Is it easy to learn guitar?

2008-01-09 18:36:16

#1

Ryan: Member; +1,230|7273|Alberta, Canada

I'm thinking about getting guitar hero 3 for my birthday, and if I like it, I might even get a real electric guitar and learn to play. I know GH3 isn't like playing an actual guitar, but it's a good way to start.

I know FFLink started playing guitar awhile ago, and I think he's getting to be pretty good. My question is, how long does it take to learn guitar and actually play songs? I know that guitar is a lifelong thing and takes many years to master.

I play the drums, so I have some coordination and musical experience, but I taught myself to play the drums. I'm not very good at reading music, and I know I'll have to read music if I want to learn guitar properly.

I've always wanted to play the guitar, but found it to look very confusing and fast paced. That's why I steered away from it and got into drums instead, but after listening to so many great guitarists, I really want to get into this instrument.

2008-01-09 18:37:47

#2

ig: This topic seems to have no actual posts; +1,199|6952

depending on the person, anywhere from a couple months to a couple years.

2008-01-09 18:38:38

#3

d4rkph03n1x: Member; +131|7179

I don't think it's easy to learn any instrument, but if you have experience in drumming or a band it may be just that little bit easier. I always plan on learning the guitar or harmonica later in life, but not right now, i'm too lazy, play WAY too many computer games, and have too much to do in my younger years. When I need a hobby at 35-40, I may pick it up.

Good luck with learning.

2008-01-09 18:40:00

#4

adam1503: Member; +85|6818|Manchester, UK

You dont necessarily need to be able to read sheet music to learn to play the guitar, tablature is almost as good, though it cant tell you the length of the notes. As far as how east it is to learn, that depends what you want to learn. You might just want to learn a few chord shapes to play your favourite songs, or if you want to start a band, you might need more formal tuition in guitar techniques. You can learn a song using a handful of chord shapes in maybe a few hours, if your hand control is good enough. Of course, it all depends on exactly what you want to learn.

2008-01-09 18:40:12

#5

ghettoperson: Member; +1,943|7079

Don't listen to what Link says, he's actually really crap.

2008-01-09 18:40:18

#6

S.Lythberg: Mastermind; +429|6876|Chicago, IL

It takes a while to get the basics down, but then it gets fairly easy, assuming you have some sort of musical ability.

2008-01-09 18:40:48

#7

Brasso: member; +1,549|7060

d4rkph03n1x wrote:
I don't think it's easy to learn any instrument, but if you have experience in drumming or a band it may be just that little bit easier. I always plan on learning the guitar or harmonica later in life, but not right now, i'm too lazy, play WAY too many computer games, and have too much to do in my younger years. When I need a hobby at 35-40, I may pick it up.

Good luck with learning.

Drumming = much easier.

Guitar depends on how dedicated you are to practicing. You'll need to develop finger muscle strength and memory mostly.

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"

2008-01-09 18:41:06

#8

cospengle: Member; +140|6917|Armidale, NSW, Australia

If you practice you will learn. It took me ages to learn, lots of hours, every day. But it's fun and the better you get the more you will want to practice. If you play drums then you probably know people who play guitar - watch them and try it for yourself.

2008-01-09 18:41:27

#9

Mr.Dooomed: Find your center.; +752|6758

You should really go for it. And I mean get a guitar not guitar hero 3. I started playing acoustic and it really is pretty easy. Learning to read tab is a good and easy way to pick up on the chords, fret positions, and finger positions you'll need to know. Having the ability to use each finger individually is a must. And, if you know just 3-4 chords, you can have a lot of possibilities with just that when it comes to playing something.

Its also about how you strum the strings, or pick the strings, or strum and pick, OR you can do a up and down strumming thing. Or you can strum and pluck with your thumb and then hit the strings...Its really cool to mess around with.

But, for learning with sheet music, I never focused on that. I'm more of a freelancer.

Nature is a powerful force. Those who seek to subdue nature, never do so permanently.

2008-01-09 18:41:36

#10

2tuff: Positive Karma Here!; +357|7206

Good thread, have always wondered this myself.

2008-01-09 18:41:59

#11

Poseidon: Fudgepack DeQueef; +3,253|6967|Long Island, New York

Drumming is much easier. Guitar can be very difficult, but being successful in it is very achievable. I'm a novice in guitar and a beginner in Drums and I already say Drums are much easier.

2008-01-09 18:42:12

#12

Yellowman03: Once Again, We Meet at Last; +108|6665|Texas

i learned guitar by myself starting in 7th grade. By 9th i could play canon rock, most of eruption, and alot of slash stuff. but, i played piano since kindergarten, and i've played violin since 5th grade, so i have a strong musical background. Age is an important factor. Teens learn very fast.

I suggest taking it slow by playing simple notes, find some videos online.

btw...i'm in 11th grade now (17 yo)

2008-01-09 18:42:27

#13

Ryan: Member; +1,230|7273|Alberta, Canada

adam1503 wrote:
You dont necessarily need to be able to read sheet music to learn to play the guitar, tablature is almost as good, though it cant tell you the length of the notes. As far as how east it is to learn, that depends what you want to learn. You might just want to learn a few chord shapes to play your favourite songs, or if you want to start a band, you might need more formal tuition in guitar techniques. You can learn a song using a handful of chord shapes in maybe a few hours, if your hand control is good enough. Of course, it all depends on exactly what you want to learn.

Yeah, I used to read drum tablature before it became illegal and what not.
I've been listening to Dragonforce alot and it has inspired me to learn guitar. I'll probably never be as good as them, but some of those riffs are just amazing.

I don't plan on being in a band though. It might come to that, but right now I just want it for a hobby. Buy a little amp for my room and play songs for a good 2 hours to pass the time.

Last edited by Ryan (2008-01-09 18:43:36)

2008-01-09 18:42:58

#14

adam1503: Member; +85|6818|Manchester, UK

haffeysucks wrote:
Guitar depends on how dedicated you are to practicing. You'll need to develop finger muscle strength and memory mostly.

And calloused skin on your fingers, to help with things like pull-offs and bends.

Last edited by adam1503 (2008-01-09 18:43:13)

2008-01-09 18:43:03

#15

S.Lythberg: Mastermind; +429|6876|Chicago, IL

Im_Dooomed wrote:
You should really go for it. And I mean get a guitar not guitar hero 3. I started playing acoustic and it really is pretty easy. Learning to read tab is a good and easy way to pick up on the chords, fret positions, and finger positions you'll need to know. Having the ability to use each finger individually is a must. And, if you know just 3-4 chords, you can have a lot of possibilities with just that when it comes to playing something.

Its also about how you strum the strings, or pick the strings, or strum and pick, OR you can do a up and down strumming thing. Or you can strum and pluck with your thumb and then hit the strings...Its really cool to mess around with.

But, for learning with sheet music, I never focused on that. I'm more of a freelancer.

ive been playing for three years, still cant read sheet music, its not really necessary (or even that helpful) for a guitar, unless its a song you've never heard before.

2008-01-09 18:44:48

#16

Brasso: member; +1,549|7060

adam1503 wrote:
haffeysucks wrote:
Guitar depends on how dedicated you are to practicing. You'll need to develop finger muscle strength and memory mostly.
And calloused skin on your fingers, to help with things like pull-offs and bends.

Yeah, it's gonna fucking hurt for a while.

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"

2008-01-09 18:44:57

#17

Ryan: Member; +1,230|7273|Alberta, Canada

S.Lythberg wrote:
Im_Dooomed wrote:
You should really go for it. And I mean get a guitar not guitar hero 3. I started playing acoustic and it really is pretty easy. Learning to read tab is a good and easy way to pick up on the chords, fret positions, and finger positions you'll need to know. Having the ability to use each finger individually is a must. And, if you know just 3-4 chords, you can have a lot of possibilities with just that when it comes to playing something.

Its also about how you strum the strings, or pick the strings, or strum and pick, OR you can do a up and down strumming thing. Or you can strum and pluck with your thumb and then hit the strings...Its really cool to mess around with.

But, for learning with sheet music, I never focused on that. I'm more of a freelancer.
ive been playing for three years, still cant read sheet music, its not really necessary (or even that helpful) for a guitar, unless its a song you've never heard before.

So do you listen to a song and play what you hear?

2008-01-09 18:46:04

#18

Heavy_Guns_91: I hand out purple hearts like candy; +72|6833|Alberta, Canada

I happened to notice the ad at the bottom of the page while reading this. I laughed.

https://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5276/bf2sguitarct6.th.png

2008-01-09 18:46:14

#19

S.Lythberg: Mastermind; +429|6876|Chicago, IL

Ryan wrote:
S.Lythberg wrote:
Im_Dooomed wrote:
You should really go for it. And I mean get a guitar not guitar hero 3. I started playing acoustic and it really is pretty easy. Learning to read tab is a good and easy way to pick up on the chords, fret positions, and finger positions you'll need to know. Having the ability to use each finger individually is a must. And, if you know just 3-4 chords, you can have a lot of possibilities with just that when it comes to playing something.

Its also about how you strum the strings, or pick the strings, or strum and pick, OR you can do a up and down strumming thing. Or you can strum and pluck with your thumb and then hit the strings...Its really cool to mess around with.

But, for learning with sheet music, I never focused on that. I'm more of a freelancer.
ive been playing for three years, still cant read sheet music, its not really necessary (or even that helpful) for a guitar, unless its a song you've never heard before.
So do you listen to a song and play what you hear?

yes, unless the song is really complicated, you can usually sound it out (Start with beatles, they're so easy its sad)

2008-01-09 18:47:20

#20

Ryan: Member; +1,230|7273|Alberta, Canada

Heavy_Guns_91 wrote:
I happened to notice the ad at the bottom of the page while reading this. I laughed.
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5276 … ct6.th.png

Google picks up keywords from the thread and displays ads related to those words.

2008-01-09 18:47:33

#21

Brasso: member; +1,549|7060

Heavy_Guns_91 wrote:
I happened to notice the ad at the bottom of the page while reading this. I laughed.
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5276 … ct6.th.png

Google ads query the page and choose the most appropriate ads for the page. For example, in political threads you often see 2008 election ads.

Edit: Lol Ryan, FUCK YOU!

Last edited by haffeysucks (2008-01-09 18:48:16)

"people in ny have a general idea of how to drive. one of the pedals goes forward the other one prevents you from dying"

2008-01-09 18:52:48

#22

adam1503: Member; +85|6818|Manchester, UK

Ryan wrote:
adam1503 wrote:
You dont necessarily need to be able to read sheet music to learn to play the guitar, tablature is almost as good, though it cant tell you the length of the notes. As far as how east it is to learn, that depends what you want to learn. You might just want to learn a few chord shapes to play your favourite songs, or if you want to start a band, you might need more formal tuition in guitar techniques. You can learn a song using a handful of chord shapes in maybe a few hours, if your hand control is good enough. Of course, it all depends on exactly what you want to learn.
Yeah, I used to read drum tablature before it became illegal and what not.
I've been listening to Dragonforce alot and it has inspired me to learn guitar. I'll probably never be as good as them, but some of those riffs are just amazing.

I don't plan on being in a band though. It might come to that, but right now I just want it for a hobby. Buy a little amp for my room and play songs for a good 2 hours to pass the time.

Lol Dragonforce. Theres a big difference between playing fast and playing well. Their music is impressive but its nowhere near as good as folk like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Hendrix etc.

I think a good thing for you to do would pick a few easy songs to start learning e.g. Smells Like Teen Spirit (if you like that kind of thing). Personally, i hate it, but its an easy song and everyone knows it, so good to help you learn. Its really down to personal tastes though. And a good investment would be a book on basic techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, maybe one that teaches you a little bit of theory.

2008-01-09 18:53:37

#23

Heavy_Guns_91: I hand out purple hearts like candy; +72|6833|Alberta, Canada

Ryan wrote:
Heavy_Guns_91 wrote:
I happened to notice the ad at the bottom of the page while reading this. I laughed.
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5276 … ct6.th.png
Google picks up keywords from the thread and displays ads related to those words.

That would explain it.

2008-01-09 18:55:44

#24

GR34: Member; +215|6975|ALBERTA> CANADA

Ryan wrote:
I'm thinking about getting guitar hero 3 for my birthday, and if I like it, I might even get a real electric guitar and learn to play. I know GH3 isn't like playing an actual guitar, but it's a good way to start.

I know FFLink started playing guitar awhile ago, and I think he's getting to be pretty good. My question is, how long does it take to learn guitar and actually play songs? I know that guitar is a lifelong thing and takes many years to master.

I play the drums, so I have some coordination and musical experience, but I taught myself to play the drums. I'm not very good at reading music, and I know I'll have to read music if I want to learn guitar properly.

I've always wanted to play the guitar, but found it to look very confusing and fast paced. That's why I steered away from it and got into drums instead, but after listening to so many great guitarists, I really want to get into this instrument.

It took me 4 years to learn to play Guitar and maby another 1-2 to play Bass

2008-01-09 18:57:46

#25

Defiance: Member; +438|7101

haffeysucks wrote:
d4rkph03n1x wrote:
I don't think it's easy to learn any instrument, but if you have experience in drumming or a band it may be just that little bit easier. I always plan on learning the guitar or harmonica later in life, but not right now, i'm too lazy, play WAY too many computer games, and have too much to do in my younger years. When I need a hobby at 35-40, I may pick it up.

Good luck with learning.
Drumming = much easier.

Guitar depends on how dedicated you are to practicing. You'll need to develop finger muscle strength and memory mostly.

Drumming has it's challenges as well. You have to keep rhythm and separate your arms and feet control wise. Though yes, the dexterity required with a guitar is tough

BF2S Forums Is it easy to learn guitar?

d4rkph03n1x wrote:

adam1503 wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

Im_Dooomed wrote:

adam1503 wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

S.Lythberg wrote:

Im_Dooomed wrote:

Ryan wrote:

S.Lythberg wrote:

Im_Dooomed wrote:

Heavy_Guns_91 wrote:

Heavy_Guns_91 wrote:

Ryan wrote:

adam1503 wrote:

Ryan wrote:

Heavy_Guns_91 wrote:

Ryan wrote:

haffeysucks wrote:

d4rkph03n1x wrote:

Board footer