Questions, Questions.

[ToneDeaf]

First of all, I want to congratulate anyone and everyone who is involved with this site. IT SIMPLY ROCKS. (Literaly)

Now, to my questions.
I am a beginner, very beginner.
I bought a very cheap guitar and thank God I found this site early on.
Some of my friends said that I dont need a tuner, that it is easy. Anyway after reading this site I got one and all the music geniouses I know, were off according to the tuner. http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/think.gif
Anyway, I tried to follow the lessons plus the power chords that, they said are the key to rock. After major practice, I can proudly say that, My fingers are so sore I have to type with my nose. Is that normal? Moreover there is NO way I can stretch my fingers so wide and push down the strings to the fret.
I mute the strings instead and it sounds like ******.
Even if I can hold them down I can not move them to a different location. If I play in one spot, I have to stop, look at the fretboard, put my fingers down again and then continue.
I don't mean to nag, but I was just wondering if this is normal or this is just me and I should buy a harmonica instead.

Any advise I would appreciate it.

Sorry for the length of the message.

I thank you in advance for responding.



[This message has been edited by ToneDeaf (edited December 06, 2000).]

[Sixstring]

Your symptoms sound exactly like every other beginning guitarist in the world. You'll get there if you don't give up.

[Josh]

Don't worry man. You'll get better as long as you stick with it. And your fingures'll stop hurting in a couple months.

[StoneDragon]

I used to keep a tray of ice nearby to numb my finger so I could keep playing. I don't necessarily recommend self-mutilation/torture like that.... but I know a certain MrS who has been known to grab the ice pack now and then too http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/wink.gif

[ghodaddyyo]

You are absolutely on the right track, and your hands will get stronger everyday.

There are some things you can do to make your fingers less sore.

Lubricate your guitar strings before playing. The lubrication will cut down on the amount of finger drag you have with the strings, especially the wound strings.

Stretch your fingers, wrists, forearms, shoulders, and neck. All of these muscles are in play when playing the guitar. You can find a lot of finger stretching exercises in the Technique section.

Make sure your guitar is in top performance shape. If your string action is too high, it could be hard on your fingers, especially for a beginner. Perhaps even use a lighter gauge string. I have an accoustic strung with .12's(high E) for strengthening my chording and bending. I also have a Strat and a DeArmond Semi-hollow strung with .10's. The .10's are the perfect guage for me with the string bends maxing out on a whole note bend, which is difficult to do on the accoustic. I could probably bend further, but at a compromise of good tone and technique. When I really feel like going wild, I grab my Ibanez which is strung with .09's and can bend and vibrato almost endlessly.

Have fun. When I first started playing, I had friends show me a few chords and a few songs. Scorpions "Rock you like a Hurricane" was the first song I ever learned. I played along with the record every chance I got, and imagined I was really in concert. 14 years later, I still do the same thing. Every chance I get. http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[MrSamson]

I have grabbed the ice pack many a time.

Totally normal bro...keep strummin'!!!!

http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/devil.gif

[ToneDeaf]

Thank you for all the help guys. I will keep practicing for sure. I haven't quit anything I started until now so I am not going to start now.


Sorry for the late reply but I have finals.

Thanks again.

I will keep posting.