Expert: Frank A Dornay Jr - 6/14/2009

Question
hey, i'm a beginner at guitar [14 years old, and trying to
teach myself how to play by using the internet since we
don't have enough money for lessons] and this might sound
like a stupid question, but in tabs when they have the chord
written over the word in the song, when should you make the
transition? after the word, a little before, or right on the
word?

and do you need calluses on your thumb too since its
sometimes used to fret the low E string ?

what are some practices i can do to help the calluses form?

and another question that might sound stupid, but how
exactly D0 you hold a pick? mine seems to make a really
tappy sound [like, you can hear the pick against the string
very clearly] and nearly as soon as i start playing, starts
to turn. then it ends up with the side, rather than the
point, of the pick strumming the strings.

sorry for the length
thankk you for your help :]

Answer
Hey Lynn.

  When reading tab, usually the chord change goes right over the word as written (unless, of course it's written incorrectly).

  You really don't NEED to build up your thumb since it's mostly helping with hand position.  There are times you'll need it, but it's rare, depending on what genre of music you play.  To build your callouses, all you really need to do is keep playing. Practice scales mostly, though so you can get coordination going.


  Holding a pick seems to be more of what is convenient for you.  For example, I hold my pick between my thumb and index finger.  Hearing the pick against the string isn't necessarily a bad thing.  If your pick turns, which has happened to me, you may want to consider a better grip on the pick.  


  Please know that there are NO stupid questions.  If you feel the need to ask us a question, feel free to do so.  There is NO judgment here, we all started as beginners at one point.  Hope to hear from you again!




Regards.





Andrew