A fretted plucked stringed instrument, usually having 6 strings.
14
votes
9answers
6k views
Why learn scales? What are they for?
I tried Googling but it seems there is no answer for this one. So the internet assumes everyone knows what scales are for? Why should I learn them? Are they important to be a good guitarist?
21
votes
9answers
442 views
What is the best way of learning the notes on the fretboard.
What is the best way to learn the notes on the fretboard. Are there any good tips on how to do this?
6
votes
5answers
9k views
How to start learning FingerStyle guitar?
How do I start learning fingerstyle guitar? I am lookin for a good book with CD, or any video series that will help me to get started. Basically, I want have some direction about how to play like ...
20
votes
4answers
4k views
How should I “store” my guitars?
I have a bunch of guitars of varying quality from unplayable to quite nice. I intend to hang some (or all) of them on walls for decoration, but I'm not sure if this is good for the guitars, so perhaps ...
4
votes
5answers
711 views
Learning Guitar by hearing
I am a little worried/tired of learning guitar by, note-by-note, scale-by-scale learning process.
I have the basic figured out. Now, I was wondering if there is a way/process/resource to learn ...
13
votes
4answers
388 views
Is it possible to create the illusion of a sub-harmonic?
The way I understand it, a normal plucked tone consists of a great many overtones in addition to the base tone. A pinched harmonic, however, shifts the base tone higher into the overtone series by ...
11
votes
3answers
286 views
How can I move beyond learning songs?
I can competently learn and play chord progressions and simple runs on the guitar but I do not feel like I understand the instrument. My playing progresses by memorizing songs.
However, I know that ...
9
votes
2answers
302 views
What is an “open tuning”?
I know that Keith Richards has been known to use open tunings on some songs, but what is an open tuning exactly and when/why would you use it?
9
votes
4answers
296 views
Free exercise books
I've asked a question here: What is a string skipping exercise?.
A follow up question: Are there some good free exercise books available on-line for the post-beginner stage? A link to a good ...
7
votes
5answers
289 views
How to go learn through a book
This is not your average "which book to learn from" question. I'll post my research and background in as much detail as possible (since this could potentially help others with similar question).
I've ...
7
votes
4answers
161 views
Recommended arm and hand position for neck side
I was wondering if there are some really clear sites, videos or texts explaining the best practices regarding the way to hold your guitar, both to be efficient and to avoid straining your fingers/arm.
...
5
votes
3answers
767 views
What are alternative “voicings” for Major/Minor/Dominant Chords if I can't play “Barre Chords”?
I would like some alternative Chord Voicings if I don't want to play the standard barre chords for major/minor/dominant voicings: Thanks!!
5
votes
4answers
344 views
What is the best way to start learning to play guitar by ear
I've been using TAB for a while but I want to transition to picking things up by ear. What is an effective way to do that? Please give answers about methods you have experience with and explain how ...
4
votes
3answers
3k views
Should I mute “unwanted” strings or not when playing power chords?
I've been playing guitar for a while but haven't yet actually learned to play any songs featuring hard power chords. Now I'm trying to learn some songs by Metallica and AC/DC, and I don't have to tell ...
9
votes
5answers
256 views
Learn guitar chords?
I like to play guitar and I'm quite good playing tabs. However, I don't know the chords and I would like to learn them and to play them easily. Any tips on where to learn them on internet or tips to ...
9
votes
2answers
818 views
How to begin learning the CAGED Method
What is the best way of approaching the CAGED Method. What are some good resources for beginning to learn this method.
9
votes
1answer
240 views
Mental approach to improvisation
Improvisation for guitar is a fairly well-covered topic, with good resources to be found within multiple contexts (Web, traditional literature, etc).
However, most of what I've read is basically ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
What should a guitarist learn first: Rhythm or Lead?
It is a slightly subjective question, however, there is, I'm sure, a common consensus as to what lends itself better to a beginner so as not to get frustrated with the instrument. I'm curious as to ...
7
votes
3answers
190 views
How to develop soloing vocabulary
Background:
My first guitar teacher used to show me small licks or note patterns that had that special quality of arousing interest during a solo improvisation. They were essentially "tools" in my ...
7
votes
7answers
209 views
Are there any books or videos out there that teach you SLOWLY and do not focus on learning TABS?
Are there any books or videos courses that just teach you how to practice acoustic guitar and its not complicated either? I know that there are lots of video course, books, youtube videos out there ...
7
votes
5answers
163 views
Resources for learning the Blues
Can anyone recommend any good resources (books or online) for learning the Blues on the guitar? Scales and theory is what I am looking for.
6
votes
3answers
1k views
What is a ghost note ?
What is a ghost note and how is it different than holding the previous note ?
5
votes
4answers
551 views
Do acoustic or classical guitars need to be set up?
Obviously acoustic and classical guitars don't have external pickups that need to be setup, but are there any other adjustments that need to be done on a regular basis? There doesn't seem to be a ...
3
votes
3answers
325 views
Why tune the guitar other than standard?
I have a question. How does tuning come into play in guitar songs? See, I can find the tab of a song in the guitar by ear and I was taught that in tuning standard the fifth fret of the low e string is ...
-2
votes
4answers
195 views
What's the most useful alternate tuning and why? [closed]
Whenever a guitarist wants to learn an alternate tuning, the practical details are easily addressed (string-guage, using a tuner). But the strategic aspect cannot be gained without many Saturday ...
19
votes
9answers
1k views
“one finger per fret” - is it worth following this rule?
When I first got into guitar, I was given advice to follow a "one finger per fret" rule with the left hand.
Basically, to fret notes with all four fingers, and to follow a pattern such that in any ...
17
votes
2answers
2k views
Does leaving a capo on “hurt” the strings?
On occasion I've accidentally left a capo on (overnight). Does this decrease the life of the strings, staying in tune time, hurt the neck, or anything else that's bad?
14
votes
3answers
209 views
Poor quality guitars that don't tune
So since I got it at a discount price, I noticed this Yamaha I have won't tune properly. Specifically if I tune the strings to a perfect EADGBE (using a good digital tuner), then I cross check the ...
11
votes
8answers
288 views
How to do “metal” harmonics (pinch etc)
I've always struggled with this, tried watching Youtube tutorials, but can't get it to work.
Should you hold the pick in any particular way? I've always held my picks with three fingers, for ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
What is true bypass?
What is true bypass on a pedal? What are it's advantages? What are it's disadvantages?
11
votes
5answers
3k views
How can I minimize going out of tune when using the whammy bar?
Perhaps my selection of musicians is biased, but usually when I see a whammy bar used, it's usually with a locking tremolo bridge like a Floyd Rose. Everybody else seems to take the whammy bar out and ...
10
votes
9answers
4k views
Why is dropped D tuning used so often?
Many metal/rock songs use dropped D tuning. What reasons are there for it?
9
votes
1answer
56 views
Is there any way to improve the life of my capo?
I have a spring-action grip style capo that is designed for changing the position easily. It used to be great, however now I am finding that quite often it will not fret some of the strings properly, ...
8
votes
9answers
13k views
How not to touch neighbouring strings?
When playing guitar, my fingers often touch other strings on the guitar. I found that my fingertips are too broad for the strings. When I press one string by my middle finger, the meat of the ...
8
votes
2answers
729 views
Restringing a 12-string guitar with heavier strings - is it possible?
I'm considering using a 12-string guitar I don't play all that much as a testbed: Is it possible to restring an acoustic guitar as a baritone guitar, or even just string it so I can tune it down a few ...
7
votes
2answers
326 views
Fingertip sensitivity/pain related to nail separation
I've been playing for decades. Every now and then I do something that causes a fingertip on my fretting hand to be extremely sensitive — to the point where the slightest pressure causes pain. ...
7
votes
7answers
2k views
Is it possible for a left hander to learn guitar right handed?
I am looking to get a guitar for my step son.
He is largely left handed, but currently he plays the drums right handed without any difficulty.
Would the same apply with learning guitar from scratch?
...
7
votes
5answers
519 views
How can I strengthen my fretting hand away from my guitar?
I don't get as much time with my guitar as I'd like, and I'd like to be "in shape" for the time of day when I can play. Are there exercises I can do while I don't have my guitar that can help improve ...
7
votes
3answers
839 views
What are some good slap guitar resources?
I'm fascinated by the technique of most of the guys on CandyRat records, specifically Andy Mckee. Are there any resources out there on slap guitar technique? How can I too become as epic as him at ...
7
votes
0answers
111 views
How to properly store valuable guitars?
What are the general guidelines when storing a collectors, very nice guitar (special woods, etc.), or one you value greatly? You will find humidity control systems in place at stores with "acoustic ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
What's causing this buzzing sound on the high e string?
My Takamine acoustic has a tendency to buzz when I play the high e string fretted around frets 2 and 3. I figure it's something to do with the neck and tension rod. Are there any other parts of a ...
7
votes
3answers
679 views
Factors in choosing a replacement saddle for an acoustic guitar.
I saw this in the comments section on the question "Do acoustic or classical guitars need to be set up?"
The saddle material makes a difference in the sound of an acoustic too.
I have a bit of a ...
7
votes
6answers
561 views
How To Improve My Sightreading?
I've been reading music since I was five years old, but I learned how on the piano, never on the guitar. I find that when I play guitar, I think of the notes as they relate to each other spatially: ...
6
votes
2answers
306 views
Some acoustic guitars are easy to play but some aren't. What affects playability?
I was comparing a fender and an epiphone acoustic guitar and noticed that fender was easier for my left hand. Both guitars have the same dimensions and seemed to have same string gauge.
I thought ...
6
votes
2answers
120 views
Can I split guitar string gauges?
I want to know if I can split guitar string gauges, ie. using 12s on the bottom and 10s on the top, both for standard and drop tunings.
6
votes
2answers
646 views
Insane amounts of fret buzzing on my lower strings
This may have been addressed before, but I can't really find a thread that targets this problem.
Whenever I play on my low B, E, or A string between open and fifth fret inclusive, it always buzzes ...
6
votes
5answers
88 views
What are some of the things that influence a players “Tone”?
Listen to Larry Carlton, Jeff Beck,Steve Morse, Grant Green, Freddie/BB/ King, Hound Dog Taylor, Luther Allison, Dave Gregory ect.. - love'm or hate'm they all have very distinctive tones, Why? It's ...
6
votes
4answers
168 views
What is a guitar truss rod?
What is the "truss rod" on a guitar? Do truss rods vary for an acoustic, electric, or classical guitar?
5
votes
5answers
341 views
Is it possible to mute some of my strings?
I'm working on a part of a song where I need to strum the top two strings (B & E) together and very fast. I'm wondering if there is some sort of a damping capo that I can put over the other four ...
5
votes
2answers
563 views
Is there one or more “proper” finger picking styles/techniques?
Essentially, if there is some collection of proper techniques that have distinct rules or characteristics about them, that's what I'm looking for. There's not one particular artist or type of music I ...
