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Post by lavaman on Nov 12, 2017 19:11:51 GMT
Is it me or is it harder to play frets 1, 2, 3 and 4? It feels almost like I am over-reaching.... Please tell me it gets easier! If its a bit of a stretch try putting a capo on at fret 2 and play on frets 3,4,5 & 6
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Post by vintageken on Nov 12, 2017 21:01:08 GMT
Lavaman, Thank you, it didn’t know that was possible.... Could you recommend a capo please?
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Post by Onechordtrick on Nov 12, 2017 21:42:16 GMT
Haven’t used the guitar version but I like the Shubb capo for my mandolin. As the design looks the same I’d expect it to work well on guitar. Great tip to use a capo if you’re finding the top frets a stretch.
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Post by lavaman on Nov 12, 2017 22:16:00 GMT
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Post by flashart on Nov 13, 2017 6:26:26 GMT
Major chords A,C,D,E,G, Fmaj7 Minor chords Am, Em, Dm
That lot covers literally millions of songs. If you're happy with online, go for it. Once you've those under your belt, I'd either try and find someone to play with or at least book a couple of lessons, just to see if A, You've picked up any bad habits, and B, you get to see what it's like to play with someone else.
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Post by vintageken on Nov 13, 2017 8:58:53 GMT
Thanks onechordtrick,
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Post by vintageken on Nov 13, 2017 9:00:17 GMT
Sound advice there flashart....appreciate all the advice I can get.
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Post by vintageken on Nov 13, 2017 9:02:08 GMT
Thanks lavaman.... Ordered!
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Post by jonnymosco on Nov 13, 2017 10:33:32 GMT
I agree with lavaman, but would suggest placing the capo on the 5th fret to start - a very natural position for the left arm, close to the body and stress-free and of course narrower frets.
I wouldn't have chosen a dread for a guitar to start on, due to the large body... it will seem to be an upward struggle if you are having to cope with a large guitar. Good sitting position etc. will help with the ease of playing, but a good teacher would tell you that. Also, applying pressure to the string will be easier and not painful if everything else is relaxed (you don't need much pressure if you work on accuracy of finger placement, right up to the fret). Use a simple chromatic exercise, one finger per fret on each string (finger 1 on 1st fret, finger 2 on 2nd fret etc.), on the top three stings to start. Good luck.
Jonny
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Post by vintageken on Nov 13, 2017 11:54:40 GMT
Hi Jonny, thanks for your input..... I will try frets 2 and 5 and see how it feels. It might be an idea to start on fret 5 then move back as my technique develops? I hear what you are saying re starting with a drednaught and it did cross my mind when I stated the basics. However, as each day passes my confidence is growing and I plan to try and maintain good position, relax and enjoy. Because I am retired I can pick it up and practice regularly each day. I do dexterity exercises i.e. one finger per fret and trying to master moving up and down the scales. The one big thing that is being expressed by everyone is go slow, concentrate on getting it right rather than rushing over the chords.....
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Post by vintageken on Nov 14, 2017 8:54:15 GMT
I would like some more advice please. My guitar has phosphorus bronze extra light strings fitted because the previous owner had nerve damage in his left arm. I plan to continue using these since he advised as a beginner, lighter strings would help during my learning phase. I used my recently purchased clip on tuner for the first time yesterday and notice there is a frequency range from 435 - 445 Hz. Am I right in assuming that the lower end (435) would best suit 9s? I am assuming this in the belief there is less tension but probably way off!
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Post by ocarolan on Nov 14, 2017 9:05:26 GMT
The "frequency range" you quote is not the range over which the tuner functions best. It is the range between which the A note can be set - this, for concert pitch is A=440, and is what you should use. Most music works that way, though some people for various "reasons" set the tuner to A=something a bit lower than 440.
The gauge of strings is irrelevant to the tuner. Use what you like the sound/feel of best. 12's are common for acoustic players - start there, and if you find them too stiff and difficult to play (give it time") then try 11s.
Keith
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Post by vintageken on Nov 14, 2017 19:13:57 GMT
Thank you Ocarolan, I appreciate the explanation and will set to A = 440.....
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Post by vintageken on Nov 16, 2017 12:03:09 GMT
Ok... Capo arrived and when placed on the 2nd fret it is easier to play chords..... However, when I test with the clip on tuner, the 6th string (E) becomes (F)? The other strings are in tune! I assume this is normal?
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Post by scorpiodog on Nov 16, 2017 12:15:02 GMT
With the capo on 2nd the tunings should read F# B E A C# F# (6th to 1st). Tuners often show a sharp as a little dot after the note name.
There can be some issues caused by intonation errors on the guitar fingerboard (guitar tech would need to solve this) or uneven pressure from the capo which may cause it to be a little out on the tuner. If so try removing and replacing the capo, wiggling it a bit, or retuning until you get the correct reading.
I do hope you have a fantastic time learning to play a guitar, Ken. It really is a delightful way to spend time.
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