Hi, everyone! Yesterday, I found this article by Jack Endino about tuning issues: <http://www.jackendino.com/archive/tuningnightmares.html>. After I read it, I thought "Wow, I wish someone had told me all that when I first started playing!" I have 3 huge boxes of guitar magazines, am always reading about guitars on the internet, and even worked for 2 years in a huge music store, and I had previously neither seen nor heard such a good, concise explanation of tuning issues. Does anyone else have facts, opinions, or general guitar related wisdom that you wish someone had told you when you started playing the guitar? I have been playing for about 20 years, but I will always be a beginner. Thanks! -Ad
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Guitar WisdomThings you wish someone had told you earlier
Started by AdMission, Aug 30 2010 12:51 AM
16 replies to this topic
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Posted 30 August 2010 - 12:51 AM
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Posted 01 September 2010 - 07:55 AM
1. The lower the action the faster and easier you learn.
2. Strings are supposed to buzz when played acoustically on a properly set-up guitar, but not through the amp.
3. Fender mediums are quite uncomfortable to play with. Pick up some green Tortex .88's.
4. Wipe your strings down after every use.
5. Belt buckle rash is caused by the metal studs on the pockets of your jeans. Wear a long t-shirt.
6. Your tubes are perfectly fine until your amp starts humming like crazy. Anything short of that, you're still fine.
7. Keep track of what equipment is warrantied, and be sure to fill out the cards for that.
8. All distortion devices before the effects loop.
2. Strings are supposed to buzz when played acoustically on a properly set-up guitar, but not through the amp.
3. Fender mediums are quite uncomfortable to play with. Pick up some green Tortex .88's.
4. Wipe your strings down after every use.
5. Belt buckle rash is caused by the metal studs on the pockets of your jeans. Wear a long t-shirt.
6. Your tubes are perfectly fine until your amp starts humming like crazy. Anything short of that, you're still fine.
7. Keep track of what equipment is warrantied, and be sure to fill out the cards for that.
8. All distortion devices before the effects loop.
"Take that fucking sign down." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
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Posted 01 September 2010 - 06:43 PM
You will get good and be able to do anything if you practice enough.
About 10,000 hours worth, to be exact.
About 10,000 hours worth, to be exact.
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Posted 02 September 2010 - 01:42 AM
Practice by playing to CDs.
Practice and learn by ear.
Learn theory, even if its just basic stuff.
Learn other instruments.
Buying loads of gear will not make you a better player.
Play with other people and learn from people better than you.
Take any opportunity to perform or play live.
Practice and learn by ear.
Learn theory, even if its just basic stuff.
Learn other instruments.
Buying loads of gear will not make you a better player.
Play with other people and learn from people better than you.
Take any opportunity to perform or play live.
http://soundcloud.com/ryanbostock
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"Whatever you create from love, is a gift from the place which some call above. There's only the forces of hate and love - one breaks things down and one builds them up."
last.fm
"Whatever you create from love, is a gift from the place which some call above. There's only the forces of hate and love - one breaks things down and one builds them up."
#5
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Posted 04 September 2010 - 05:47 AM
@micromnml: Absolutely! Don't buy an expensive amp when you can pick up a DS-2 for $70. Between a Fender Frontman 15R, Squier Standard Strat, and DS-2 you'll be able to hit the essentials of most tones. If anything's missing, throw in a Crybaby. Total is under $450. Maybe upgrade to a Mexi when you start playing harder things and would benefit from lower action.
Also, jam with a friend. You'll learn to keep tempo much better.
Also, jam with a friend. You'll learn to keep tempo much better.
"Take that fucking sign down." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
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Posted 04 September 2010 - 05:28 PM
anachronism, on 04 September 2010 - 05:47 AM, said:
@micromnml: Absolutely! Don't buy an expensive amp when you can pick up a DS-2 for $70. Between a Fender Frontman 15R, Squier Standard Strat, and DS-2 you'll be able to hit the essentials of most tones. If anything's missing, throw in a Crybaby. Total is under $450. Maybe upgrade to a Mexi when you start playing harder things and would benefit from lower action.
Also, jam with a friend. You'll learn to keep tempo much better.
Also, jam with a friend. You'll learn to keep tempo much better.
Hmmmm..... i dunno man. When you are just starting, if you buy cheap equipment, you are more likely to quit because of that equipment. For instance, I started off using a Line 6 Spider, and it was a decent amp. I didnt like the way it sounded when i played, went to a music store and upgraded first to a Vox VT30, then traded up to a Marshall AVT. Had I not done that, I would have quit along time ago. Guitars are hit or miss if you buy cheaper ones. Both of my squiers have been good, but my brother's absolutely sucked. Effects depend on what amp you buy whether they will sound decent or not.
My best advice, always looked for used stuff before you buy new. Chances are it is just as good for half the price.
1962 Strat - Sunburst
1965 Jaguar - Fiesta Red
2005 Strat Amvintage 1962- Fiesta Red w/ matched headstock
2007 Jag Amvintage 1962- Ice Blue w/ matched headstock
2007 Strat Amvintage 1962- Sunburst
2007 Tele Amvintage 1962- Antique Burst
2008 Squier Strat- Sunburst
2008 Firebird Custom Shop, Black and Chrome w/ matched headstock
2010 MJT S-Style Clone - a clone of my 1962, made so I wouldn't have to worry about theft of my original.
1965 Jaguar - Fiesta Red
2005 Strat Amvintage 1962- Fiesta Red w/ matched headstock
2007 Jag Amvintage 1962- Ice Blue w/ matched headstock
2007 Strat Amvintage 1962- Sunburst
2007 Tele Amvintage 1962- Antique Burst
2008 Squier Strat- Sunburst
2008 Firebird Custom Shop, Black and Chrome w/ matched headstock
2010 MJT S-Style Clone - a clone of my 1962, made so I wouldn't have to worry about theft of my original.
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Posted 05 September 2010 - 05:50 AM
Frontman 15R is a good amp. It has a nice clean tone and a rather flexible driven tone. DS-2 is a beautiful distortion on any amp. Squier Standard Strat is actually a decent guitar. Bullets are horrible, but the Standard Strat is actually a decent instrument. Sure, a used Mexi would be better, but you should have no trouble learning on a Squier. (And used Mexi's are usually $350-$400.)
"Take that fucking sign down." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
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Posted 06 September 2010 - 05:32 AM
it's ok if you can't play everything, just play, keep playing and you WILL get better. Play because you love it. 
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Posted 06 September 2010 - 05:39 AM
Jam with a buddy. You'll keep each other motivated.
"Take that fucking sign down." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
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Posted 06 September 2010 - 06:46 AM
anachronism, on 05 September 2010 - 05:50 AM, said:
Frontman 15R is a good amp. It has a nice clean tone and a rather flexible driven tone. DS-2 is a beautiful distortion on any amp. Squier Standard Strat is actually a decent guitar. Bullets are horrible, but the Standard Strat is actually a decent instrument. Sure, a used Mexi would be better, but you should have no trouble learning on a Squier. (And used Mexi's are usually $350-$400.)
Idk about that, I wouldn't be caught dead performing with that stuff.
A) I can't stand their sound, especially after getting used to good sounding stuff.
It would be kind of embarrassing to use a squier or a frontman when you play with good musicians who have high quality stuff.
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Posted 06 September 2010 - 07:05 AM
Oh, and
1. Never buy a multi-effects unit for the distortions.
2. Never buy anything used without hearing it yourself.
3. Always expect used items to need repairs.
4. "7. Keep track of what equipment is warrantied, and be sure to fill out the cards for that." THAT IS IMPORTANT, definitely wish I would have known about it.
5. Craigslist is a great place to buy gear for a great deal, sometimes half price or less.
6. Save up for what you want, never settle for something that doesn't appeal to you in the fullest.
1. Never buy a multi-effects unit for the distortions.
2. Never buy anything used without hearing it yourself.
3. Always expect used items to need repairs.
4. "7. Keep track of what equipment is warrantied, and be sure to fill out the cards for that." THAT IS IMPORTANT, definitely wish I would have known about it.
5. Craigslist is a great place to buy gear for a great deal, sometimes half price or less.
6. Save up for what you want, never settle for something that doesn't appeal to you in the fullest.
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Posted 06 September 2010 - 11:51 AM
Play a guitar before you buy it.
You definately get what you pay for when it comes to guitars and playability.
You definately get what you pay for when it comes to guitars and playability.
http://soundcloud.com/ryanbostock
last.fm
"Whatever you create from love, is a gift from the place which some call above. There's only the forces of hate and love - one breaks things down and one builds them up."
last.fm
"Whatever you create from love, is a gift from the place which some call above. There's only the forces of hate and love - one breaks things down and one builds them up."
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Posted 07 September 2010 - 09:00 PM
I disagree with the amp thing.. IMO the amp is atleast 70% of the tone, and when you're starting to want more than just playing ability a nice tube amp really gives you what you're looking for. Take John Mayer for example, when he plays his famous Black1 guitar through a fender hot rod deluxe amp his guitar doesn't really sound that special and many other "lower class" fenders could sound as good, but when he plays through his 5k Two Rock signature his tone is amazing.
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Posted 10 September 2010 - 07:30 AM
The amp matters, but when you're just starting, start with a cheap amp, you're already dropping $400 on guitar equipment. Maybe get something like a Vox VT-15 instead of the Fender Frontman 15R. But you certainly aren't going to jump into buying a tube amp as you just start. Actually, now that I think about it, Vox VT-15 is a perfect beginner amp.
So if you're loaded, here's the startup gear:
Vox VT-15
Used Mexi
DS-2 / Crybaby
Cost is probably around $700. (And get Livewire cables, save the receipt, so when you run it over with the lawnmower, bring it back and get a new one free.)
Back on topic, as a new guitar player, you don't need good equipment, you need a properly set-up guitar and you need to know that it's not going to sound like John Frusciante no matter what equipment you use.
So if you're loaded, here's the startup gear:
Vox VT-15
Used Mexi
DS-2 / Crybaby
Cost is probably around $700. (And get Livewire cables, save the receipt, so when you run it over with the lawnmower, bring it back and get a new one free.)
Back on topic, as a new guitar player, you don't need good equipment, you need a properly set-up guitar and you need to know that it's not going to sound like John Frusciante no matter what equipment you use.
"Take that fucking sign down." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
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Posted 12 September 2010 - 07:30 PM
1. get your guitars action and intonation set right away. nothing is more important
2. get your guitars action and intonation reset each time there is a change in season
3. small amps can sound big
4. read up on how to set your effects chain
5. find your own sound. try some off the wall effects.
6. play with a metronome or click track to develop your sense of rhythm. you may think it's good already. its not.
2. get your guitars action and intonation reset each time there is a change in season
3. small amps can sound big
4. read up on how to set your effects chain
5. find your own sound. try some off the wall effects.
6. play with a metronome or click track to develop your sense of rhythm. you may think it's good already. its not.
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 07:17 AM
2. might be a little extreme but aside from that, excellent points. Especially 6.
"Take that fucking sign down." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
"Well, it was put to me by "that guy" when I was, like, four. So I went into my parents' record collection and found a rock'n'roll compilation. And when my mom asked if I wanted to move to L.A., I said, "Yeah," because I knew that was where the rock stars were. I was seven. Then when I found punk and listened to the Germs, I started seeing how I was part of this. I remember being out on the baseball field when I was 11, and I felt like such an outsider. Standing there in right field, I started making up an angry punk song in my head, and I went home and wrote, like, 20 songs in a row. I realized it didn't even matter if I knew how to play guitar yet." -John Frusciante
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Posted 16 September 2010 - 01:39 AM
anachronism, on 10 September 2010 - 07:30 AM, said:
The amp matters, but when you're just starting, start with a cheap amp[/b]
About the metronome thing.. I really feel rhythm is a problem of mine, so a couple a minutes a go I found this online metronome for free which I will put some hope in the next weeks. If anybody is intrested: http://www.metronomeonline.com/ ..
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