Expert: Patrick - 6/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hey Patrick , Uhm I'ma beginner Acoustic Guitar player , i'm teaching myself outta a book .. on the web , and from a friend . i know my basic chords - G D E C Am Em A Dm .. and was wondering what songs would be easy but fun to learn? any ideas ? and my guitar nomatter how i tune it , never sounds good ? any idea why ? let me know  :)

ANSWER: Hey DJ,

There are many, many and many songs that you can play using those chords. Pick out some of the songs you like and know the best and practice, practice. Not knowing your taste in music it would be hard for me to tell you any certain song to learn. Play around with chord changes and picking techniques. That's how I learnt to play, by ear.

What type of guitar do you have? Are you using a tuner to aid you when tuning your guitar? Let me know.

If your right handed, remember the the right hand is just as important as the chording hand. Work on chops and up and down strokes.Picking single strings and alternating strings is a good way to learn flat picking.

Most of all, have fun!

Patrick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a Yamaha Guitar : FG-460S? And that's about as much as i know about it . Uhm , i like all kinds of music , i find that the Countryish songs are easier to play though ? What do you think ? .

I'm not using a tuner to aid me , cause I don't own one, I use my piano .
Yes , I am right handed (meaning I strum with my Right hand .?).   What do you mean by Flat Picking ? Sorry i'm new to the guitar world , I just started playing a month-and-a-half ago . But I can play about 10 songs fairly well . I've also learnt a couple new chords such as : Cadd9 , C7 , Amaj7 , Cmaj7 .. things like that .  

-Dara *

Answer
The reviews on your guitar are pretty good.  I think you have a good guitar (http://reviews.harmonycentral.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Yamaha/FG-460+S/10/1r)

Try using some different strings and save up some money and get you a electronic tuner, they are way more reliable then using your ear, even when using a piano.I personally like country and country style music. Americana is good too. Check out some Tony Rice...
He is one of the best flat pickers I know. You can find him by googling his name. You should be able to find some of his music to download, then you can hear what flat picking is all about.
It sound to me that you are learning fast. Keep picking and keep trying new things.

Take care

Patrick


http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Yamaha/FG-460+S/10/1