Learning guitar

ScissorPaperRock

Hi, I'm teaching myself guitar and have been following the beginner course at justinguitar.com. The problem I have is that I don't know what to focus on next.

I'm learning on an acoustic guitar with a view to being able to do some fingerstyle stuff, but I'd like to build a good foundation before concentrating on finger picking etc.

At the moment I'm working on barre chords and it's progressing nicely, but I'd also like something else to focus on.

And if it matters, I have a limited understanding of music theory, I did a module in tonal harmony in uni a few years back, but I remember very little of it to be honest!

Thanks for any suggestions.

KeithTS

When it comes to theory spend some time focusing on chord chemistry (how chords are made up, what makes them minor,diminished,augmented etc.)
From that you'll gain an insight into the major scale and how each chord relates to eachother.
When doing this look into the CAGED system as it ill give you a lot more voicings for every chord and will give you new positions to practice you barre chords with.

z0oT

I'd recommend you check out a book like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Learn-Play-Guitar-Manual/dp/1864691727/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281818620&sr=8-1

I have the same one, but for lead guitar which I got for reference a few years back (have the piano one aswell), and I have to say it's excellent. It goes through all the things like reading/counting music and stuff like intervals, chords, arpeggios, scales/modes etc. and starts from a very basic level. I think there is one from the same author on Fingerpicking mind you.

jazzme

If you ask me you really dont need to dive in to music theory to be an accomplished guitar player. Most of the guitar legends especially in blues and jazz cannot read notes.

Nulty

As a player of 5 years who taught my self I'll say -

Yes learn some theory but don't bog yourself down in it. It will come in time. The most important thing is that your enjoying the guitar. A time will come when you want to know more about the theory but don't rush it. Practice scales though, it will give your hand better flexibility and make learning new songs easier in the future.

I personally got bored with strumming tunes and quickly moved to fingerstyle. Its hugely rewarding and seriously satifying when you get a song down.

I'm nearly able to play all of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHtwF-gpluc

Danny_H

It's very easy to get yourself bogged down in theory early and lose the drive to play the guitar. I started with basic single string riffs. Quickly got bored, moved onto more complex riffs. Learned some major and minor chords and the pentatonic scale.
After that I found the most personally rewarding way is to choose your favourite songs and get them down. Maybe something with a new technique each time. (hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, etc.) That way you are making progress which you can see clearly (and keep your drive) while adding to your song repertoire.
Do runs and different patterns on whatever scales you know do develop your own little licks and to increase finger agility (and use that pinky! ) and get used to alternate and sweep picking

I started out messing around on my dads' acoustic about 2 years ago. Got my own electric guitar. Began picking up lead riffs (sunshine of your love) Within about 6 months I'd moved onto learning solos. Began messing around with (and learning more) scales to come with my own. About a year and a half in I had songs like Sweet Child 'o' Mine and Canon Rock completely down.

I moved onto fingerstyle due to diminishing returns on electric practice (as another poster suggested)
If I was to make a recommendation I'd start with Everybody Hurts by R.E.M, then on to Tarrega's study of e minor (which is a beautiful piece, even at half speed) Then classical gas if you're up for it :cool: it's a much easier piece than it sounds. I'm currently onto Tamacun by Rodrigo y Gabriela which is a good amalgamation of both fingerstyle and picking/scale runs.

As you said you want to pick up acoustic, I'd recommend getting basic picking and a scale or two down and then moving onto fingerstyle. Find some songs that sound easy :P (Fast Car by Tracy Chapman just came to mind ) There is no technique which doesn't require practice, when you get good at one and then move to another you will inevitably appear to have gone backwards a step for a bit, until you master the technique. Don't get disheartened, progress comes in jumps sometimes and you'll be surprised how quickly you'll improve
Good luck!