Mid Life Crisis?

[admin]

Hi

Is anyone else having a mid life crisis like me? I haven't been on the forum much, because yesterday I went and bought an electric guitar, and have been practicing "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple all night!

[Zoggite]

Errrmmm...
Nope, you're on your own there, lass!!

[admin]

It looks like Jeff is having a much bigger one then me!

I have to admit it Jeff, I'd love a go on that lot. It does look impressive!

[Zoggite]

Personally, I pity BOTH your neighbours!

[admin]

Originally Posted by Zoggite

Personally, I pity BOTH your neighbours!

I can use headphones on my guitar! In fact, if I didn't I think I'd be divorced by now!

If I could ask Jeff, do you think I should take lessons from the start (avoid bad habits?) or teach myself the basics, and then go for lessons?

I have been practicing so much, my fingers feel like they are bleeding! When does the pain stop???????

So far, I have just about mastered 8 to 10 chords (including one barre cord - hurts!), one pentatonic scale (starts 5th fret, E string), can play the intro for smoke on the water, James Bond and a few other simple tunes. I can strum the cords (all 3 of em) while Paddy sings Fade Away by the stones!

I can hear you giggling there Jeff, but for my first week I'm happy!

So does anyone have experience of guitar lessons, and if so, what should I be looking for in, or asking, a possible teacher?

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by admin

I can use headphones on my guitar! In fact, if I didn't I think I'd be divorced by now!

Headphones on the Roland electric drums - but it still taps.

If I could ask Jeff, do you think I should take lessons from the start (avoid bad habits?) or teach myself the basics, and then go for lessons?

Lessons - then practice

I have been practicing so much, my fingers feel like they are bleeding! When does the pain stop???????

When you've practiced enough and have leather fingers.

So does anyone have experience of guitar lessons, and if so, what should I be looking for in, or asking, a possible teacher?

The Yamaha schools are good - but like pharmacy - a good independant can be better. Someone who was in a group that never quite made it - but appeared on the bill with the bigger names.

Good luck

Jeff

[admin]

Jeff

Thanks! I have found a guy on the net not far from where I live. He charges £10 per 40 mins. The strange thing is, he has the same name as a local GP and I'm wondering if it's him (look at his A level results)!

Music Teachers UK - Mr Rakeeb Chowdhury

There's another guy in the Yellow Pages and he does then in the day, so I could do them on my days off.

His ad says beginners are welcome, and he's in an Eagles tribute band. His site is basic though.

welcome

There is a Yamaha school in my town, but it only says about group lessons on the web site. I think I'd rather go it alone.

If I ring these guys, what should I ask them? Should I ask a local music shop for a recommendation?

Thanks

[Pharmanaut]

Originally Posted by admin

I can use headphones on my guitar! In fact, if I didn't I think I'd be divorced by now!

If I could ask Jeff, do you think I should take lessons from the start (avoid bad habits?) or teach myself the basics, and then go for lessons?

I have been practicing so much, my fingers feel like they are bleeding! When does the pain stop???????

So far, I have just about mastered 8 to 10 chords (including one barre cord - hurts!), one pentatonic scale (starts 5th fret, E string), can play the intro for smoke on the water, James Bond and a few other simple tunes. I can strum the cords (all 3 of em) while Paddy sings Fade Away by the stones!

I can hear you giggling there Jeff, but for my first week I'm happy!

So does anyone have experience of guitar lessons, and if so, what should I be looking for in, or asking, a possible teacher?

My son has a chap for guitar lessons.
This tutor performs solo, and in a band and also plays different styles.
He comes to the house and charges £15 per hour.

Get a Zoom 505 pedal and you can have real fun.

Next you will be buying Taylor or Martin and drooling over strats.

[Pharmanaut]

...happening to me at the moment as well.
First manifesting itself by my legendary patience with people wearing thin. Also not as willing to carry others along. Have not the patience to watch a TV program, and moving back to listen to the radio, especially BBC R2 and R4.

It has positive benefits as well though.
Feel less stressed, especially when driving.
While still sounding friendly I'm more assertive and less willing to be pushed around.
Finding that the simplest things give the greatest pleasure.

Probably end up reading books on philosophy or other stuff.

[admin]

Originally Posted by Pharmanaut

...happening to me at the moment as well.
First manifesting itself by my legendary patience with people wearing thin. Also not as willing to carry others along. Have not the patience to watch a TV program, and moving back to listen to the radio, especially BBC R2 and R4.

It has positive benefits as well though.
Feel less stressed, especially when driving.
While still sounding friendly I'm more assertive and less willing to be pushed around.
Finding that the simplest things give the greatest pleasure.

Probably end up reading books on philosophy or other stuff.

You sound like you're turning into one of those grumpy old men off the telly!

Get yourself a guitar, bang the amp on full, and let rip my friend!