help !

[iris]

i have been "playing" guitar for almost 2 years (i have a folk/acoustic guitar, a Cort) but i have never really had a teacher so i basically learned on my own. i need to know what i can do to improve myself...how have you guys progressed when you didn't have anyone around to help you out ? please give me any tips/suggestions....

[joeinthebox1980]

go to tab sites on www.tabtalk.com (http://www.tabtalk.com) and/or Harmony Central (http://www.harmony-central.com) and then just pick some songs you like.

a lot of times, they show you how to play the chords used in that song. learn those chords and keep progressing to new chords every week or so.

that's basically how i learned.

but... having a friend who can easily show you some chords is helpful too.

[Greyskull]

First I learned a few chords from friends/relatives.I tried to just play those chords (like G, C, D, A) without screwing up the transition.

Then I started buying Guitar World and Guitar so I could learn to play some songs I heard and liked on the radio.

Then I got experimental - I took those open chords I learned (G, C, D, A) and started playing them at different frets.

And the barre chords....the toughest but best thing to learn.

My advice - if it sounds good, whatever you are doing, you are doing it right !

[iris]

well i know the basic chords...let's say i know enough to read tabs, play "simple" songs and write songs ... but i feel i'm not getting anywhere...one of the reasons is that i can't manage the barre chords....any tips or advice on how to practice them and finally be able to play more tunes ?

[joeinthebox1980]

barre chords were the bane of my existance for the longest time.

but once i figured them out, it was beautiful moment.

all i can say is that it's just practice. personally, i always found it definitely to keep my index fingered pressed down hard enough. but after developing the technique, the finger muscles, etc. it got easier.

also, some finger exercises might help. i really didn't do any regular exercises, but i would stretch out my hands every once in a while and that helped too.

[computer_steve]

just keep practicing and i love you

[elmyrocker5]

well, I have a book.. that can help sometimes. but i've never read the whole thing ;) But starting with some chords and practicing all the time are biggies. I would say get a book or a poster with all the chords in it and just memorize. And, learn scales.. that helped me learn how to move faster and rock the frets. Just, don't let a day go by w/o pickin it up!