction of learning to pic patterns with my fingers and keep practicing with the pic, but need to feel I am making progress...any suggestions would be much appreciated, any suggestions on where I would find how to learn the thumb picing patterns would be also appreciated! Last issue I am having...I cannot get all my fingers together to play A...any ideas how to correct this? A wider necked guitar?
# 1
Tom1951
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Joined: 02/04/14
Posts: 46
Tom1951
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Joined: 02/04/14
Posts: 46
03/15/2014 5:44 pm
Welcome to GT. I am relatively new here also but am learning a lot and enjoying it. I, too, have some problems with the A chord but have been using the following fingering and find it makes my life easier.

I use my index finger on the g string, middle finger on the d, and ring finger on the b. Looks a little strange but I can get a good sound as all fingers are closer to the 2nd fret. It also makes transition to the E and D chords easy...just slide the index up a little for the D and back one fret for the E. So far, I haven't found this to be a detriment.

I also have a Yamaha guitar (Pacifica 112J) with a Fender Mustang I V2 amp. They work great for me as a beginner.
Tom
# 2
Nomad2
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Joined: 09/10/12
Posts: 31
Nomad2
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Joined: 09/10/12
Posts: 31
03/15/2014 9:53 pm
I usually bar the A, but have just tried what Tom suggested & it works quiet well, might use that myself.
# 3
compart1
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Joined: 06/27/09
Posts: 1,410
compart1
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Joined: 06/27/09
Posts: 1,410
03/15/2014 10:07 pm
Use the forum search, It's been covered a few times in here.
Try a small dab of Sticky Tack. Available at most staple supply stores. It can get messy so use very little. A dab about the size of a match head.
Wedgie Nylon XT Textured Picks has a few good review. If you can find where they are not sold out.

3 fingers will fit on the second fret.. Try up the neck about mid way. It may be you need a set up to lower your string.
It does take time for muscle memory to set in.
I have my index finger closer to the first fret. Middle and ring finger close to the second fret. Make sure your fingers point in at a 90 degree angle.

-----X---R
---X-----I
-----X---M

Maybe this will help.. good luck
# 4
Tom1951
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Joined: 02/04/14
Posts: 46
Tom1951
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Joined: 02/04/14
Posts: 46
03/16/2014 3:04 am
Originally Posted by: Nomad2I usually bar the A, but have just tried what Tom suggested & it works quiet well, might use that myself.

Nomad2: For your information I got the A chord fingering from Justin @ justinguitar.com. I believe he is in the UK and is a superb guitarist.
Tom
# 5
jhackbart
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Joined: 12/02/13
Posts: 2
jhackbart
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Joined: 12/02/13
Posts: 2
03/16/2014 8:09 pm
Thanks all for your help...much appreciated.
# 6

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