Advice for bassist trying to learn GUITAR

[Toastfuzz]

Hi all,

I've decided to teach myself how to play 6-string guitar, as right now my knowledge stops at the G string and power chords. What are some good resources and techniques for learning chords and getting comfortable on a 6-string? Any songs you can recommend to learn that would be good for a beginner guitarist / intermediate musician to get their feet wet?

[CnB77]

justinguitar. I really think its the best free online resource for beginning guitar

[totallyfrozen]

Open the Yellow Pages--or better yet, go to your local guitar shop--and find a good teacher in your area.

In addition to being a more complete way to learn than trying to teach yourself at home, it supports local business.

I'm often surprised at how many musicians (even here on TB) who would love to make a living--or some money--playing music, yet they don't want to support the music instructors in their own town.

[chuck norriss]

Youtube is very helpful.

[xdanxx]

Originally Posted by totallyfrozen

Open the Yellow Pages--or better yet, go to your local guitar shop--and find a good teacher in your area.

In addition to being a more complete way to learn than trying to teach yourself at home, it supports local business.

I'm often surprised at how many musicians (even here on TB) who would love to make a living--or some money--playing music, yet they don't want to support the music instructors in their own town.

not everyone is rolling is disposable income.

[totallyfrozen]

Originally Posted by xdanxx

not everyone is rolling is disposable income.

Getting a human teacher is still the best way to go about it, IMO. He asked for 'advice for a bassist trying to learn guitar' and my advice is to get a human teacher.

whether or not you (or he) can afford it is a problem you'll have to work out for yourselves.

[Toastfuzz]

Originally Posted by totallyfrozen

Open the Yellow Pages--or better yet, go to your local guitar shop--and find a good teacher in your area.

In addition to being a more complete way to learn than trying to teach yourself at home, it supports local business.

I'm often surprised at how many musicians (even here on TB) who would love to make a living--or some money--playing music, yet they don't want to support the music instructors in their own town.

Originally Posted by xdanxx

not everyone is rolling is disposable income.

Income and Time are both factors that come into play. If I spend 60% of my time working or sleeping, 30% maintaining a social life, family connections, and relationship with the woman, that leaves 10% to hobbies and stuff, most of which is already eaten up by my 2 bands. So really I'm just looking for tips on best practices for teaching myself (as I asked in my initial post.)

I'd also bet 99% of musicians on TB would rather support local music through attending shows and buying merch than by seeking out instruction. I have no aspirations of becoming a classical guitar virtuoso, I just wanna play more than power chords.

[C.Linton]

If you're into blues guitar, you may want to check out the "Blues You Can Use" book/cd series by John Ganapes.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by C.Linton

If you're into blues guitar, you may want to check out the "Blues You Can Use" book/cd series by John Ganapes.

+100 on the blues, especially blues changes/turn arounds and chord substitution. Here are a couple of other books to check out:
"Complete Rhythm Guitar Guide for Blues Bands"
Blues Rhythm Guitar

Here are a few links for learning chords that are very useful:
Guitar Chords
printable guitar chord chart - chordie
http://www.guitarchordsmagic.com/Ult...hord-Chart.PDF
Visual guitar automatic chord finder website

I like this book because it gives you chords that work together based on pretty much any starting chord:
http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Grimoir.../ref=pd_sim_b3

I also suggest getting a couple of chord/song books for bands known for great songs, e.g. The Beatles.

Check out guitar forums:
1 Best guitar forums
2

You can also post any questions here: TB Guitar Thread
I'm sure many guitar playing TB'rs would be happy to answer any of your questions.

Good luck.

Edit: There are also many websites with backing tracks you can play along with. Or, you can make your own with a slow down program that also uses e.q. to isolate different frequencies, e.g., Best Practice.

[tk421]

as someone that self-taught both guitar and bass, at about the same time, i highly recommend the above-mentioned chord charts. I started off with a Beatles chord / fake book ... maybe not the best classical foundation, but it taught me to play along with songs i already knew.

[HaVIC5]

Originally Posted by Toastfuzz

Income and Time are both factors that come into play. If I spend 60% of my time working or sleeping, 30% maintaining a social life, family connections, and relationship with the woman, that leaves 10% to hobbies and stuff, most of which is already eaten up by my 2 bands. So really I'm just looking for tips on best practices for teaching myself (as I asked in my initial post.)

I'd also bet 99% of musicians on TB would rather support local music through attending shows and buying merch than by seeking out instruction. I have no aspirations of becoming a classical guitar virtuoso, I just wanna play more than power chords.

The majority of working musicians that only do music for a living that I know make the bulk of their steady income through teaching.

[MalcolmAmos]

If you gig bass. The rhythm guitar in your band could get you going in no time.

[Russell L]

Well, for me, back in 1963, it was a Mel Bay book with some open chords. I learned how to tune the thing and went on from there. An understanding of some basic theory would also help. Once you know some open chords you will notice that all the barre chords look just like 'em, only your barre finger replaces the nut.

[Papa Dangerous]

My best advice... Just don't do it