Oldie but Goodie

Hello everybody,

My name is Greg and I'm a brand new guitar player. I have been reading some of the posts here and I see that I am not the only Oldie but Goodie and that is very encouraging. I have never played any musical instrument ( except the the old comb with wax paper kazoo) and I am very excited to be learning the guitar. For the last several years I have been saying to my girlfriend that I would like to learn to play the guitar. She got tired of my procrastinating so she bought me a guitar for my 70th birthday two years ago. I took 2 lessons at a local adult learning center but had to quit because of a family emergency. And now I am raring to go. I came across Guitar Tricks a few weeks ago so watch out Eric Clapton. I have lots of time to practice with this covid thing going on and I am determined to do this. I am looking forward to learning along with all of you and sharing our successes.

I do have a question, though. Is there a forum here where I can get advise on technique? I am having trouble changing from simple E chord to simple A. I suspect it is because of the way the guitar neck is resting in (or not resting in) the palm of my hand. Sometimes it is resting in my palm and other times I am squeezing it between my thumb and my other fingers. Neither way feels natural to me but I would like to learn the right way so it becomes a habit.

I better go practice some more now because I really need it.

Looking forward to any of your help and to any help that I, as a novice, can give to you.

Greg

Hey 334river,

I am new on the site too. Just read your question.

I think it may be related to your sitting position and the way you are holding the guitar.

Check out this video to learn about this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfC0R-KWhwQ

Don't forget to follow all the lessons from the Core Learning System.

They are very detailed and clear.

https://www.guitartricks.com/beginner.php

P.S. I assume you are using an accoustic guitar.

Hi Greg,

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest since you've only had two lessons previously and just getting started you should start with the guitar fundamentals 1. It's on the Home Screen when you first log in. If your in it already the instructor will cover proper holding of the guitar and proper ways to form the chords you mentioned. She's great. Trust her program and the lesson plan and do everything in order and you'll be well on your way to making those chords and many others without developing any early bad habits. Good luck in your new journey and always remember to keep it fun. [br][br]

Moe

Hi Greg,

Welcome to you. And, yes, there is a significant size population of us "Oldie but Goodie"s on here. In fact, I am exactly same age as you. Similarly, "Santa" brought me my first guitar to start this journey a few years ago. It would appear we are aa couple lucky guys!

And, yes, there is a forum here to ask "technique" questions. It is called "Technique". Actually, "Technique and Style" = https://www.guitartricks.com/forum/threads.php?f=1. But there is also the "Guitar Basics" subforum.

Whereever you ask, there is a always a blindingly fast response from instructors here. Also, you will find a very helpful contigent of fellow students. They may only have a slightly longer learning experience than you. But, because they may have experienced your issue, they will offer advice.

Good luck to you!

Originally Posted by: mjgodin

Hi Greg,

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest since you've only had two lessons previously and just getting started you should start with the guitar fundamentals 1. It's on the Home Screen when you first log in. If your in it already the instructor will cover proper holding of the guitar and proper ways to form the chords you mentioned. She's great. Trust her program and the lesson plan and do everything in order and you'll be well on your way to making those chords and many others without developing any early bad habits. Good luck in your new journey and always remember to keep it fun. [br][br]

Moe

Well put Moe!

Thanks everybody for all the quick responses. It's good to know there are people in my position as well as well seasoned players out there to help me through the rough spots.

And yes, I am using an accoustic guitar.