Advice from the foc-u guitar fiends

[nick crisp]

I'm with Exupnut - blues is a great start point for learning. It is the basis for many types of music, and you can keep it very simple to start with and quickly be making music with just 3 chords.But if you've never picked up a guitar before, you will need basic open chords, and this should perhaps be your first move. Learn open A, C, D, E, G (major). Learn open A, D, E (minor). Just learning those and getting it so you can strum each chord cleanly will keep you busy for a while, while your fingertips toughen up a little.

Then move onto 7th chords - these are the basics for blues. Learn open A7, B7, C7, D7, E7, G7.

Next, I would get you strumming a simple 12-bar blues with A7, D7, E7. But get those open major and minor chords down first.

Mick's point about starting with a simple tune to learn is valid, but to begin here you really need someone to show you a tune. Guitar teachers are very useful; for one thing, when you've booked a session, you won't be finding excuses not to bother for that hour or so at least. They will also be able to see exactly what you're doing wrong a set you right, which online guides, books etc can't. But get those basic open chords down first - that's something you can learn by yourself.


Here's a great little site that may help - don't skip the basics! :


http://www.justinguitar.com


Free lessons. Has a beginner's course, is very well taught, and will get you a good way into your new journey. Good luck 

P.S. Practice is everything!