If you were going to offer a beginner ONE piece of advice

Larry Carlson · Post by **Larry Carlson** » 28 Jan 2015 1:05 pm

Mike Neer wrote:This is the one thing I would tell a beginner, and Ira Glass has told it so well, so listen to him:

http://youtu.be/PbC4gqZGPSY

Wow...........I've never seen that before.
He is exactly right and he explained in simple terms
why I am having a bit of trouble and disappointments.
It helps to know why and it made me feel better just hearing it.

We always think we are "the only one". I guess I'm not.....

Joseph Napolitano · Post by **Joseph Napolitano** » 28 Jan 2015 7:09 pm

Thanks Mike

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 29 Jan 2015 4:25 am

Cool, Mike.
Scuse me I have to get back to work.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 29 Jan 2015 5:00 am

Man! Just perfect, Ira. Thanks for the link, Mike.

Paul Seager · Post by **Paul Seager** » 30 Jan 2015 5:04 am

Your question is too vague for the context of learning an instrument so you'll only get vague answers.

Fact is you are a beginner in the UK so that makes your pool of teachers and resources slightly shallow. Therefore you have to use what you can get to easily. This Forum is one of them but you're there already. The other is Scotty's "Basic C6th Nonpedal Lap Steel Method", Mel Bay. It's often twee and annoying if you don't like the music played in there but for starting out from nothing, there's nothing comparable 'cos everything you're going to use later is in there.

Everything else you need is (hopefully) already attached to your body.

\ paul

Barbara Berg · Post by **Barbara Berg** » 30 Jan 2015 6:21 pm

First I would say you need "The Drive" to enjoy what you are trying to accomplish. I've been taking lessons for 4 years, and sometimes I feel it's a waste. Then something happens and "I get it!" I'm determined to master that sound that I hear so many professionals play, being Hawaiian, or Country. I've learned so much, keeping my left hand quiet, soft picking, moving up and down with the strings not anchoring my hand to the guitar, etc. Myriads of good habits to perfect the wonderful, melodious steel guitar! Keep pushing, practice, learn good habits, and eventually it starts to fall in place!

Jana Lockaby · Post by **Jana Lockaby** » 31 Jan 2015 12:13 pm

Thanks Mike. That video is just what I needed to hear. Awesome.

Kay Das · Post by **Kay Das** » 31 Jan 2015 4:05 pm

I am going tongue in cheek and repeat Hank Marvin's reply to this question:

Make sure your guitar has strings on it.....

Kay

Stefan Robertson · Post by **Stefan Robertson** » 1 Feb 2015 10:18 am

Get a 10/12 string instrument

Learn chords, scales and songs

Play what music you enjoy. Challenge yourself and use a metronome