The Beginners Dumb Questions Thread

[Anifa]

Since I'm now taking guitar lessons, along with my daughter since my son backed out, I'll be asking questions here and there. Some may be as dumb as "what kind of strings do you use?" or other questions that experienced guitarists take for granted.

 

I know there has been a lot of heckling about the dumb questions that get asked, so I'm just going to ask that those experienced who think it's a joke to ask novice questions to avoid this thread and not make fun of it.

 

On the other hand, those seasoned players willing to offer advice and answer questions will be appreciated.

 

I'm just an old foggie that somehow got roped into learning to play the guitar to inspire and assist my daughter in her learning to play. I'll be using the guitar I bought for my son, hoping that he'll pick the interest back up once he see me and my daughter jam after learning to play. If he does, then I'll buy another guitar.

 

My first question that I neglected to ask or catch the answer to during the first lesson is;

 

How often, and for how long do we need to practice? Our lessons are once a week, and we started out with 3 chords to practice.

 

Em Am and C

 

Also, I stopped by a friends house on the way home from practice to show him the guitars that I had bought. With him being an experienced guitarist that I've jammed with as a keyboardist, he thought it was cool that I was taking lessons. He wanted me to show him what I had learned, and then corrected me as I was playing the C chord.

 

He said that you leave the 6th string off when playing a C chord. I was playing all 6 strings during practice and not aware that I needed to leave off the 6th string.

 

Is this correct to only play strings 1 through 5 when playing a C? I don't want to practice it wrong all week long, and then find out that it needs to be the other way. Also, I don't want an outsider to confuse my lessons with an experienced instructor either.

 

My third and last question for now is; What can I do to ease the pain of tender fingers? When I went to practice a little this afternoon, it was like setting my fingertips on hot coals when I applied pressure to the strings. Is there anything that will help the break in process go smoother?

 

Thanks in advance for the answers and for not jumping all over some ole' foggie, who is serious about learning to play, for asking dumb questions.

[BiC]

The sixth string (E) is usually not played with a C chord. But to me, it doesn't really seem to make a difference. But if you want to get technical, don't strum it.

 

As for those sore fingers, you have to give yourself some time to develop those callouses. Over time, and with continuous practice, they will toughen and it will hurt less and less.

In any case, callouses and finger pain are part of the joy of playing guitar. But you'll get past the serious pain as you play more.

 

Here's a nice link to chords:

 

Chords

 

Practice Practice Practice... I hope this helps.

 

Peace

[Mudcat]

Anifa,

Excellent thread idea! Hope you get some helpful info here.

 

1) I would say practicing a half hour a day at least four or five days a week would be a good regimen to start. When I first started playing when I was thirteen I couldn't put my guitar down. I wouldn't necessarily call it "practice" but I would be monkeying around with it at least 1-2 hours a day.

 

2) Considering "E" is the major third in the "C" chord triad it is not mandatory to mute the low "E" string for this chord. My preferred fingering is to actually play "G" on the low "E" string. It looks like this when fingered this way.

 

-3- pinky

-3- ring

-2- middle

-0- open

-1- trigger

-0- open

 

This gives you a real fat bottom end to the chord and also allows for an alternating bass-line when strumming or finger-picking.

 

3) I have never had problems with finger tip pain so I have no recommendations on this one. I did have problems making bar chords early on and I just had to develop hand strength to overcome that problem. I suspect playing the instrument for a couple of weeks ought to get you over this problem.

 

Hope this helps. Good luck with your lessons!

[BiC]

BTW, there are no dumb questions. If someone thinks your questions are dumb, they are simply an arrogant musician. They should feel honored to pass along answers to those SAME questions THEY asked themselves.

 

So, don't feel dumb.

 

Oh...If I were you, I would practice every single day. Even if it's but for a few minutes. It's very important to get those callouses established, or you will constantly hurt.

 

Peace

[DIAMOND DUST]

I think they have it coverd.Good luck.By the way,what a cool thing to do for your kids.

[Cactus Mike]

I wouldn't worry about ringing the E string either. I used to hit wrong open strings at first, but before I knew it chords came pretty easily.

On a side note, I found it helpful to concentrate on the shapes of the chords too. A 'D' kinda looks like a triangle, etc.

Anyone else do this??

[NMcGuitar]

The only dumb question is one you don't ask.

 

Practice for 1/2-hour a day to start with.

Don't forget to stretch out your hands first. You use the muscles in your hands (primarily the fretting hand if you are using a pick) the same way a runner uses the muscles in her legs, so warm up & stretch.

 

Since the 6th (E) string is technically part of the chord (the 3rd), you could play it; it will just give you a different inversion of the "C". I would suggest practicing without playing that string; there will be plenty of chords you will learn that require you to play only certain strings and practicing this now will help you later on.

 

As far as the finger tips go, only practice will build up the calluses you need. I suspect you'll find that they will hurt less after a few minutes of practice. You also might want to take an Advil or something similar before practicing until you start getting the calluses.

 

Good luck! And keep us informed how you (and your daughter) are progressing.

[Guitar Geezer]

Originally posted by Cactus Mike:

On a side note, I found it helpful to concentrate on the shapes of the chords too. A 'D' kinda looks like a triangle, etc.

Anyone else do this??

Oh yeah...and D7 is an upside down triangel....Bm is Am up two frets etc...Use all kind of visual cheats

 

BTW Good luck on the lessons, the callouses will get there soon enough

[Anifa]

Thanks guys,

 

I appreciate all the help. Tedster is the instructor of the course and he done an excellent job in covering the basics for the first lesson. There was just a LOT of information to take in, so I hope he doesn't mind me asking questions along the way.

 

I did manage to ask Ted what type of cloth to use to clean the surface of the guitar, but I forgot to ask him if there was any type of substance to polish the finish of the guitars. I know that I've heard not to use wood polishes on guitars, as they tend to build up and alter the tone of the guitar, but how to you keep the finish looking glossy?

 

Will the strumming heavily mar the face of the guitar below the strings on a down stroke, and if so, should I inquire about strike plates (if that's what they are called)?

[Cactus Mike]

You could get a pick guard, but personally I like those little bits of character (scratches).

 

Also, don't polish your guitar with Rumpelmintz, take it from me.

[Gabriel E.]

I did manage to ask Ted what type of cloth to use to clean the surface of the guitar, but I forgot to ask him if there was any type of substance to polish the finish of the guitars. I know that I've heard not to use wood polishes on guitars, as they tend to build up and alter the tone of the guitar, but how to you keep the finish looking glossy?

 

Will the strumming heavily mar the face of the guitar below the strings on a down stroke, and if so, should I inquire about strike plates (if that's what they are called)?

You should use a dedicated musical instrument polish. Carnuba wax is good and helps protect the finish. Martin and Dunlop both make dedicated "guitar polish" too.

 

You can get a scratchplate/pickguard if you want. Or you can go ahead and let the guitar get scratched up since it's going to happen anyway.

 

There are no dumb questions.

[mstreck]

It seems to me you're just asking the questions that we've ALL asked at one time or another... and I'm STILL asking! This is definitely the place to ask. Just look at the great answers you're getting!

 

Mike

[revorhythm]

Im probably kinda late, but .

1. practice constantly whenever you can or want. you'll learn to love it plus you'll only get better. just practice swithing from chord to chord.

2. technically you dont hit the 6th string, but i always have and it doesn't really matter.

3. sorry but no ways around the hurt, only practice will help, it builds callousus which will protect the skin, and some people think its cool, plus it will give you another reason to practice.

4. A pick gaurd will help feep the finish nicer. and also give your guitar a certain cool look. I polish my guitar with Pledge, but its probably not very good for it, i would look in a guitar shop for some actual cleaner

[dohhhhh6]

I think you're in good hands

 

You should really ask Tedster about the names of the strings (E,A,D,G,B,E) and what fret corresponds with what fret a little later on (once you have the basics of playing guitar down), which will be really easy since you normally read standard notation when playing piano.

 

Best of luck with your lessons.

[Anifa]

Yeah, I agree that Tedster is a prime choice for instruction. I watched him in performance in several different settings and he's a very skilled guitar player. I witnessed his knack for instruction and leadership at the little Blues Fest that he had at the Wabash earlier in the year. Although my children were not able to attend, I thought that they would have thoroughly enjoyed the get together.

 

Some of the guitar pickers in attendance were students of his and I saw the enthusiasm on their faces; they idolized the guy. In watching the 13 year old little girl that struggled hard to keep up with the others.... she was completely INTO the entire thing... excitement, enthusiastic, participation, the whole nine yards. At that point I thought that Ted would make a great teacher for my kids, if indeed I bought guitars for them.

 

After buying the guitars, I had inquired about private lessons for both kids prior to Ted's trip to the New England area. He told me that he was looking into something at that point and then later, after returning from the D.C. area, contacted me with info on a course of guitar that he'd be instructing at the ESACC... (Career Center)

 

I'm really glad about this class where other people are involved because my 11 year old daughter was absolutely thrilled to see that another little 13 year old girl was taking the advanced lessons. I made sure to introduce them, which... I'm sure Ted will agree... the girls may decide to take an interest in becoming a performing duo, if all goes well. I'd surely back the idea. I think it'd be cool!!!

 

PLUS, tonight I showed my 13 year old son the picture of the 13 year old CUTIE that was ALSO taking the course to get his interest peaked. He was certainly checking out the pictures He still says no to the lessons though...

[Tedster]

The sixth string on a C chord is the note E...which is the third in a C Major triad. It's in the chord, just a different inversion from what you'd normally hear if you were starting with the root note "C". If it upsets you, put your pinky on the third fret and play the fifth, which is the note "G"...the note you'd go to in an alternating bass line. It won't screw you up to play an E though. It's in the chord.

 

Now...on the other hand, in a D chord, the sixth string plays an "E" which is not in a D Major triad. It sounds screwy and off-key. So don't play it.

[snoz65]

Anifa, you seem like a terrific Mother to be encouraging your childen into music like that. I wish I had started when I was younger but nobody in my imediate family is musically orientated. It sounds like you have the guitar bug as well. Well done!

[Mudcat]

Originally posted by Mudcat:

2) Considering "E" is the major third in the "C" chord triad it is not mandatory to mute the low "E" string for this chord. My preferred fingering is to actually play "G" on the low "E" string. It looks like this when fingered this way.

 

-3- pinky

-3- ring

-2- middle

-0- open

-1- trigger

-0- open

I just realized I gave you the wrong fingering on this (at least my way of doing it). Here is the correction (low strings to high strings):

 

-3- ring

-3- pinky

-2- middle

-0- open

-1- trigger

-0- open

[Caevan O’Shite]

On Despair.com, the lead-in to their "F.A.Q." section states that There are no stupid questions, but there sure are a lot of inquisitive idiots."

 

Just thought you might get a laugh outta that one!

 

Oh, and, yeah, I have- and often still do- think of chords and other fingerings as shapes.

 

As far as things along the lines of wether or not to sound a given open-string with a chord, etc., ultimately go with what sounds good to YOU. Try things out, trial and error style, experiment, find the Anifa way!

 

Just don't go looking like a spider dancing on a hot griddle as you change chords... it might attract Brown Recluseses... !

 

(The former Tedsterism was borrowed from Tedster and no Tedsters were hurt in the making of this post.)

 

Oh- Tedster- I absolutely love the new avatar. Picture of you after a hard night out?!?

[yamsa2000]

Originally posted by Mudcat:

Originally posted by Mudcat:

2) Considering "E" is the major third in the "C" chord triad it is not mandatory to mute the low "E" string for this chord. My preferred fingering is to actually play "G" on the low "E" string. It looks like this when fingered this way.

 

-3- pinky

-3- ring

-2- middle

-0- open

-1- trigger

-0- open

I just realized I gave you the wrong fingering on this (at least my way of doing it). Here is the correction (low strings to high strings):

 

-3- ring

-3- pinky

-2- middle

-0- open

-1- trigger

-0- open

When I played this chord I thought, wow that's pretty advanced for a beginner........then I realised you have put the low E at the top and the high E at the bottom. Usually you see it the other way round.Unless you're left-handed. (Smiley added so as not to appear too curmudgeonly)

[Base]

No new advice someone here hasn't already said. I only started taking lessons after playing for 12 years and my teacher always played the C with the 6th string fretted on 3 and I've picked it up and played it like that since, just think it sounds better if you hit the 6th.

 

Wish I could find a way to make the finger callous-forming easier, I have just taken up learning the bass so now I'm remembering the pain ALL OVER AGAIN but on my right hand!! Maybe if I take karate lessons and spend an hour a day thrusting my fingertips into sand =P Ok, sorry, no advice, but I empathise

[Tedster]

Originally posted by CaevanO'Shite:

Oh- Tedster- I absolutely love the new avatar. Picture of you after a hard night out?!?

Yup...it's what I wake up like in the morning...haha. Actually, Caveman, it's my Halloween avatar for the month of October. I heartily encourage everyone on board to acquire a Halloween Avatar. Of course, is that the Loch Ness Monster on your avatar? That would be appropriate in keeping with the season, I reckon.

[Paul Edwards]

If you are playing with a bass player I think its OK to play the low E string on a C open position chord but.. If your going it alone I would advise against it.

I mute the low E string with my third finger (the one holding down the C on the A string). You really do want to hear that C bass note.

By muting it you can bash away with no worries.

 

As far as building up callouses on your finger tips, a week or two and it will just be a fond memory. No pain no gain.

 

Better to play 1/2 hour a day every day than 2hours every four days. Do it the same time every day so that it becomes habit. make it part of your daily schedule. And practice time is practice time it is not fooling around with the guitar time. Thats extra time you put in just for fun.

[Paul Edwards]

One other thing...

I find it odd that you started with Em Am and C.

Usually you would start off with C G and D. You can play a zillion songs with these three chords.

[doc taz]

Paul, I imagine that in Ted's class, they might be working off the chords relative to a scale. In the C major scale, Em, Am and C would be iii, vi and I. Ted's probably trying to seamlessly integrate a little theory without actually mentioning it, before doing any song forms.

 

What do I know? Maybe he's just trying something different. C, G and D are used so often anyway. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Caevan O’Shite]

Oh, yeah, another thing about not hitting that open E with the C chord, callouses, and all that: as tough as some of these things may seem, they really do come with time. These things just need to be taken a day at a time.

 

After a while, zone-picking, barre chords, fingerstyle, etc. all become second nature, you (your daughter and her friend, all of yez) will begin to do without even thinking about it. Literally!

 

"Practice, practice, practice" is one of the truest old chestnuts around. As long as it doesn't become a Nazi-ish gauntlet of a regimen that sucks all joy and life from the experience!

 

Oh, and, Tedster Hoffmonster- I believe that icon, from the Forum's special reserve, to be a pulp or book cover illustration of the lighthouse attacking, love-lorn sea monster from a Ray Bradbury short-story (Ray da MAN!), the one that inspired the classic film, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. (In the story, our hero mistakes the foghorn's call for that of a she monster, but, alas, he's the last of his kind, and takes out his rage by trashing the old lighthouse. How many times has that happened to all of us on a date?)

[Paul Edwards]

Originally posted by Dr. Taz:

Paul, I imagine that in Ted's class, they might be working off the chords relative to a scale. In the C major scale, Em, Am and C would be iii, vi and I. Ted's probably trying to seamlessly integrate a little theory without actually mentioning it, before doing any song forms.

 

What do I know? Maybe he's just trying something different. C, G and D are used so often anyway. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

C G and D are the I IV and V in the key of C. You could conceivably play any song (without modulations) with these three chords.

[Caevan O’Shite]

Ummn, any song that's major in tonality, transposed to C, and follows a I-IV-V progression...

[Paul Edwards]

Originally posted by CaevanO'Shite:

Ummn, any song that's major in tonality, transposed to C, and follows a I-IV-V progression...

I agree with it being in a major key however you can substitute as follows for the chords that are not I IV or V:

ii with the IV

iii or vi with the I

vii- with the V

[Tedster]

Originally posted by Paul Edwards:

One other thing...

I find it odd that you started with Em Am and C.

Usually you would start off with C G and D. You can play a zillion songs with these three chords.

Why odd? Who said anything about "playing songs" for beginners who have never held a guitar in their hands ? Here's the method to my madness...ever watch a beginner try to play G, C, and D? HAHA!!! It's funny...for 98 percent of them, their fingers look like a tarantula tap dancing on a hot griddle, trying to find the next chord. Since many people can't physically make a simple G chord (with the B string left open) using their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers (which facilitates an easier change)...I came up with a plan...

 

The "playing songs" part will come later...once they've accustomed their fingers to making economical chord changes. Changes without allowing their fingers to become the "tarantula tap dancing on a hot griddle". This can be accomplished, in my experience, by starting with the (arguably) simplest chord...Em. The second and third finger then move simultaneously from the 2nd fret of the (respectively) A and D strings to the D and G strings, while adding the first on the first fret of the B string. Now...they can move one and only one finger to make a C chord. Quite easy.

 

These are my own personal philosophies on teaching beginners. Mind you, for the most part, beginners who aspire not to be the next Segovias, but rather beginners who want to accompany themselves singing Woody Guthrie songs by the campfire. I tried the I-IV-V chord cadence thing. Most folks couldn't do it right off the bat. So, I modified my approach. This way seems to work well for most folks interested in a recreational approach to picking.