I am 58 and am trying to teach myself the guitar. Due to arthritis etc., I want to make sure that I haven't left it too late by learning one short song right through and so that it sounds like the example before I go any further. If I can do that (ie my fingers and left elbow don't give out on me) then I'll get serious.
The simple thing I picked is Boogie Woogie 1 in C from this page:
http://www.bluesyoucanuse.com/boogiewoogie1.html
In the right hand corner is the mp3 for the piece. How does the player get that heavy sound that's more than just plucking the notes? Is it a distortion, overdrive or something similar?
(I've emailed the site owner but he never replied. And I've bought a couple of his books too! :( )
Not sure what it is, but it's something other than plugging his axe into a clean amp. Pedal, effects, etc.
I guess what I'm saying is that 100 of us can learn that bit and all would sound different. However, the timing and the notes will all be similar and would have achieved the goal of that lesson. The gear we all use is what seperates the "sound" from one to another.
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
(I've emailed the site owner but he never replied. And I've bought a couple of his books too! :( )
That's a surprise. I emailed him about something and got a very good reply. I've also had quick replies from him on his forum. Perhaps he's busy right now, or is getting swamped with emails?
I'd suggest logging on at his forum and asking the questions there. If he doesn't answer himself then one of the other forum members probably will.
BYCU forum
I am 58 and am trying to teach myself the guitar. Due to arthritis etc., I want to make sure that I haven't left it too late by learning one short song right through and so that it sounds like the example before I go any further. If I can do that (ie my fingers and left elbow don't give out on me) then I'll get serious.
No way have you left it too late. There is no 'too late'. Besides, you have all those guitars and amps that need using. :wink: If Django can play with basically only two working fingers to fret with then you can get a tune out of those guitars - arthritis or not. 8)
The issue with missing digits or poor functioning is not whether you can play or not, it's just what you need to modify in your style and technique in order to overcome your problems. At the extreme, you can open tune and play with your feet (see youtube for several examples) or with a slide, or whatever.
It's good fun, especially once you get past the first few months and get a bit of confidence. If you can develop a bit of timing and rhythm you really don't need a lot of fancy moves or multiple chords/scales etc in order to play some songs and have a ball. No more excuses now - just get on with it! :wink: Good luck. 8)
Cheers,
Chris
Thanks Roy and Chris.
I have got the notes down but speed and rhythm ... hmmm :D
I have signed up the forum, Chris, but have to wait to be activated.
You mentioned on another thread a month or two ago that playing actually help your arthritis so I'm hoping that with the help of glucosamine, the old 'arthuritis' won't get in the way.
By the way, it's Fathers Day here and I got one of the following from my kids. They're a lot of fun and I've been using it all day. I'm surprised at just how good it sounds:
Daphon GA1, Battery Powered, Portable Guitar Amplifier
Cheers,
Ron ...
I have signed up the forum, Chris, but have to wait to be activated.
They changed the sign up procedure due to the porno links some months ago. Now you need to be activated.
I agree with Chris (C). Ganapes replies quickly. Perhaps he is on holidays or busy. Lately the forum is not too active.
I made some questions about his gear. He has several guitars and amps. I remember a Gibson L-5, a Gibson ES-335 and a Blackface amp. I don't know what he used for this study (sometimes the studies are played by other players, too). It sounds as a distortion and lots of mids.
It's a pretty hi-gain sound, very fuzzy and undefined. Turn up the gain on your amp as far as you can and you're there. Personally I don't really like his sound but to each his own I guess. ;)
Oh, am I the only one who thinks it's kinda lame of him to put his name on that composition?
Oh, am I the only one who thinks it's kinda lame of him to put his name on that composition?
I agree that it's not a major compositional triumph.
But if putting his name on it keeps some idiot from grabbing it, putting it on his own web page, and claiming to be some great teacher, then I don't have any problem with John putting his name on it.
I wrapped a newspaper ’round my head
So I looked like I was deep
Agreed. You should see some of the "compositions" in the beginning guitar books where they teach you the notes of one string at a time. Lot of interestingly similar composition for songs using only E, F and G on the first string.
It's simply someone trying to protect his or her making a living. Not usually an artistic statement. I say "usually" because there are some stunningly beautiful pieces (guitar and otherwise) that were written specifically as exercises for students. Bach's Minuet in G is probably one with which most folks are familiar.
Peace
