Just bought a guitar...

[parke02]

Maybe this is off topic b/c im not really looking for guitar music theory. I play the keys and know basic theory. Im wondering if anybody knows any good books or sites for beginner guitar lessons or advice. E.g. what to practice, what chords to learn first, etc..

Anybody?

[Spin Boyz]

What kind did you get?

[xolax]

I don't see why the theory is any different - it is all exactly the same. The only thing is that the layout of notes on the guitar is different.

[MoreDread]

http://www.wholenote.com/tracks/beginner.asp
http://guitar.about.com/
http://www.myguitarsolo.com/
http://www.ibreathemusic.com/
.
.
.

[noiselurker]

learn all the scale patterns. I don't think it matters what chords you learn first. I would recommend learning bar chords first that way you basically can play any chord instead of just depending on the top of the neck.

scales

bar chords

[bluebyte]

I am a bit against the "learn scales" method. It seems like mere memorizing to me.
What I recommend is to actually master the fretboard first i.e. which notes are in which frets. It may seem like a hard task at first, but divide and conquer - FOCUS - first frets 0-5 then 6-12. I'm not even mentioning 12+ (just the same pattern n+12). Then you will be able to play, comprehend and live-apply the scales and all kinds of stuff more properly and easily.

Play the notes, AND sing/say them. This will also develop your absolute pitch skill. And lastly, always make sure your guitar is tuned when you sit to play - this is crucial for development of the previously mentioned important skill.

[advaya]

Play the notes, AND sing/say them.

That's great advice for learning the fretboard. I remember (quite fondly actually) annoying the hell out of my brother doing that... over, and over, and over, and over...

[parke02]

What kind did you get?

I got a Takamine EG341SC

[parke02]

Thanks for the advice and the links everybody.

Having a rough time so far. I'm a short guy, and my fingers are stubby.. so im having a rough time getting my fingers to stretch far enough to play certain chords, e.g. the C chord which should be somewhat easier for beginners is REALLY hard for me. Not to mention, i can only practice for like 15-20 minutes at a time... my left hand fingers feel like they're being punctured by the strings. I'm a lil worried that i'll eventually find a chord that is simply impossible to play for my tiny fingers. Hopefully not. Its sloooooooooowly getting a little easier though.

I'm sorta liking bluebytes advice, but that seems like a super boring way to learn. Probably is for the best though.

[hackenslash]

Get yourself a copy of "The Guitar Handbook" by Ralph Denyer. Everything you ever wanted to know about guitar, including playing repairing building, effects, recording, etc. It's my bible.

[hackenslash]

http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Handbook-R ... 273&sr=8-1

[hackenslash]

I am a bit against the "learn scales" method. It seems like mere memorizing to me.
What I recommend is to actually master the fretboard first i.e. which notes are in which frets. It may seem like a hard task at first, but divide and conquer - FOCUS - first frets 0-5 then 6-12. I'm not even mentioning 12+ (just the same pattern n+12). Then you will be able to play, comprehend and live-apply the scales and all kinds of stuff more properly and easily.

Play the notes, AND sing/say them. This will also develop your absolute pitch skill. And lastly, always make sure your guitar is tuned when you sit to play - this is crucial for development of the previously mentioned important skill.

I agree with your technique, but I have to disagree with your first statement. Learning to play any instrument is about muscle memory. This is why tutors of every stripe place so much importance on scales. They build muscle memory much quicker than any other method, as well as building a more total understanding of the instrument.