I want to learn how to play guitar.

[monkeystyle]

I can play the bass reasonably well but I've always wanted to play guitar. Can anybody point me in the direction of a good starting guitar and maybe some good books or some tips?

Also, for those of you who do play how long have you been playing and what is the heardest thing about playing guitar?

 

[Moonlight Drive]

I've been playing on and off for a few years now, and I've gotta say you're going to get a lot of conflicting opinions. From other guitarists I know, everyone seems to have different things they find most difficuilt, so it's different for everyone really. Some say power chords or hammer-ons/pull-offs, but I never really found them hard at all. Although it took me a VERY long time to get the hang of switching chords, especially from anything to G. You'll only really know once you start playing.

As for equipment, a steel-stringed acoustic is what you need imo. At first it's going to hurt like a bitch, but if you intend to play alot you'll need some mean callouses. Plus they sound pretty awesome.

Hope that helps.

 

[El Joo Magnifico]

Go to www.rondomusic.com. They have very nice guitars for very nice prices. I believe that I got mine for $239. The hardest thing about guitar is not picking, but it is definitely matching up the picking with where your fingers go. You should go to Ultimate-Guitar.com for some nice video lessons and tabs.

 

[noumenon]

I've been playing guitar for around 11 years now.
I love how you mention callouses..lol..my hands are fucked. I've been playing guitar for 11 years, so my fingertips are fucked...plus I'm an electrician and work out constantly...I could probably use my hands for oven mitts.

Anyway. Going from guitar to bass is a lot easier than bass to guitar.
When swtiching from gutiar to bass all you need to get down is the fingering (if you so choose not to use a pick)..and slapping if you're into that stuff.
Guitar is a whole new animal...lots more to focus on...more intricate picking. I suggest starting off as if you've never played a string instrument. Learn your scales, practice your fingering and really get a feel for navigating 6 smaller strings, instead of the 4 (or 5) larger ones that you may be used to.

If you need any tips PM me, I've been playing for quite a long time and have taught quite a few people how to play.

 

[Klide]

I've been playing guitar on and off for a few years now and the hardest thing for me is playing songs that have difficult solos. I'm more of a rhythem player. A few easy begginer songs are probably some nirvana songs( first songs I've learned) but it's ussually best to learn some decent chords so u can get use to the fret board and then work your way to tabs.

 

[noumenon]

^AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! Don't say that... I hate when people say that. "I'm a rythm player." That's the laziest excuse you can possibly come up with. No one is a rythm player. All it takes is practice and dedication. Anyone can play a solo. It does however take some experimenting to see what kind of solo is your style.