Learning to play the guitar - owwwwwwwwww

Does anyone use those online guides on youtube?

 

Yeah...Marty Swartz gets you rocking even if you are just a beginner...

 

After seeing a lad that I went to school with on Youtube I realised that I'm never gonna be able to 'play' the guitar so I haven't bothered trying. I have a voice in the back of my head telling me I should have a go, I think it's in my genes, my Dad played Baratone sax in The Pete Best Combo (post Beatles) and that's my only claim to fame. hahaha.
Here's the lad from school.

 

I use Justin Sandercoe's site - mainly because I also have the hard copy book to go with it. So I read the book and do all the exercises there, and then check online to make sure I'm doing it right and play along with songs etc.

I'm finding it really easy to learn that way, and am really enjoying it.

 

Do you know what gauge strings are on the guitar? They are probably 12's or maybe 11's. To begin, drop the gauge down to a set of 9's or 10's. That will help as you will not have to press so hard. Also when learning many people press too hard. As you fingers begin to harden you can bring up the gauge to get a fuller sound. 9's will sound very bright. you can also get sets with 9's for the thinner 3 and 11's for the three thicker strings.

 

this is what you can play on a truly shagged guitar.

 

To Zoe Strummer (you're probably stuck with that now..) I say ditch your heathen guitar and go for the altogether more refined and genteel Ukulele