How I did it: Received an acoustic as a birthday present and practiced with easy songs and online tutorials from there.

There are numerous sites out there with easy-to-learn songs, and while some of the songs are cheesy, many of them are ones you'll be surprised to learn are easier than previously thought.

Lessons & tips: The cool thing is that guitar is one of those things you can just pick up and practice, unlike driving or martial arts. Practice practice. It can't be stressed enough.There seems to be a parabolic curve where you start out slow but steadily gain momentum. Practice your scales, and find simple easy songs to practice your chords on. Half the battle is learning how to strum properly and change chords quickly (and without looking). The number of songs that can be played with nothing more than C, G, and D chords (with the occasional E minor thrown in for good measure :P) is staggering. Practice. Sing along. Play along to music videos on youtube.

And it's sexy as hell. :P Being able to grab a guitar and start strumming "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind (C, G, and D chords), "3 A.M." by Matchbox 20 (C, G, and D chords), "Let Her Cry" by Hootie and the Blowfish (C, G, D, and Em chords), or "Collide" by Howie Day (C, G, D, and Em chords) seems much more impressive to non-guitar players than it really is. ;)

After that, everything from there on up is a continuation and a refinement. Guitar playing is such a diverse past time that it's impossible for one person to know or be good at everything. The advantage to this is that you can focus on whatever part of guitar playing interests you most!

Resources: Online tutorials, videos, and TAB charts

Sep 27, 2010, 07:05PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer