I want to learn to play the guitar

[hammerman]

I'm approaching 40 and i haven't got a clue about reading music or playing any musical instrument....although i used to be a drummer but that's not really musical !!!

But i would really like to play the guitar....only the acoustic, but i don't know how easy/hard it is to start.

I have an acoustic guitar at home but i just need to learn to play it.
Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, names of books or websites etc.

Thanks in advance

[naz_nomad]

I'm going to have to argue with you about drumming not being musical ....

[PhilBy]

http://guitar-tab-chord-electric-acoustic-less on.com/Offer.html

The above may be what you are looking for.

Stick with it and take your time to master each step before proceeding onto the next :)

If you feel like you are getting there and want to play along to some Rock backing tracks I can certainly recommend this guys products, he has a fairly good range & the quiality is pretty darn good for the price :)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte m&ih=004&item=140009253465&rd=1&sspagename=STR K%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

Q) What do you call a guy who hangs around with musicians?
A) A Drummer ................. boom boom lol

[littleoldme]

Don't knock drummers! They may be more rhythmical than musical, but perform the vital but unglamorous role of keeping it all together at the back while the prima donna singers and guitarists preen their feathers and take all the glory.

Rather like musical goalkeepers, in a way. :-)

[PhilBy]

They are also the ones who normally fail to turn for practice & think they can keep perfect rhythm whilst ****** & stoned!

btw. I sat on a throne for over 30 years :)

[robbo82]

Don't worry about not being able to read music, it's not essential when it comes to playing guitar, as most guitar music is written using tablature, which actually shows you where to put your fingers on the fretboard, rather than which notes to play. It's not that hard to pick up really, most of the basic chords can be learnt in a few days, then it's up to you how far you want to take it. Good luck!

[saxy_jag]

I'll start by saying my old man's a drummer, and he's also a damned decent bassist.

Littleoldme, don't you always find they're the last to leave and get to the bar just as it's closing.

Robbo's correct - you don't need to be able to read music. You can learn initially using chord diagrams and something called 'tab' (short for tabulature), which is a bit like written music, but much easier and much more logical. Your having been a drummer will certainly help you in the rhythm department.

If you can hold on 'til September, loads of community colleges will be starting their Autumn evening classes. You can usually find at least one that has a 'guitar for beginners' class. These are brilliant. The teachers are (or should be) geared up to teaching adult beginners and can be great fun, as well as a not-too-heavy way of making a start. Then if you want to take your learning a stage further, your teacher will be able to advise.