[e90owner1]

just got my first electric guitar (ibanez 120) and wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions on how to start of? maybe easy song tabs?

[UCSBMW]

i just learned off tabs...you'll eventually get good enough where you'll want learn all chords and read sheet music.

[MCMLXXXIX]

def start with tabs. the first song i learned how to play was Brain Stew by Green Day. probably the easiest song ever lol

[Cyrax91]

Yes I agree with both posts. I started with tabs then moved on to chords and actual sheet music.

[SteveMD]

Been playing for 34 years - I'm still crap

Learn the basic chords: First E, A, D. Learn so you can switch between them without thinking or looking.

Then learn C, G, F and do the same thing.

The learn variations on the above: E-, E7, A-. A7, D-, D7 etc

If you can learn those until you don't have to think, you will be able to strum along to tons of songs. Throw in B, B- and B7.

There are lots of easy guitar tab books in pdf form on the web. Or you can go to the motherlode: http://www.chordie.com

I would also get a decent $200 acoustic. It will help you with your technique. If you learn on the acoustic, when you pick up the electric, it will be easier to play.

Have fun.

[jlstyle]

I'm learning AG as well good luck to you!

[e90owner1]

thanks for all the advice guys

[Cyrax91]

Also, make sure you practice your major and minor scales. After about a year of playing I just didnt have great movement along the guitar frets and I decided to practice my scales. Helped out so much! Ive been playing 11 years now and scale and chord progression were the two most beneficial things I practiced. Then you can jam out with the best

[Spool]

I been playing for 3 years, i skip around...if i can go back to day 1, i will learn how to hit all the chords first, before learning how to jam to a song...i can play a few songs through out, Under the Bridge, Californication, Santeria, Smashing pumpkin's Today, Wonder Wall, Mr. Jones...and a few more, im learning Sweet Child O' mine and the solo is kicking my ass, i can't shred

[ukthunderace]

There are a couple of things you need to learn...some of it easy and some of it not.

The first thing to do is learn your chords. Just learn the shapes and learn how to move back and forth through them. There are plenty of books with songs done in chords rather than tab...good place to start. This will build up finger strength, flexibility, and will toughen the ends of your fingers. Don't give up when it starts to hurt...it will...bad!

Then find a book that shows different scales across the entire fretboard. Learn these shapes (scales) and learn to move between keys. This requires a LOT of practise, but when you are able to, you will be able to move around the entire fretboard and change key at will.

Most of all, practise!!!!!

Edit: Look for some older Joe Satriani lesson books for the scale layouts (not his tabs...not yet...will make you crazy)

[gonzo]

Satriani...

I would follow the acoustic hint too. After playing/making alot of noise on my first guitar/pawn shop electric I went in for my first and last lesson. He had an acoustic and it made some horrible sounds. ADD kicked in and I got up and left. 14 years old. I wish I would have stuck it out now.

I have a friend who makes me sick/wanna cry. He plays vintage Strat's and can play any: The Who, Jeff Beck, Santanna, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix and the like. I mean ANY song.


Hang in there!

[ejazbmw]

I just picked up an acoustic 3 weeks ago getting some lessons from friends that have been playing for sometime now. I gotta say without my friends I'd probably be lost and would have given up lol

[oldaccount]

i took guitar lessons for a few years in elementary and middle school, which accomplished nothing. i want to get back into it though. i think im going to pick up an acoustic and reference this thread.