Complete Beginner......ugh!

[jmichellen]

Ok... I find it super difficult to move between notes, on the 2nd lesson. E... to F... to G... seems like my fingers don't sprawl out that wide, haha... Is this how everyone feels when they first start and eventually their fingers just learn to adapt?

Also.. it sounds weird..... when on the 6th string I go from E to F to G... sounds like I interupt the previous note and it makes it sound awkward (like a the sound produced was still vibrating and it got cut off... doesn't sound smooth). However, when watching Neil do it, I didn't hear the same noise that occurs for me. I am really not sure how to word this or describe it, does anyone understand what I am referring to? I guess, what's a tip for making a flawless/smooth transition between keys without sounding like your interrupting the last note abruptly! Also on this, I notice as you go down in strings it's less an less noticeable....

Thanks for any help!

Judy

[haoli25]

Welcome Judy. There is not a one of us here that has not happened to, join the club. Yes, as you continue to practice your fingers will become accustomed to those impossible stretches and they will become easier and easier for you to do.
As you build the calluses on your fingertips, the notes will become cleaner and crisper. Be patient with yourself and take it nice and slow and you will be fine. Welcome to the guitar players club and welcome to TG.





Bill

[jmichellen]

Thanks Bill!

I'm going to keep practicing! I'm hoping these calouses develop SOON!

Judy

[AcousticAl]

You'll get there, Judy.
I feel your pain too. I was on a work trip for a lot of January and lost most of my callouses. Was in pain for a few days when I got back.

Also saw that you're a Target member. Welcome and good to have you with us.

[mcfingers]

Hi Judy, Welcome. For what it's worth I remember all those hundreds of years ago when I first started I had the exact same problem....and more. The best advice anyone gave me was to not push it too hard when starting out. They said just practice 15-20min a night just before bed time. You tend to remember the last things you did just before you go to sleep. It really seemed to work for me. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for good ol' time. But, it will come. Hang in there and let us know how it's going.

All the best,
Steve

[Lavallee]

Judy welcome from Montreal Canada. The greatest difficulty when you begin is too acknowledge your progression. You work hard and do not always feel that you are improving but you do every day that you practice. Just be patient (I know , easier said than done) , make those chord transitions very slowly for your hands to memorize the shape. Even if you do not post yet , if you could video your playing today and compare in a week or a month, and you would be very happy to see your progression.

Marc

[MarkM]

Welcome Judy. All the advice you have gotten so far is 100% correct. Your hands and fingers will "feel" better over time. Take it slow as has already been said. Before you know it you will have callouses and your fingers will start to know where to go on the chords you have learned. Not being a patient person myself, I can understand your frustration but you will get there soon enough. Good luck and always feel free to ask questions. There are alot of people far more knowlegable than me here and you will always get good advice.


MarkM

[d_dog]

I can't say anything that hasn't already been said, except that I agree. Repetition is really the key, but I do agree, take it slow, don't hurt your fingers too bad, a little is ok, but too much and you'll get even more frustrated. Try to play a little bit every day, even if it's just a few repetitions of each chord transition, it's amazing what your brain will work on when your not playing.

[jmichellen]

Thank you everyone for the wonderful advice! I am going to take it slow and start off with about 15-20 minutes every night! I have no doubt that I will see results a month from now, I'm just very excited and already want to play Beatles songs!

I'll keep everyone posted. BTW, I am not even the least bit musically inclined.. I have no clue how to read sheet music or what not, so this is definitely a bit challenging... with just notes... kind of scary. Although, I think this site is perfect, I was thinking about doing lessons in person, but I don't have time during my day to do that, so this is a great alternative. Seems also that it's a great place to meet new people as well!

BTW... I am in Tempe, Arizona!

Thanks everyone again!

Judy

[jmichellen]

Also..... I am curious, everyone.

How long would you say it takes for one to be fairly proficient in the guitar? Like intermediate level? I know, this is a varied question and differs for everyone, but give me examples for each of you. (ex. I practiced 3-4 times a week for 30-60 min and became proficient within 6 months....