My Equipment

Guitar:
My first guitar was a Yamaha 12 string. I sold it, kept busting the strings, I was tuning it too high. Next one was a Yamaha FG 11 (I think). I had it for about 22 years. It really took all my hammering and is still in mint condition. My son has it now. He went around looking for a guitar and could not find one to match the FG11 sound. So what did he do? Offered to buy me a 12 string, I was still regretting selling my first one, and I accepted. Now I have a Yamaha FGX-4135C 12 string. Now I use a tuner.

Computer:
Here again my clever son got me to buy him a new PC and I'm using his now. It's a 1.53Mhz. Works fine for me. I added a Acer flat screen AL1714. Logitech Cordless LX 500 keyboard & mouse. I replaced the SB Audigy sound card with M-Audio 24/96. I got tired of getting the Audigy to work with XP. The M-audio's a fantastic card

Software:
I use Cakewalk HomeStudio 2 with a host of freeware such as buzz, Van Basco Karaoke etc.

I hope to do my own recording soon.

Sorry, I haven't added hyperlinks yet, will do soon.

How I Learnt

A long time ago (38 yrs) I met a friend, Alan, who's an accomplished guitarist. He taught me a few chords and where the bass notes where. I used to accompany him striking the bass note for the chord he was playing, just one note.

When I was alone I used to battle with holding the chords. I also learnt everything about the guitar, the basic theory. I'm not sure how long but one day I was amazed to discover I could change chords so smoothly. I attribute this to the many hours accompanying him with my single note bass.

At this stage I did not own a guitar. By the way the one I played with was held together with nails, tape and wallpaper.

So don't buy a guitar as yet. You can easily learn on a stuffed up one. Once you've got the theory and basic, may be then. A know a lot of folk buying instruments and the thing collects dust somewhere.

Your first task:
Get a notebook and learn everything you can about the guitar. How it works. What it's made of. What are the parts of a guitar. What are the notes called. If you see someone play the guitar, watch both his hands. What's he doing with his foot. No, he's not nodding at you.

Remember: If you want to learn something, do as much research as you can.

I will be posting the basic theory next. See you later. Oh! if you really serious about playing the guitar. Then you've got to EAT, SLEEP, BREATHE guitar. Chow

PS. My emails in the profile if you have any questions. Sorry I only pick up mail once a week. If bloggings worth it then I would definitely be on everyday.