Playing The Guitar

Chunes · February 2023

Chizz said:

Chunes said:

Nice of you to ask, @Chizz. I did really struggle with Ableton. Even simple things like trying to get a sample to loop four bars, but discovering you have to set those little parameter-thingies at 1-5 instead of 1-4 to do that (what the hell?). Then I got distracted moving house and the free trial ran out. It's a lot of money to buy the software when I know how much I've got to learn before I can even start making some decent music on it.

For now, I think I'm going to learn synths properly before I dive back into that. I might even do a weekend course if I can find one.

How did you learn Ableton?

You know the level you were at *before* you took out a free trial? That's where I am right now...

Then you know my pain!

Were you using another DAW?

Chizz · February 2023

Chunes said:

Chizz said:

Chunes said:

Nice of you to ask, @Chizz. I did really struggle with Ableton. Even simple things like trying to get a sample to loop four bars, but discovering you have to set those little parameter-thingies at 1-5 instead of 1-4 to do that (what the hell?). Then I got distracted moving house and the free trial ran out. It's a lot of money to buy the software when I know how much I've got to learn before I can even start making some decent music on it.

For now, I think I'm going to learn synths properly before I dive back into that. I might even do a weekend course if I can find one.

How did you learn Ableton?

You know the level you were at *before* you took out a free trial? That's where I am right now...

Then you know my pain!

Were you using another DAW?

No. Absolute, complete novice. My most technically advanced piece of kit so far is a Spark amp, which I think is superb. Next step: try to work out the best way to turn my noodling into recorded music, so that I have the opportunity to annoy more than just my closest neighbours.

sillav nitram · February 2023

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

JamesSeed · February 2023

PopIcon said:

Rob7Lee said:

PopIcon said:

Rob7Lee said:

PopIcon said:

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.

Not sure I agree, with guitars it's generally about how they are set up than perceived quality (from a playability perspective). One of my best ever guitars to play was a £200 Yamaha acoustic, set up by a guitar tech in Denmark street (the set up was almost as much as the guitar was worth!), similarly my old Epiphany Dot which played better than a £5k Gibson 335 custom shop.

Sure, the sound of the Yamaha wasn't as good as say my J45 or even a Taylor I had, but playability was better, same with the DOT, despite all upgraded electronics the Gibson still sounded better but I much preferred the dot every time as it just fitted me perfectly.

Whatever guitar you have, get it properly set up by someone who knows what they are doing.

This is a valid point, however my experiences are different. I played a £100 Encore guitar for years, the action, inc neck and bridge were improved twice, once by a tech and once by a luthier. However, as well as its laminated body, it had lots of core flaws that could not be fixed. I got so used to playing it and because I had a sentimental attachment, was reluctant to change.

I now play a solid top Martin now, i love it, best £500 I ever spent (secondhand) it sounds like a 2k guitar. I went from being flat to being enlightened overnight. Sure it sounded a lot better, but my playing got so much better too. I c

Your experience with the dot 335 is interesting. I'm assuming you didn't buy the Gibson? I would never buy a new US 335, silly money. You can pick a pucker one up for 2k at auction.

RodneyCharltonTrotta said:

PopIcon said:

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.

Ha I've just got your username...have read the "I" as an "L" for years and couldn't fathom it.

Welcome Mika :-)

Second best song writer on CL.. Sorry.

no, I never owned the Gibson CS. Back then me and a few mates were equally suffering GAS, so we used to swap all the time, one of them had the 335, from memory it came from Creation records so wasn't new to him, the sound was clearly better than the Dot, but honestly not by much. I always found the next a little too thick for me.

I dread to think how many guitars I've bought and sold over the years, an addiction I'm mostly in remission from at the moment

It's interesting that Creation owned it, back in the 90s they had so many good artists signed up. I wonder if it was a dud, it's not unheard of to have US Strats or Les Pauls to miss quality control and come off the belt sounding shit.
I'm actually in the market for a semi hollow, more than likely a 335. I've already decided I don't want to buy an Epiphone, my budget ceiling is 2k.

What else else do you own? Any particular pedal combo? I has GAS with pedals a few years back. Whittled it down to a combo of Boss BD2, Dod Milkbox and a Boss CH1. I got an EHX Grand Canyon last year, but disappointingly it's not working as part of the chain.

Greenie said:

Stig said:

PopIcon said:

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.

A bold claim if ever there was one.

Indeed!

I don't mind, I'm neither the best guitarist or singer.

Would be interested to hear your stuff.

I live a hundred yards or so from this place: http://www.guitar-classics.co.uk/

Drives me nuts looking in the window. Saw Joe Strummer's beat up Fender for sale there a few years back.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5000498/uploads/editor/p1/jzn6jfj5ohvz.jpg

man_at_milletts · February 2023

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

Lessons,Martin. I did the same for years and once I took lessons never looked back.

sillav nitram · February 2023

man_at_milletts said:

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

Lessons,Martin. I did the same for years and once I took lessons never looked back.

Thanks

I have thought of that, is it the discipline and paying that makes the difference, plus of course a good tutor?

I don’t know if it’s reasonable to say, that when most consider learning an instrument that the guitar 🎸 initially comes to mind but I suppose that doesn’t necessarily mean its the right instrument for oneself?

man_at_milletts · February 2023

sillav nitram said:

man_at_milletts said:

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

Lessons,Martin. I did the same for years and once I took lessons never looked back.

Thanks

I have thought of that, is it the discipline and paying that makes the difference, plus of course a good tutor?

I don’t know if it’s reasonable to say, that when most consider learning an instrument that the guitar 🎸 initially comes to mind but I suppose that doesn’t necessarily mean its the right instrument for oneself?

Yes definitely. Finding a good tutor is a must. After strumming three chords for years I found a guy who said that if I followed his advice I'd get to play in his band and true to his word I guested a few times on some of the easier numbers. It was highly motivating. I've since tried a few other instruments, harmonica and now violin. Violin is good but challenging but I have a great tutor from the RCM. Piano is also a good instrument to consider, there's load of stuff on Youtube to get you started, but again a good tutor and some structure is always good. Tuition prices have gone up considerably after lockdown too.

Oggy Red · February 2023

sillav nitram said:

man_at_milletts said:

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

Lessons,Martin. I did the same for years and once I took lessons never looked back.

Thanks

I have thought of that, is it the discipline and paying that makes the difference, plus of course a good tutor?

I don’t know if it’s reasonable to say, that when most consider learning an instrument that the guitar 🎸 initially comes to mind but I suppose that doesn’t necessarily mean its the right instrument for oneself?

Why not get yourself a decent ukulele - you'll be up and playing stuff in no time. It's easy enough to get started, develop your rhythm and accompany your songs.

Nothing is wasted if you want to play that guitar as well, as it's the same chord shapes or simplified shapes - just in a different key.
It will get you started.

And no, a £30 pink or yellow plywood object masquerading as a 'ukulele', is not an instrument but a toy. Don't.

There's plenty of decent playable ukuleles available for less than £100.
But buy from a specialist music shop that will 'set it up' for you.

sillav nitram · February 2023

HOggy Red said:

sillav nitram said:

man_at_milletts said:

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

Lessons,Martin. I did the same for years and once I took lessons never looked back.

Thanks

I have thought of that, is it the discipline and paying that makes the difference, plus of course a good tutor?

I don’t know if it’s reasonable to say, that when most consider learning an instrument that the guitar 🎸 initially comes to mind but I suppose that doesn’t necessarily mean its the right instrument for oneself?

Why not get yourself a decent ukulele - you'll be up and playing stuff in no time. It's easy enough to get started, develop your rhythm and accompany your songs.

Nothing is wasted if you want to play that guitar as well, as it's the same chord shapes or simplified shapes - just in a different key.
It will get you started.

And no, a £30 pink or yellow plywood object masquerading as a 'ukulele', is not an instrument but a toy. Don't.

There's plenty of decent playable ukuleles available for less than £100.
But buy from a specialist music shop that will 'set it up' for you.

Funny enough I did have one. I remember drunkenly watching the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain playing, Smells Like Teen Spirit on Jools and bought one the next day. I think I got as far as, Smells!

man_at_milletts · February 2023

Oggy Red said:

sillav nitram said:

man_at_milletts said:

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

Lessons,Martin. I did the same for years and once I took lessons never looked back.

Thanks

I have thought of that, is it the discipline and paying that makes the difference, plus of course a good tutor?

I don’t know if it’s reasonable to say, that when most consider learning an instrument that the guitar 🎸 initially comes to mind but I suppose that doesn’t necessarily mean its the right instrument for oneself?

Why not get yourself a decent ukulele - you'll be up and playing stuff in no time. It's easy enough to get started, develop your rhythm and accompany your songs.

Nothing is wasted if you want to play that guitar as well, as it's the same chord shapes or simplified shapes - just in a different key.
It will get you started.

And no, a £30 pink or yellow plywood object masquerading as a 'ukulele', is not an instrument but a toy. Don't.

There's plenty of decent playable ukuleles available for less than £100.
But buy from a specialist music shop that will 'set it up' for you.

Absolutely!And as Oggy says similar chord shapes and is probably a good starting point for playing guitar.

Saga Lout · February 2023

Uke's are a good introduction to the guitar, for all the reasons above. I've bought a couple for my grandsons. I've got about 15 guitars so I need to get them started otherwise who am I gonna leave them all to?

BassAddick · February 2023

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

You mention motivation. One of the best ways to get motivated is by playing with other people. When I started on guitar I went to beginners evening classes, and learnt not only from the tutor but from people around me. See if there’s a guitar club anywhere near you. Playing with other people, you can swap ideas, learn what chords they are playing etc, even when they are interested in other musical genres to you there’s something you can pick up and it broadens your musical horizons.

Also, find a local open mic night and go. You won’t want to be putting your name down anytime soon, but you will pick things up, enjoy the performances (sometimes!) and be able to chat to those taking part about what they are doing. You will find that most people are only too happy to help out. And you’re networking – someone might be able to point you in the direction of a group you can go along to.

No substitute to playing with others. It gets lonely in the bedroom!

sillav nitram · February 2023

BassAddick said:

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

You mention motivation. One of the best ways to get motivated is by playing with other people. When I started on guitar I went to beginners evening classes, and learnt not only from the tutor but from people around me. See if there’s a guitar club anywhere near you. Playing with other people, you can swap ideas, learn what chords they are playing etc, even when they are interested in other musical genres to you there’s something you can pick up and it broadens your musical horizons.

Also, find a local open mic night and go. You won’t want to be putting your name down anytime soon, but you will pick things up, enjoy the performances (sometimes!) and be able to chat to those taking part about what they are doing. You will find that most people are only too happy to help out. And you’re networking – someone might be able to point you in the direction of a group you can go along to.

No substitute to playing with others. It gets lonely in the bedroom!

Thanks for the suggestion.

But if you're suggesting I have some perverted relationship with the guitar I don't play in my bedroom, then I'd say, 'Oi @bassaddick No! You can take yer perverted bedroom games and stick them right up yer tunnel of love;)'

RodneyCharltonTrotta · February 2023

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

I think Justin guitar is great 👍

https://www.justinguitar.com/

Greenie · February 2023

Just had this made by luthier Dennis Yau (DY Guitars) - Rory Gallagher tribute. Den builds them from scratch only thing sourced is the 1960’s neck, which he renovates, all pups are wound the same and electrics are vintage the same as Gallagher, even has the mismatched tuner same as Rory’s, Gerry McAvoy (Rory’s Bass player) tours as Rory Gallagher and Friends, Jim Kirkpatrick from Whitesnake plays the same DY Rory tribute in the band so that’s good enough for me. Takes 8-10 weeks to age and build and should be in my grubby hands Thursday. In time for our next gig at The Railway Tavern Bexley Friday March 3rd. Yeehah!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5000498/uploads/editor/fx/650na1wc2mri.jpeg

ken from bexley · February 2023

Greenie, I photographed Rory's Strat at Harrods, with his brother(manager)see attached graphic., the real McCoy....... if you look closely you will see an imprint of him at the IOW. Saw him many times,(at the black prince Bexley Bexley) simply outstanding, a few of my mates have the Mk1 Fender custom shop RG Strat.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5000498/uploads/editor/ro/m3jsib40dd5f.jpg

smurfd · February 2023

Greenie said:

Just had this made by luthier Dennis Yau (DY Guitars) - Rory Gallagher tribute. Den builds them from scratch only thing sourced is the 1960’s neck, which he renovates, all pups are wound the same and electrics are vintage the same as Gallagher, even has the mismatched tuner same as Rory’s, Gerry McAvoy (Rory’s Bass player) tours as Rory Gallagher and Friends, Jim Kirkpatrick from Whitesnake plays the same DY Rory tribute in the band so that’s good enough for me. Takes 8-10 weeks to age and build and should be in my grubby hands Thursday. In time for our next gig at The Railway Tavern Bexley Friday March 3rd. Yeehah!

My Lads Band play in the Railway quite often, also the Blackheath Railway. A guy who was judged by Rory to be the best young guitarist in Britain Paul Rose gives Tutorials and stuff on Youtube every week. He still has the Strat Rory presented to him.

ValleyDan · February 2023

guitarMy guitar it’s a 54 all Gold original.

IAgree · February 2023

RodneyCharltonTrotta said:

sillav nitram said:

My brother bought me a acoustic guitar for my 65 birthday, that was 3 years ago, I’ve probably picked it up about 20 times in the intervening period and got nowhere, obviously.

I guess the problem for me is motivation, I didn’t ask for it by the way, not being able to play anything recognisable and the difficulty of trying to get my hand flexible to be able to play chords.

Anyone got any good workable suggestions?

I think Justin guitar is great 👍

https://www.justinguitar.com/

Justin is fantastic - Consistently ranked as one of the best sites - very engaging style and covers absolutely all bases - I’m currently learning music theory and Jazz (am using other sites as well for this) and have previously learned some fingerstyle, however the rating system is really helpful and means you can focus upon developing your current skill level and actually play some songs

Almost all of the site is free and Justin is a very good teacher!

IAgree · February 2023

ValleyDan said:

guitarMy guitar it’s a 54 all Gold original.

P90s?

LennyLowrent · February 2023

Chizz said:

Chunes said:

Chizz said:

Chunes said:

Nice of you to ask, @Chizz. I did really struggle with Ableton. Even simple things like trying to get a sample to loop four bars, but discovering you have to set those little parameter-thingies at 1-5 instead of 1-4 to do that (what the hell?). Then I got distracted moving house and the free trial ran out. It's a lot of money to buy the software when I know how much I've got to learn before I can even start making some decent music on it.

For now, I think I'm going to learn synths properly before I dive back into that. I might even do a weekend course if I can find one.

How did you learn Ableton?

You know the level you were at *before* you took out a free trial? That's where I am right now...

Then you know my pain!

Were you using another DAW?

No. Absolute, complete novice. My most technically advanced piece of kit so far is a Spark amp, which I think is superb. Next step: try to work out the best way to turn my noodling into recorded music, so that I have the opportunity to annoy more than just my closest neighbours.

Sorry to barge in here, But if it is relevant I have been using Reaper for a few years now. Used Cubase before, and I'm sure it is very good like the rest of them. The biggest difference is in the online support Reaper has fantastic tutorial videos on youtube for just about every situation you can think of. You don't need to be a beginner to get stuck, we all do (or we are all beginners). As for sound, yes a good interface and microphone are important but in my experience (as an eternal beginner) the room is the most significant factor in shaping the sound.

Saga Lout · February 2023

Greenie said:

Just had this made by luthier Dennis Yau (DY Guitars) - Rory Gallagher tribute. Den builds them from scratch only thing sourced is the 1960’s neck, which he renovates, all pups are wound the same and electrics are vintage the same as Gallagher, even has the mismatched tuner same as Rory’s, Gerry McAvoy (Rory’s Bass player) tours as Rory Gallagher and Friends, Jim Kirkpatrick from Whitesnake plays the same DY Rory tribute in the band so that’s good enough for me. Takes 8-10 weeks to age and build and should be in my grubby hands Thursday. In time for our next gig at The Railway Tavern Bexley Friday March 3rd. Yeehah!

Fuck me Greenie! That looks fantastic, would love to see it in the flesh but I rarely get up as far as Bexley these days...

ValleyDan · February 2023

I’ve got a 54 Strat ,modified with Duncan’s but I was a pro player and they sound better than the original pick ups which I still have.

Greenie · February 2023

@Saga Lout
were playing at The Market Inn Faversham Friday 31st March be good to see you and yours!
cheers

Saga Lout · February 2023

Greenie said:

@Saga Lout
were playing at The Market Inn Faversham Friday 31st March be good to see you and yours!
cheers

that's a bit closer...

Baldybonce · January 13

Anyone looking for electric guitar, amp, boss gt 1,
i'm selling my electric stuff for a nice acoustic.

PopIcon · January 13

Baldybonce said:

Anyone looking for electric guitar, amp, boss gt 1,
i'm selling my electric stuff for a nice acoustic.

eBay is free these days. Going to need more info than just 'electric guitar' and 'amp' @Braziliance was looking to get into music a few months back. Not sure how far he got with it.

Baldybonce · January 13

PopIcon said:

Baldybonce said:

Anyone looking for electric guitar, amp, boss gt 1,
i'm selling my electric stuff for a nice acoustic.

eBay is free these days. Going to need more info than just 'electric guitar' and 'amp' @Braziliance was looking to get into music a few months back. Not sure how far he got with it.

I'd rather do a nice price for one of us than ebay or gumtree.
Marshall MG 10 amp
PRS Hollowbody SE
ibanez S 521mol
PM for pics

PopIcon · January 13

Baldybonce said:

PopIcon said:

Baldybonce said:

Anyone looking for electric guitar, amp, boss gt 1,
i'm selling my electric stuff for a nice acoustic.

eBay is free these days. Going to need more info than just 'electric guitar' and 'amp' @Braziliance was looking to get into music a few months back. Not sure how far he got with it.

I'd rather do a nice price for one of us than ebay or gumtree.
Marshall MG 10 amp
PRS Hollowbody SE
ibanez S 521mol
PM for pics

Nice, I was after a semi hollow body last year. Really wanted a thinline tele, ended up with something completely different, a Japanese solid body Strat.

Where was the PRS made?

Baldybonce · January 13

PopIcon said:

Baldybonce said:

PopIcon said:

Baldybonce said:

Anyone looking for electric guitar, amp, boss gt 1,
i'm selling my electric stuff for a nice acoustic.

eBay is free these days. Going to need more info than just 'electric guitar' and 'amp' @Braziliance was looking to get into music a few months back. Not sure how far he got with it.

I'd rather do a nice price for one of us than ebay or gumtree.
Marshall MG 10 amp
PRS Hollowbody SE
ibanez S 521mol
PM for pics

Nice, I was after a semi hollow body last year. Really wanted a thinline tele, ended up with something completely different, a Japanese solid body Strat.

Where was the PRS made?

China

Playing The Guitar

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