Learning Guitar

[Labcoatguy]

Here's my guitar, a Washburn X-10 starter pack with usable amp. That's not a crack on the bottom half, just a reflection; for a bottom-of-the-line guitar, it's not too bad. I've been playing off and on for a couple years, but I'm only now getting more regular in my practice schedule.
For the guitar veterans out there, what songs would you recommend for a beginner/intermediate self-learner? Right now I'm working on Pinball Wizard and Behind Blue Eyes, both by The Who, and I'm looking to diversify my practice song list.

[_HighVoltage_]

Smoke On The Water
And the solo is not that hard too.

[NecroJoe]

I wish starter guitars stopped coming with tremlos...they are horrible quality, rarely hold their tuning, and most beginners aren't good enough to use 'em anyways. It's like using a Sherman tank in Driver's Ed.

Are you into classic rock, or is that just what you're starting on? For me, I just bought a couple guitar magazines and went though the songs. Starting with easy songs is the easy way out. :-p Learning hard stuff makes you better, if you're committed enough to practice.

[jeffy777]

If you like rock, learn the power chords (used in songs such as "Iron Man"), and you'll be able to play a ton of stuff.

[Labcoatguy]

The trem arm is my own addition. I just can't bear an unfilled socket. It is hard to use for a beginner, I admit; when I get more used to the whole guitar thing, I'll use it more often. I am definitely into classical rock, and good call on practicing power chords. The worry about focusing on hard songs is that I'll only be good at those songs and not pick up the general techniques necessary for good guitar learning, so I'll mix those songs in with chord practice, scales, etc.

[jeffy777]

Yeah, start with the easy stuff (power chords). It's a real confidence booster. And a quick way to impress your friends

Definitely get a hold of Guitar Pro 5:
http://www.guitar-pro.com/en/index.php

[NecroJoe]

Oh, not for me. I got bored quickly because I was known as "The guy who could play the chorus of 1,000 songs." I needed more challenge right from the start to keep me interested.

[jeffy777]

I'm talking like the first couple of weeks, a handful of songs to get you going....not 1000 songs worth

[_HighVoltage_]

Originally Posted by jeffy777

If you like rock, learn the power chords (used in songs such as "Iron Man"), and you'll be able to play a ton of stuff.

What's the proper way to play Iron Man btw? I play it Blackmore style 4th and 5th string similtaneously on the same frets.

[jeffy777]

Originally Posted by _HighVoltage_

What's the proper way to play Iron Man btw? I play it Blackmore style 4th and 5th string similtaneously on the same frets.

I had the official tab book, and this is the way it said to play it (the main riff any way)
http://ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/b/bl...n_ver3_tab.htm

[Labcoatguy]

I've broken my G string twice in two weeks. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?

[bafranksbro]

Hmm, where is it breaking? Is it breaking in the same spot? I've had strings rub were they weren't supposed to and break. It was around the bridge area for me.

[watisdis]

Originally Posted by Labcoatguy

I've broken my G string twice in two weeks. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?

Depends, but generaly speaking, no it's not normal. What type of strings are you using? How hard and often are you playing? Also, it could be your guitar. My cheapie Squire Strat used to break strings in the bridge/saddle area like if it was it's job. Took it in for repair and it never broke another string. Also, when installing new strings, are you properly streching the strings before letting them set in? If you don't, sometimes they'll break. To figure out what's causing your breakage, you'll have to do a little process of elimination.

[Labcoatguy]

Both times it was in the bridge area... er, how do you properly stretch the strings? I play daily, at least half an hour, and half the time I'm usually playing pretty hard, but that shouldn't be enough for biweekly breakage, is it?

[jeffy777]

How hard is "pretty hard"? It could be that it's a combination of a guitar that needs a bit of tweaking and the fact that you're jamming so hard

But I would take it into a music shop, tell them what's up, and have them give it a once over.

[Labcoatguy]

Originally Posted by jeffy777

How hard is "pretty hard"? It could be that it's a combination of a guitar that needs a bit of tweaking and the fact that you're jamming so hard

But I would take it into a music shop, tell them what's up, and have them give it a once over.

"Pretty hard" means the intro to Pinball Wizard at full effort, which isn't as bad as when I played using a souvenir penny as a pick. Though considering steel is stronger than zinc, I shouldn't have been surprised when I found the penny getting bent at the tip. Does Guitar Center count as a music store, or should I go to a local mom 'n pop?

[jeffy777]

I've never lived in a town that has a Guitar Center, so I can't comment. I usually go to the local guys. If possible, it's nice to make friends with the owners so you can score some nice discounts on gear

[toma_alimosh]

Originally Posted by Labcoatguy

I've broken my G string twice in two weeks. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?

The first time I read this, I almost spoke out the words "what the fuck!". But then I realized this was the "Learning Guitar" thread.

Not that there's anything wrong with you wearing G-strings, Labcoatguy. And no, it's not normal if you break them. It is ok, however, if someone else breaks them.

[jensked]

^ That probably means the saddles are too edgy. Take it to the shop and they will smoothen those saddles out for you for 5 bucks. It will probably make a whole lotta difference (pun intended)

[Punisher Bass]

When I started out, I always went to the local Mom & Pop store, then sold half their store to a fucking flower shop and fired all the good people who worked there. Then I started going to Guitar Center because there is no other choice unless I want to drive a half hour away.