Frustrated Newbie

A great thread! Kudos to all of your posts! Very encouraging and helpful to all who read the thread. I used to teach guitar as a full-time gig. Fingers come in all lengths and sizes. Find a way to make it work for you. A DECENT GUITAR TO PLAY: that makes all the difference in the world! The lower the action, the easier it is to fret notes and chords. Ask a friend who plays or your instructor to help you select a guitar. Get it "SET UP" by a professional at your local music store to get the action and intonation right. Keep practicing! I am still a work in progress.

Over the past 2 years I've learned to be a little more patient with my progress. By this I mean that when I'm learning a new chord or song it's not like I practice it for a few hours and by the end of those few hours I see a large improvement. That's what I expected in the beginning and it was frustrating. It's often a couple days later that I notice the most significant improvement. Not sure if this is just the rate in which my tiny pea brain can memorize or what but the fact that I realize this keeps me from getting frustrated so quickly and therefore keeps me playing. Makes playing much more pleasant. Good Luck!

You might enjoy the book Guitar Zero by Gary Marcus. It is all about how people learn music, in this particular case a 42-year-old college professor who starts out to learn the guitar.

I have also found that significant improvements appear with a time lag after you stop practicing. It's how our brains re-wire themselves in response to practice. The learning doesn't happen instantly, it takes some time to sink in, if you will. Think of it as a surprise gift you get to open each time you sit down to play.

As for the open F chord, I find it it much easier to use the barre F instead. I've been playing for 5-1/2 years now, and still haven't bothered to learn open F :0)

Originally Posted by: wilsjayJust wanted to post an update to this. After taking the weekend off and getting back to it last night and something just seemed to "click". Was finally able to play all 3 of those chords and switch. Was not flawless by any means but they were ringing out finally. It felt so good I think played those 3 chords over and over for about 2+ hours (usually do 30 minutes or so per night). I will probably spend a few more night practicing these in time before moving on to the next set of chords, but thanks everyone for the encouragement/advice. Much appreciated!

Here is a tip I heard years ago that has really helped me learn or "absorb" new chords, licks, etc. In addition to having a set structured practice time or area (which is important) I will also leave a guitar out of it's case on a stand in my bedroom or living room so I can grab it multiple times throughout the day and finger the new chords or slowly run through the lick that I am working on. Playing a few minutes before I leave for work, when I get home before dinner or even sitting on the couch while watching TV helps take the pressure off of having to get it "right now" and reinforces my muscle and mental memory. Keep up the good work it is a hobby for a lifetime.

Welcome to G.T.
Have just seen your post. The replys you have had thus far give good advise.
I still have problems with chords notably the F chord.
Practice little and often. Rather than spend 1, 2, or 3 hours at a time, I have found it easier to do 15 minute sessions, put the guitar down and come back to it a little later. You'll find what works best for you with trial and error
It takes time, but a thing called muscle memory will come into play. You will
suddenly find the chords become a lot easier as your fingers become more flexible. Stay with it and enjoy the journey.

Originally Posted by: Nomad2
Practice little and often. Rather than spend 1, 2, or 3 hours at a time, I have found it easier to do 15 minute sessions, put the guitar down and come back to it a little later...

Nomad -- Do you do warm-up exercises? If so, how do they fit into the 15 minute sessions..?

Hi John
For the warm up I usually do 'finger taps', ie little finger, ring, middle, index
then back, helps me to keep flexible. (some people may find this annoying if waiting at a counter in a store)
Also use 'spider fingers' and major C scale. May not seem much but it works for me. This is outside of the 15 mins span.

Originally Posted by: wilsjayAny help/pointer for a frustrated newbie? I am TOTALLY new and learning my first set of chords A, D, and E major chords. Really having a tough time getting my fingers not to interrupt the other strings. I keep trying, but can hardly ever seem to get it. I have large hands and long fingers (which I thought may actually help, but not so much so far). Any tips are greatly appreciated!

I can't tell you how to play better, but I do know who can give you the best tip you have ever received. Look right into a mirror. You are the only road block standing between where you are now and the goals you have set for yourself. You're going to mute strings on accident, you're gonna miss the chords altogether, accidentally swap your strumming back/forth and you may end up throwing your guitar across the room, but if you motivate yourself to keep repeating the lessons/songs you're learning over and over again you WILL succeed. The anatomy of your hands/fingers will have their strengths and weaknesses. Take advantage of their strengths and learn how to adjust them to compensate for your weak points. I've seen a man play the guitar with his damn feet. Your fingers will work just fine. Trust me when I say instruments are learned within barriers. Once you leap over that next barrier you will feel amazing and ready to tackle the next one. Good luck!