New Member Looking for Advice

[Robbie D]

Hello All,

I started playing guitar at 12, but made nearly every mistake on the “what not to do when learning guitar” list. I didn’t have a real teacher. I had no discipline or drive to learn things that were challenging, and I was pretty much satisfied to learn songs by bands that only used power chords, which prevented me from developing any real skills as a guitarist. I stopped getting my electric out of the case at around 19, and pretty much just strummed songs on my acoustic for the last 20 or so years.

Fast forward to 41 years old. I’ve worked hard and built mastery in a few other hobbies as an adult, and doing so taught me the correct attitude and method to build real skills. About 2 months ago I started seriously trying to “re” learn guitar. I’m having a blast learning, and it feels really good to improve at something I’ve been self-conscious about for so long. I really enjoyed Brian’s lessons on YouTube, so I joined the site hoping to find a community that will help me grow as a musician.

I’m working my way through Brian’s essential music theory course right now. I’ve watched a lot of videos on the CAGED system, and I’m starting to feel like I understand pieces of it, although I’m far from really knowing what to do with the information. I would love any advice you guys can offer about what topics to learn first or where to start. I love blues, classic rock, 90’s rock, and a some indy music.

I would love any advice you guys can offer about which topics to learn first and what to focus on. My goal is to eventually become a competent blues guitar player and gain the skills necessary to someday sit in with a band and improvise a solo. I don’t have any delusions about becoming world class, but I would like to build a solid foundation in guitar and develop the necessary skills to be a competent player.

I look forward to getting to know the community here, and thank you in advance for your advice!

Robbie

Professional Grease Monkey
Amateur Everything Else

[Michael L]

Hey Robbie, welcome to AM! We’re glad you’re here and you will learn a lot about the guitar and music in general.
A lot of people start by asking similar questions about a path here at AM. You’ve already found the Essential Theory course. The other two courses on that page will be helpful as starting points too. Other than that, there is no set path. Pick out a lesson that sounds good to you and jump in. Brian’s teaching style incorporates music and guitar knowledge into every lesson. After you work with a few of them you’ll start having mental connections as you hear repeated information from slightly different angles. Then, put your knowledge to work by joining in on the monthly challenges. Many of us make a regular habit of preparing and recording a submission every month to apply what we’re learning and share with the community. It’s a supportive and friendly activity with real value.

The last thing I’ll mention is a series of lessons Brian did a while back on the CAGED system starting with EP556 up to EP560. These are pretty thorough and help with knowledge of the fretboard and application over each CAGED shape. I’d recommend them.

Others here will offer their advice too… all of it good from our varied perspectives. Everything you need is here, so jump in. The community is great and will always answer questions, cheer you on, and help however we can. Again, welcome!

[sunjamr]

Welcome, Robbie. Michael explained how it all works pretty well. I’ve been a member here for over 10 years now, and one thing I often point out to new members is this: If you start off with the older lessons, you will find that many of them are shorter and easier to learn than the more recent lessons. But also, many (most, probably) of the newer lessons are complete original songs with a beginning and ending, where some of the earlier lessons just focused on licks or styles.

At first you may want to start memorizing lessons (just pick some you like) and build up a repertoire. There are two reasons to build a repertoire: (1) You will be able to show off to your friends and family. (2) By playing the same lessons multiple times, the licks and techniques get built into your “muscle memory” as Brian calls it. That’s essential to get good at improv, which is the ultimate goal.

Sunjamr Steve

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