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Where do i start?


SNOguy

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Posted

Hi...i'm new here :)

 

I've been playing guitar for a while, but have put it on the shelf lately and i'm trying to get back into it.....seriously this time.

 

Up until now, i've been playing "by ear" 100% of the time and i have very limited knowledge regarding music theory (chords/scales/modes/ etc).

 

I feel that a profound knowledge of these things is critical to my progress as a musician. I just don't know where to start...there's so much information, i'm not sure what to tackle first.

 

Any ideas on a sort of "logical learning curve"?? Are there things that are more important to learn first that will facilitate my comprehension of other concepts in the future?? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Posted

My recommendations?

Find someone (locally) that plays the way you would like to play and ask them if they teach others. It's one of the best ways to get started. After all, why learn from a Jazz player if you are interested in playing Country Western music? Could a Jazz player still teach you? Certainly, but he may not know all the intracacies of the CW style.

If you are from a small town or rural area and can't find someone. The books I can recommend are:

Uncle Tim's First Year
by Tim Gillespie
Published by
Mountain Studios
1025 Oakdale Place
Boulder, CO 80304
Available from www.eteachingcenter.com

Includes more than most people could learn in 2 years. But definitely worth every penny! Assumes you know absolutely nothing.

The Guitar Handbook
by Ralph Denyer
Published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York

A wonderful book that covers not only guitar instructions but also includes advice for guitar players of every music style. There is an informative history about guitars, guitar devices, guitar players and a great synopsis of how guitars are made. Expensive but worth it.

Everything About Guitar Scales
by Wilbur M. Savidge
Published by Praxis Music Publications

Explains music theory, scales, modes, fret positions, fingering patterns, notation and tablature. In basic terms almost anyone can understand. A great companion to Uncle Tim's 1st Year. There is also another book by Mr. Savidge called Everything About Guitar Chords that I recommend.

Hope the above helps.

Rich

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Posted

i'd say that the most basic thing to know is what all the notes are and how #s and bs work... if you dont know that, start there... if u dont know and wanna understand it, pm me and i could give u some very basic info...

it's like that sound of music song *rolls eyes* 'doe a deer'- 'lets start at the very beginning, a very good place to start'... :p

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Posted

I know all about #'s and b's, as well as key signatures. But no, i do not know (by heart) what all the notes on the neck are. Given time i can figure it out, but it doesn't come to me instantly yet.

I'm more interested in things like chord/scale theory for the purpose of (eventually) songwriting. What makes a minor scale? What makes a major scale? Where do Modes fall into all of it? What the hell is an augmented chord?

I'm not expecting anyone to answer all of these questions for me :) I'm just looking for a good resource(s) where i can get some info on these topics.

Thanks for your replies.

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Posted

I'm in a similar boat. Played on and off for nearly 20 years and never tried to learn the real "meat and potatoes" stuff. So now I am coming back to it with a little more of a mindset to get the theory.

here is a good place to start with theory. Or, at least I have found it helpful.

guitarbasics.com

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Posted

Well, it's good you understand #'s and b's. This means you might have a good understanding of Intervals. If not, Intervals is eactly where you wanted to start.

And, before you go jumping into the endless vat of scales and especially modes...the best thing you do (after learning Intervals) is learn how chords are built. After that, learning to build chords in a key.

By knowing how to build chords you'll understand a primary reason for scales...harmony in context. If you see a chord, you'll be able to narrow down what scale to play pretty easy, without even knowing a lot of scales.

These are the fundamentals you can use when you pick up almost any book. These basics will give you firm ground to build on.

Once you know those things then I'd say move to scales and modes. But, so many people end up with all these scales but have no idea when and where to use them...chord building tells you this.

You can go to my site read the Intervals and Chord Construction tutorials. In my experience these two things are the best lpace to start....especially if you already play by ear...you'll already know or have played a lot of it, but now you'll know what and how. Then it's upward and onward.

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Posted

Thanks gennation. Much appreciated.

I have heard of intervals, but have never studied them in great detail. Looks like that's where i'm starting......for now :p

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Posted
Originally posted by SNOguy

Thanks gennation. Much appreciated.


I have heard of intervals, but have never studied them in great detail. Looks like that's where i'm starting......for now
:p



Cool. You are headed in the right direction I think. I hope you understood that I have those types of lessons at my web site.

http://lessons.mikedodge.com

I've started that "Beginners to Advanced Series" especially for people like you. And of course advanced players can still get a lot out of it too. As it progresses it's Advanced stuff...but if you take your time you'll go from beginner to some advanced concepts fairly quick.

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Posted

Very good info here.

I have been playing for around 20 years (including quite a few in regularly gigging bands), and have never had lesson one.

Seeing this post made me think it would be nice to take my practical knowledge and mesh it with the REAL knowledge and see what can happen!

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