Question for you guitarists/guitar teachers

[totallyfrozen]

So, guitarists, I have a very close friend who recently got an electric guitar and an amp given to him as a gift. He really wants to learn how to play but doesn't have the time or money to hire a teacher right now (work, mortgage, kids, etc.).

I'd like to get him a DVD or a DVD set that can teach him the basics and maybe some basic Blues stuff so he can have fun with the guitar at home and will be able to join in the jam sessions that some of us musicians start at the parties that HE hosts at HIS house, you know? Guy throws a party then gets left out of the jam...I feel pretty bad about that.

I've messed with Keith Wyatt's Blues Guitar DVD (The Ultimate Beginner Series from Warner Bros. DVD), but I think that's more geared toward someone who has some familiarity with the guitar already.

I'm looking for something for a total beginner with NO previous knowledge or experience with the instrument. What recommendations do you have for a DVD type format that would help a total novice get the basics and begin to be able to play some chords and blues?

Thanks in advance.

[totallyfrozen]

?

[MalcolmAmos]

OK - help him play backup rhythm from fake chord and or lead sheets.

He will need about 7 to 10 chords to do that. What the heck make it easy for the guy....
http://www.ibreathemusic.com/article/42
Finger friendly chords, i.e. one and two finger C, G, G7, E7, etc. and show him the F6 instead of the pure F.

Some fake chord sheet music and those finger friendly chords will get him jamming in no time. Show him how the I IV V progression will let him wing it. Also tell him to watch the other rhythm guitar's fretting hand. When he goes to a G chord he does likewise. I always recommend Guitar for Dummies. The one with a CD. Your local library will have it. I think you and Guitar for Dummies will be able to help him more than any Internet lessons. Nothing beats having a musician sitting knee to knee with him.

It'll take him about a month, maybe two, to be semi-comfortable in a jamming situation - if you have fake chord he can look at. A canvis camp stool - with two legs cut shorter - makes a great sit in the back yard music stand.
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Good luck.

[totallyfrozen]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Thanks for the good ideas!

...and the...........stool sample?

[jive1]

Don't have a DVD to recommend, but back when I used to teach guitar years and years ago, I used the Heavy Guitar Bible for electric students, or the Complete Guitar Player for my acoustic students.