How old were you when you started playing guitar?

Just to clarify, it's not my fingertips that are getting sore. I have some gnarly calluses. It's my entire hand. When you're doing several hours of speed exercises you'll know what I mean!

jang, it took me a few months to get basic chord transitions down, but that's because I rarely practiced them. I was all about lead guitar and still am!

Originally Posted by: bbzswa777Just to clarify, it's not my fingertips that are getting sore. I have some gnarly calluses. It's my entire hand. When you're doing several hours of speed exercises you'll know what I mean!

jang, it took me a few months to get basic chord transitions down, but that's because I rarely practiced them. I was all about lead guitar and still am!

Ha,, I bet the hand is pretty sore after that then. Hey man, I watched a video you posted where you did a Black Sabbath song (if I recall right) and well done!

I'm just going to work through GF1 and GF2, get all the fundamentals down, and then delve into the lead stuff too. By that time I'm looking to be the owner of a Gibson Les Paul. Eventually a Fender strat to add to the mix as well.

Thanks!

It sounds like you have a good plan. Going through those fundamental courses will give you a good base, and then you can work on your lead. Learning chords is also great for lead because it strengthens your hands and gives you more dexterity, and that transfers over to your lead playing.

Do you have your heart set on a Gibson Les Paul? Let me tell you my story: after 5 months of playing guitar, I bought a new 2014 Gibson LP Studio. But I soon realized that it was NOT the right guitar for me. Why? Because I have big hands and I like to play lead. Out of all the guitars, Les Pauls have the skinniest frets, especially the high notes. So it's not very comfortable to play lead on the higher frets.

Of course there are exceptions, and you can get used to anything. But I would try out some Ibanez, PRS, or Fender Strats (I love my Strat and Ibanez).

Good luck!

Thanks for the input. I see myself eventually with both a Les Paul and a strat. :)

Chiming in...I started when I was 17.....which was over 30 years ago!

I did have a few year break in the 90's and early 2000's. Long story. I used to practice in the 80's a lot. I don't have the time so much anymore but still sneak it in when I can.

Originally Posted by: JeffS65Chiming in...I started when I was 17.....which was over 30 years ago!

I did have a few year break in the 90's and early 2000's. Long story. I used to practice in the 80's a lot. I don't have the time so much anymore but still sneak it in when I can.

I really wish i had taken the time when i was
younger to learn to play. But, can't go back, so now is the time. Do you play lead as well Jeff?

Originally Posted by: jang7I really wish i had taken the time when i was
younger to learn to play. But, can't go back, so now is the time. Do you play lead as well Jeff?

I do. In the 80's, when I really practiced on technique, I was what they called a 'shredder'. I could play fast and clean and all that (no sweep arpeggios though...didn't enjoy them). In the end though, it is fun to pull out a fast run once in a while but I really like building songs with melodies now and it doesn't matter how fast or slow, only that I can play what I hear in my head.

Originally Posted by: JeffS65I do. In the 80's, when I really practiced on technique, I was what they called a 'shredder'. I could play fast and clean and all that (no sweep arpeggios though...didn't enjoy them). In the end though, it is fun to pull out a fast run once in a while but I really like building songs with melodies now and it doesn't matter how fast or slow, only that I can play what I hear in my head.

I like your approach!

I started when I was 35. I learned for a year then gave up. Now I'm 43 and trying again. I've got an acoustic and recently an electric. I'm really digging the electric and it's taking me back to my early days of punk music. :)

I started at age 51. I've been playing for a year. I told myself I would take private 30 minute lessons weekly ($100.00/month), then after a year evaluate where I was at with guitar and determine if I enjoyed it. In the last year I only practiced 30 - 60 minutes about 5 - 6 times a week. My lessons ended and now I'm doing the Guitar Tricks Fundamentals. Although I don't practice nearly as much as others. I have fun and can play several simpler songs on my acoustic. My ultimate goal is to be able to play a couple songs at open mic night. I'm going the slow and steady route, but enjoying it and see this as a lifelong hobby. I've already achieved a major goal for myself - I can play and sing "Melissa" by the Allman Brothers, LOL.

Originally Posted by: ladd101I started at age 51. I've been playing for a year. I told myself I would take private 30 minute lessons weekly ($100.00/month), then after a year evaluate where I was at with guitar and determine if I enjoyed it. In the last year I only practiced 30 - 60 minutes about 5 - 6 times a week. My lessons ended and now I'm doing the Guitar Tricks Fundamentals. Although I don't practice nearly as much as others. I have fun and can play several simpler songs on my acoustic. My ultimate goal is to be able to play a couple songs at open mic night. I'm going the slow and steady route, but enjoying it and see this as a lifelong hobby. I've already achieved a major goal for myself - I can play and sing "Melissa" by the Allman Brothers, LOL.

That's awesome man. I'm 50 and just beginning myself and i'm working through the core fundamentals as well, along with soaking up other stuff here and there as well. This has gained me so much more admiration and respect for those who can really tear a guitar up.