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Playing The Guitar
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I always have a bottle of liquid skin to hand (the stuff they use for small cuts) for times when I've had to lay off the guitar for a couple of weeks and the calluses start to shred. Spray it on just before you play and let it dry. Then just try to play a bit every day - even if for 10-15 mins - just to keep the calluses regenerating.smurfd said:
Try using surgical spirit for your fingers it will toughen them up, Both my lads play one the bass the other lead, acoustic will be harder on the fingers anyway as the action is higher ie strings are further away from the fretboard, My youngest lad has been playing for about 17 years now had lessons to 7th grade then ACM, and is RGT.Powell Is Pleasant said:Thanks for links and tips etc At the mo it seems extremely hard but I guess thats the case with many things in life. When I first started driving lessons I wanted to give up. Will just have to knuckle down and give it a good go. Thanks for the links oakster. Will give them a try. Fingers are killing me already
I started learning about 7 years ago, and I remember painful fingers as a massive barrier! Just believe me when I say that they won't always hurt that much!
He has been playing in bands for years now, but practised 5/8 hours a day and has to keep it up or the fingers will not be as supple unfortunately not many gigs about now. Everything seems hard when you start but gets easier the more you do it, Before long you will be Joining Thomas on stage Good luck.
Guitar is infuriating at first as it is so hard to stop the strings buzzing. Persevere and once you get past that, it gets easier and easier.
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Good shout on the PRS, WestCountry, they are very nice to play, once you settle in to one 👍🏻My Parker Fly remains my favourite though, love that guitar.0
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Not a guitar exactly, but ukelele:
Thinking of getting my 7 year old daughter one as she's shown an interest.
Not looking to spend too much in case she's not that fussed after trying it, but also don't want a glorified toy (she saw a plastic one in Flying Tiger which she liked, but at £10 I suspect it wouldn't be great).
Any ideas/recommendations from those who know about these things?0 -
£10 plastic uke is barely even going to be a toy, certainly a very long way from being a musical instrument, false economy if learning to play is the aim, it'll never make a musical noise, even in the hands of a skilled player, it'll never stay in tune. It's impossible to learn to play if the 'instrument' will never sound right.North Lower Neil said:Not a guitar exactly, but ukelele:
Thinking of getting my 7 year old daughter one as she's shown an interest.
Not looking to spend too much in case she's not that fussed after trying it, but also don't want a glorified toy (she saw a plastic one in Flying Tiger which she liked, but at £10 I suspect it wouldn't be great).
Any ideas/recommendations from those who know about these things?
£20 to £25 will get you a soprano uke (the smallest size) £50 will even get you one made by a company you've heard of e.g Fender
Concert size uke is slightly bigger than a soprano and has a softer (less plinky plonk) tone, they'll not be much more than a soprano
Musical instrument/guitar shops are the places to go3 -
I play acoustic guitar, but I've also been playing ukulele for a number of years now.North Lower Neil said:Not a guitar exactly, but ukelele:
Thinking of getting my 7 year old daughter one as she's shown an interest.
Not looking to spend too much in case she's not that fussed after trying it, but also don't want a glorified toy (she saw a plastic one in Flying Tiger which she liked, but at £10 I suspect it wouldn't be great).
Any ideas/recommendations from those who know about these things?
And I've got more ukes than my girlfriend thinks I have!
I'm keen enough to follow the uke scene a bit ...... and I'd be pleased to pass on some of my thoughts on what to get your daughter.
I've got to go out right now, but this evening I'll get back to you.
Please don't buy just any old cheap crap for her, even if it's a pretty colour with a smiley face or covered in starry spangles.
They sound dreadful, don't hold tuning and difficult to play ..... she'll just give up.
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I would recommend looking in on a specialist shop live Duke of Uke https://www.dukeofuke.co.uk/ who are based in Brick Lane area.
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Good points. Although it's smaller than a guitar and has less strings, a lot of the factors which make for a good guitar apply equally to a uke. Better tuners are important for ease of tuning and tuning stability - if you're learning it's easier if you can get the thing in tune and keep it in tune! And the frets will be better, making it easier to play.Billy_Mix said:
£10 plastic uke is barely even going to be a toy, certainly a very long way from being a musical instrument, false economy if learning to play is the aim, it'll never make a musical noise, even in the hands of a skilled player, it'll never stay in tune. It's impossible to learn to play if the 'instrument' will never sound right.North Lower Neil said:Not a guitar exactly, but ukelele:
Thinking of getting my 7 year old daughter one as she's shown an interest.
Not looking to spend too much in case she's not that fussed after trying it, but also don't want a glorified toy (she saw a plastic one in Flying Tiger which she liked, but at £10 I suspect it wouldn't be great).
Any ideas/recommendations from those who know about these things?
£20 to £25 will get you a soprano uke (the smallest size) £50 will even get you one made by a company you've heard of e.g Fender
Concert size uke is slightly bigger than a soprano and has a softer (less plinky plonk) tone, they'll not be much more than a soprano
Musical instrument/guitar shops are the places to go
I bought my uke in the US, it's not great but it sounds ok, stays in tune and is easy to play - 75 bucks. Go much below that and it's firewood (assuming it's made of wood).
Shameless plug now: my band will be releasing an LP on vinyl this year and we have a new website: raybanduk.com - check it out if you like melodic guitar-based music.2 -
Amazon is going to be cheap ...... and perhaps you won't want to spend too much money right now, but avoid if you can.North Lower Neil said:Not a guitar exactly, but ukelele:
Thinking of getting my 7 year old daughter one as she's shown an interest.
Not looking to spend too much in case she's not that fussed after trying it, but also don't want a glorified toy (she saw a plastic one in Flying Tiger which she liked, but at £10 I suspect it wouldn't be great).
Any ideas/recommendations from those who know about these things?
The market is flooded with cheap Chinese crap often made to be sold mainly on Amazon and, while some of it may look good on the website, you've no idea what you're actually getting. Most is junk.
Bearing in mind that your daughter is only 7 years old, it's probably best to get an instrument that as well as being easy to play, is visually appealing to her but still robust enough. She may try to take special care of it, but she'll have friends and maybe even younger siblings who are just clumsy.
I've no idea of your budget of course, Neil ....... but I'm thinking something along the lines of the Makala range (made by Kala, which has a decent reputation in the ukulele world).
One I would suggest is something like the Makala Dolphin, well proven over the years, ideal for kids to learn on, playable and holds tuning .... choose from lots of bright pretty colours. It even has a dolphin shaped bridge, that may well appeal to a 7 year old.
https://www.dukeofuke.co.uk/makala-mk-sd-mbl-coloured-soprano-ukulele-metallic-blue/
Another good choice, but more traditional could be another Makala, their MK-S entry level soprano.
https://www.dukeofuke.co.uk/makala-mk-s-entry-level-soprano-ukulele/#product-reviews
Each would cost around £50, if that's within your budget.
Of course, there are plenty of other choices but wise to do a little research beforehand. I In normal times, the best thing is always to go to a specialist ukulele store - and actually play and listen to a selection.(I'm assuming you are a guitar player ....... you would know that a ukulele is played with the same guitar chord shapes, but sounding in a different key).
Plenty of bargains to be had on eBay. Buying used or secondhand can be a great way to get a better quality instrument - and very good value.
Anyway, loads of reviews on this impartial independent site, really informative and honest: I'd recommend Got a Ukulele:
https://www.gotaukulele.com/
Be wary of Youtube reviews - many are sponsored or influenced by ukulele manufacturers/ brands.
Not all of course, but be wary.
If I can help further, please do ask. At the end of the day, you pays your money and you makes your choice. But good luck, anyway.
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Cheers Oggy, very helpful!1
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Ended up getting her a second hand Makala Dolphin for her, cheers for the help!1
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Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.0
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If anyone is after a new guitar i have a nice Gordon Smith with Marshall amp and Boss processor in the marketplace.0
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if you cant find a personal teacher,there are plenty of very good lessons to be found free on line,from basic beginners up to whatever level you wish.You can also buy some very good beginners books that usually come with dvds or cds.Usually,the first steps on a guitar are learning a few simple chords and being able to strum along to a favourite song,which in all honesty you dont need to pay a personal tutor tot do this.Wish you well,8 is a great age to start learning a musical instrument.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.0 -
thickandthin63 said:
if you cant find a personal teacher,there are plenty of very good lessons to be found free on line,from basic beginners up to whatever level you wish.You can also buy some very good beginners books that usually come with dvds or cds.Usually,the first steps on a guitar are learning a few simple chords and being able to strum along to a favourite song,which in all honesty you dont need to pay a personal tutor tot do this.Wish you well,8 is a great age to start learning a musical instrument.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.
That's true if you just want to play for fun, not if you have aspirations to be classically trained to achieve a high standard.
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I agree,but at the age of 8,and obviously just starting out,it will be some time before the pupils capabilities are realised.To achieve a high level,especially in classical music ,there has to be a considerable amount of natural ability,and of course dedication.I personally have played a guitar for over 60 years,never getting above a reasonable"bedroom standard",if i had practised 12 hours a day for that period of time,I would still not have remotely approached the levels of the likes of Albert Lee,Chet Atkins etc.My opinion,get a guitar,have fun and see where it takes you.bobmunro said:thickandthin63 said:
if you cant find a personal teacher,there are plenty of very good lessons to be found free on line,from basic beginners up to whatever level you wish.You can also buy some very good beginners books that usually come with dvds or cds.Usually,the first steps on a guitar are learning a few simple chords and being able to strum along to a favourite song,which in all honesty you dont need to pay a personal tutor tot do this.Wish you well,8 is a great age to start learning a musical instrument.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.
That's true if you just want to play for fun, not if you have aspirations to be classically trained to achieve a high standard.1 -
thickandthin63 said:
I agree,but at the age of 8,and obviously just starting out,it will be some time before the pupils capabilities are realised.To achieve a high level,especially in classical music ,there has to be a considerable amount of natural ability,and of course dedication.I personally have played a guitar for over 60 years,never getting above a reasonable"bedroom standard",if i had practised 12 hours a day for that period of time,I would still not have remotely approached the levels of the likes of Albert Lee,Chet Atkins etc.My opinion,get a guitar,have fun and see where it takes you.bobmunro said:thickandthin63 said:
if you cant find a personal teacher,there are plenty of very good lessons to be found free on line,from basic beginners up to whatever level you wish.You can also buy some very good beginners books that usually come with dvds or cds.Usually,the first steps on a guitar are learning a few simple chords and being able to strum along to a favourite song,which in all honesty you dont need to pay a personal tutor tot do this.Wish you well,8 is a great age to start learning a musical instrument.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.
That's true if you just want to play for fun, not if you have aspirations to be classically trained to achieve a high standard.I don't wholly disagree and I'm like you, years of self-taught resulting in being banished to the far corners of the house with headphones plugged in to the amp! Most supremely talented guitarists, making a living playing, never reach the level of Albert Lee!But a few lessons early can determine that natural ability (or not) and if there's potential it avoids getting into bad habits.2 -
I have problems getting chords correct due to my arthritis but found learning Tab was easier on the hands, this over the months is not only easier and I’m learning to play The Shadows man of mystery to almost recognisable standard but my hands are starting to become more flexible again. I’m literally limited to 10 minutes a day and sometimes nothing at all but I can pick the guitar up and play without referring to any sheet music. Thanks to you guys for the inspiration 👍
edit, I’m looking for a cheaper end Stratocaster maybe a Vibe, so if anyone is outing their starting guitars shout in my direction please.5 -
If your dogs have rubber ballsT_C_E said:I have problems getting chords correct due to my arthritis but found learning Tab was easier on the hands, this over the months is not only easier and I’m learning to play The Shadows man of mystery to almost recognisable standard but my hands are starting to become more flexible again. I’m literally limited to 10 minutes a day and sometimes nothing at all but I can pick the guitar up and play without referring to any sheet music. Thanks to you guys for the inspiration 👍
use them or something similar to do finger exercises. 0 -
I agree,dont know about you,but even after all these years of abject mediocraty,I love shutting myself away for a time and just playing.I have Parkinsons and as a result,my old finger picking fingers dont pick so well,i have an old Martin 00028,which have owned for 30 years and would sell my house before I sold this guitar.I have also tried my hand at Mandolin,Banjo and ukele ,all great fun,and kept me going during the recent restrictions we have faced,keep plucking.bobmunro said:thickandthin63 said:
I agree,but at the age of 8,and obviously just starting out,it will be some time before the pupils capabilities are realised.To achieve a high level,especially in classical music ,there has to be a considerable amount of natural ability,and of course dedication.I personally have played a guitar for over 60 years,never getting above a reasonable"bedroom standard",if i had practised 12 hours a day for that period of time,I would still not have remotely approached the levels of the likes of Albert Lee,Chet Atkins etc.My opinion,get a guitar,have fun and see where it takes you.bobmunro said:thickandthin63 said:
if you cant find a personal teacher,there are plenty of very good lessons to be found free on line,from basic beginners up to whatever level you wish.You can also buy some very good beginners books that usually come with dvds or cds.Usually,the first steps on a guitar are learning a few simple chords and being able to strum along to a favourite song,which in all honesty you dont need to pay a personal tutor tot do this.Wish you well,8 is a great age to start learning a musical instrument.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.
That's true if you just want to play for fun, not if you have aspirations to be classically trained to achieve a high standard.I don't wholly disagree and I'm like you, years of self-taught resulting in being banished to the far corners of the house with headphones plugged in to the amp! Most supremely talented guitarists, making a living playing, never reach the level of Albert Lee!But a few lessons early can determine that natural ability (or not) and if there's potential it avoids getting into bad habits.2 -
60 years and only around bedroom standard? How often did you play , once a month for half hour?thickandthin63 said:
I agree,but at the age of 8,and obviously just starting out,it will be some time before the pupils capabilities are realised.To achieve a high level,especially in classical music ,there has to be a considerable amount of natural ability,and of course dedication.I personally have played a guitar for over 60 years,never getting above a reasonable"bedroom standard",if i had practised 12 hours a day for that period of time,I would still not have remotely approached the levels of the likes of Albert Lee,Chet Atkins etc.My opinion,get a guitar,have fun and see where it takes you.bobmunro said:
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T_C_E said:I have problems getting chords correct due to my arthritis but found learning Tab was easier on the hands, this over the months is not only easier and I’m learning to play The Shadows man of mystery to almost recognisable standard but my hands are starting to become more flexible again. I’m literally limited to 10 minutes a day and sometimes nothing at all but I can pick the guitar up and play without referring to any sheet music. Thanks to you guys for the inspiration 👍
edit, I’m looking for a cheaper end Stratocaster maybe a Vibe, so if anyone is outing their starting guitars shout in my direction please.
Try the "Squire" version of the strat,this is an offical copy of the Fender,made in the far east(or used to be) and are very good instruments.put the lightest strings on available,they can be played with much less pressure needed,although you wont get the Hank Marvin twang,many top players use very light strings.T_C_E said:I have problems getting chords correct due to my arthritis but found learning Tab was easier on the hands, this over the months is not only easier and I’m learning to play The Shadows man of mystery to almost recognisable standard but my hands are starting to become more flexible again. I’m literally limited to 10 minutes a day and sometimes nothing at all but I can pick the guitar up and play without referring to any sheet music. Thanks to you guys for the inspiration 👍
edit, I’m looking for a cheaper end Stratocaster maybe a Vibe, so if anyone is outing their starting guitars shout in my direction please.1 -
If you have trouble with your fingers look out for an Ibanez with a wizard neck. They’re very easy to play.T_C_E said:I have problems getting chords correct due to my arthritis but found learning Tab was easier on the hands, this over the months is not only easier and I’m learning to play The Shadows man of mystery to almost recognisable standard but my hands are starting to become more flexible again. I’m literally limited to 10 minutes a day and sometimes nothing at all but I can pick the guitar up and play without referring to any sheet music. Thanks to you guys for the inspiration 👍
edit, I’m looking for a cheaper end Stratocaster maybe a Vibe, so if anyone is outing their starting guitars shout in my direction please.2 -
Great thread this, TCE really pleased to hear you are now an old plucker…of a string based instrument!🙂😉🤣
Never too late to start, never too old to play….have fun, that’s the whole point 👍🏻2 -
Quite a lot in my younger days,and I did get quite good,but i also enjoyed my sports,and did not put anything like the serious practise in needed to excell.I wanted to be a "fingure picker" in the Chet Atkins mould,I dont suppose I could have picked a more complicated style,and although I did learn some of his basic playing,nothing that came remotely near the great man.so here I am still in the bedroom,but hey so what,still having fun trying to do justice to this wonderful instrument.SamB09 said:
60 years and only around bedroom standard? How often did you play , once a month for half hour?thickandthin63 said:
I agree,but at the age of 8,and obviously just starting out,it will be some time before the pupils capabilities are realised.To achieve a high level,especially in classical music ,there has to be a considerable amount of natural ability,and of course dedication.I personally have played a guitar for over 60 years,never getting above a reasonable"bedroom standard",if i had practised 12 hours a day for that period of time,I would still not have remotely approached the levels of the likes of Albert Lee,Chet Atkins etc.My opinion,get a guitar,have fun and see where it takes you.bobmunro said:3 -
SamB09 said:
60 years and only around bedroom standard? How often did you play , once a month for half hour?thickandthin63 said:
I agree,but at the age of 8,and obviously just starting out,it will be some time before the pupils capabilities are realised.To achieve a high level,especially in classical music ,there has to be a considerable amount of natural ability,and of course dedication.I personally have played a guitar for over 60 years,never getting above a reasonable"bedroom standard",if i had practised 12 hours a day for that period of time,I would still not have remotely approached the levels of the likes of Albert Lee,Chet Atkins etc.My opinion,get a guitar,have fun and see where it takes you.bobmunro said:Maybe 'bedroom' standard is all he wants.Playing isn't just about becoming an expert - it is a cathartic activity just to strum and play to a level where a particular riff or solo is recognisable, or to give some backing to a singalong at home.Not everyone who rides a bike wants or expects to take part in the Tour de France!5 -
Fair enough, as long as your enjoying it that's all that matters.thickandthin63 said:
Quite a lot in my younger days,and I did get quite good,but i also enjoyed my sports,and did not put anything like the serious practise in needed to excell.I wanted to be a "fingure picker" in the Chet Atkins mould,I dont suppose I could have picked a more complicated style,and although I did learn some of his basic playing,nothing that came remotely near the great man.so here I am still in the bedroom,but hey so what,still having fun trying to do justice to this wonderful instrument.SamB09 said:
60 years and only around bedroom standard? How often did you play , once a month for half hour?thickandthin63 said:
I agree,but at the age of 8,and obviously just starting out,it will be some time before the pupils capabilities are realised.To achieve a high level,especially in classical music ,there has to be a considerable amount of natural ability,and of course dedication.I personally have played a guitar for over 60 years,never getting above a reasonable"bedroom standard",if i had practised 12 hours a day for that period of time,I would still not have remotely approached the levels of the likes of Albert Lee,Chet Atkins etc.My opinion,get a guitar,have fun and see where it takes you.bobmunro said:2 -
Thank you. I think with my lad that lessons may capture his imagination more than virtual ones, but a good fall back. I don't play any instrument and would love him and his sister to have that skill.thickandthin63 said:
if you cant find a personal teacher,there are plenty of very good lessons to be found free on line,from basic beginners up to whatever level you wish.You can also buy some very good beginners books that usually come with dvds or cds.Usually,the first steps on a guitar are learning a few simple chords and being able to strum along to a favourite song,which in all honesty you dont need to pay a personal tutor tot do this.Wish you well,8 is a great age to start learning a musical instrument.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.
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Believe me,you do not have to be an Eric Clapton to enjoy playing a guitar,even learning the basics and playing along to your favourite tunes brings great satisfaction .I started at about 16 ,and now at 77,I still get a buzz playing along to my favourite,Eagles,Dylan songs.Athletico Charlton said:
Thank you. I think with my lad that lessons may capture his imagination more than virtual ones, but a good fall back. I don't play any instrument and would love him and his sister to have that skill.thickandthin63 said:
if you cant find a personal teacher,there are plenty of very good lessons to be found free on line,from basic beginners up to whatever level you wish.You can also buy some very good beginners books that usually come with dvds or cds.Usually,the first steps on a guitar are learning a few simple chords and being able to strum along to a favourite song,which in all honesty you dont need to pay a personal tutor tot do this.Wish you well,8 is a great age to start learning a musical instrument.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.1 -
Look up Simon Eyre, he's in Lee/Grove Park but does travel although you can go to his also.Athletico Charlton said:Anyone on here recommend a teacher for an 8 year old in Beckenham for guitar? Seems likely we have missed out in the school lessons.
http://www.simoneyre.com
He's forgotten more than most know about the guitar, as you'll see from hi Bio.1 -
I've been playing the guitar for 25 years and am probably the best song writer on Charlton Life. The best piece of advice I can give to aspiring musicians is, don't sit on budget gear for years. I did, when I upgraded, I grew exponentially in talent.
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