When I bought my guitar it came with an extra set of strings. I thought that was pretty cool because I was worried that while trying to tune the guitar I might break a string. So I was happy to have a few spare strings just in case. I soon realized that tuning the guitar was not that hard, especially with an electric tuner, so there was no chance of me breaking any strings. Fast forward a few years, and I’m all proud of myself because I’m still using the same strings.
I’ve recently started taking guitar lessons for the first time. As a result I found out that changing your strings doesn’t only happen when you break one. It depends on how often you play. The strings get dirty as a result of the oils on your hands and fingers. This has an effect on the sound they produce. And in my case since it had been a few years it made a big difference.
When I inquired how often the strings should be changed, I was informed that they should be replaced at least every three months. More often if you’re playing more than 5 or 6 hours a week. I’m not sure if I’ll be following this advice to the letter. I’ll make a judgment call in three months and play it by ear (literally). Until then, Rock On.
When to change your guitar strings
Taking Classes
Well I’ve finally done it. I’ve registered to take guitar lessons with a real live teacher. I’ve been toying with the idea for a while now. I just got to the point where I was fed up. My guitar playing wasn’t improving and it seemed like I was stuck in a rut. I’m hoping that taking lessons will improve my playing and get me closer to where I’d like to be. I’ll keep you all posted and let you know how things are progressing and ultimately if it was worth it. That was one of the main reasons I held out from taking lessons for so long was because of the price. Private lessons are not cheap. We’ll see if no pain no gain applies in this case (pain in my wallet).
Rock On
Getting Started
When I first decided to take up guitar I was faced with the dilemma of how to go about learning this new instrument. I didn’t really have any musical background except for a few music classes that I took in elementary school and those classes were many, many years ago. So I was basically starting from scratch.
In my mind I had one of two options: take lessons or teach myself.
I first considered taking lessons but quickly disregarded it as I didn’t want to feel rushed. I wanted to take things at my own pace and not feel like I was wasting money. So I decided that I would learn on my own. What I ended up doing was buying a beginners guitar book: Guitar 1, published by Hal Leonard.
I have no regrets buying the book and I still refer to it from time to time. It starts out by getting you acquainted with the parts of your guitar. It talks a little bit about tuning then music notation. After that there are six lessons, one for each of the six strings on the guitar. Then there are a few more lessons at the end that start dealing with chords and strumming. I don’t remember how much I paid for the book (not more that $15) but I got my moneys worth. I must have spent at least the first six months practising just with that book.
You might see a lot of products out there promising you quick results and claim to have you playing like a pro. I’m sorry but that is a load of bull. Nothing can replace the time and effort it takes to play the guitar well. I have been playing the guitar for a few years now and I still consider my self a beginner when I compare myself to the professionals. It makes me realize how much time they must spend honing their craft.
My goal is not to disappoint you but to make you realize that it is something you can’t rush. And why would you want to? So what ever product you choose to buy to help you on your guitar learning journey just remember to enjoy what you are doing now and stop looking too far ahead.
Rock On.
Buying a guitar
When I was first looking to buy a guitar, I wasn’t sure what to look for. The only thing I was sure about, it was going to be an acoustic. What I ended up doing was going to my local music store and relying on their honesty and of course their knowledge.
At the time, they had a kit for beginners. The kit included the guitar (Jasmine by Takamine), 6 picks, an electric tuner, 6 extra guitar strings with a key, and a guitar case. I ended up buying the kit but modifying it slightly. I upgraded the guitar case, which looked pretty cheap, and replaced it with a “GIG BAG”.
Looking back now I don’t regret the purchase one bit. At the time I was questioning some of the things in the kit. 6 guitar picks. Why would I need so many picks? Well I found out that they have a habit of disappearing on you. Some eventually turn up, but others I’ve never seen again. Over 5 years later, I only have 2 left from the original 6.
The one purchase that I really appreciate is the electric tuner. I love it. It’s simple. it’s easy. I use it a lot more than I thought I ever would. I thought I’d tune my guitar once and never use it again. What surprised me was how easy it was for a guitar to become out of tune (i.e. Changes in humidity, a slight bump). I seem to have a natural ear for music and I can always tell when my guitar needs tuning.
The only thing in my kit that has been of no use to me what so ever are the six replacement strings. I’m still using the same 6 strings that came with my guitar. Why that is I’m not sure but I guess keeping the guitar properly turned doesn’t hurt.
The only thing that I bought, in terms of equipment, after my original purchase was a capo. For beginners, it’s not anything I would recommend.
That’s my first and only experience with buying a guitar however I’ve been toying with the idea of upgrading. If I do make the jump I’ll be sure to let you know about it.
Rock On.