How to play guitar by Robbo111

"I got a Harmony guitar in the 10th grade and I've been playing ever since."

How I did it:    I joined the Folksinging Club at my high school in the 10th grade.  I wanted to be Bob Dylan, or Woodie Guthrie, or even Arlo Guthrie.  I practiced chords and fingerpicking styles like Cotton Picking and Travis Picking.  I listened to the guys above and to Joan Baez and Judy Collins and Tom Rush.  I had a local friend who played very well and inspired me. Her name was Kathy Rote. 
   I have played guitar and sung for many years and I always love it.
     

Lessons & tips:    Learn and practice the chords in several keys - I suggest the keys of C, G, E, A, and D.  Start with the keys C and G, and then learn the others as you get better.  Get a capo so you can adjust the key to your voice. 
   I stayed away from lessons (you know, a purist), but I know now that lessons will surely speed your progress. 
   Don't give up.  It'll take a while to get good;  and you'll have some sore finger tips, but keep at it.

Resources: The Folksinger's Guitar Guide,  by Jerry Silverman
Sing Out Magazine


 

Apr 24, 10:32PM PDT | 3 comments | 1 cheer


Comments:

adak123

Kathy Rote

Oh my – came across your tip on learning to play guitar, saw my name and your choice of favorite artists like Tom Rush, Judy Collins and all, and figured you must be one of the Houston gang from Sand Mountain coffee house days, of the Lomax Friday night get togethers. It’s a few years down the road from those days – who are you? I’m Kathy Rote that walked w/ the canes and hung out at Sand Mountain and the JJC hootenanny nights. Is that the Kathy you mean? Glad to hear you’re still picking.

Oct 03, 11:01PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

Robbo111 is looking for buyers for a house I've listed for sale

Yes Kathy, I’m Robert Gaston – I new you from Ed Badeaux’s folk group at the JCC in Houston. What a hoot! I have thought of you often these many years! I worked and played at Sand Mountain with Mama Carrick and John (I think he’s still alive), Peter Gardner’s folk radio show. I still can play “Ballad of Springhill” which I got from you. You and I went to Galveston to play at a folk club near the beach one night. We rode down there in my 1959 Triumph TR-3 sportscar. I caught up with Carolyn Terry a few years ago. Is the “Orange Show” still around? Are you still in Houston? Do you do Facebook?

Robert K. Gaston, GRI, Realtor
Real Estate Executives of Austin
Call me first when you want to sell or buy
http://gastonhouse.actris.mlxchange.com
512-799-4800c

Oct 03, 11:53PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

adak123

For Goodness Sake

Sure Robert, I remember you and that ‘gig’ in Galveston – and the scare of a lifetime when I got so distracted by everything that I actually left my daddy’s herringbone D 28 at someone’s house where we stopped to party- got half way home before I realized it. How are ya ? I’m actually back in TX after a 30 yr. life, out there (Arizona and California mostly). My mom is 91yr. and needed my sister and I back home. But we drew the line at living in Houston again – so are in Brenham (talking culture shock), I hate it. But yes, John Carrick’s alive and thriving – he’s all over TX with his various enterprizes – lots of vintage guitar selling and buying. Also check in with Don Sanders on and off – but Carolyn T. I don’t have an email for any longer (send if you do please!!!). Perhaps we should organize a hootenanny – lord, there’s a time stamp. I’m not too good with this facebook, twitter stuff and took myself off after awhile. But I do email. Hope this finds you picking and grinning – great to know you’re out there. Cheers, Kathy

Oct 04, 07:54AM PDT | Respond to this


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