BC-101 • Common beginners questions answered

[justinguitar]

Lesson direct link: http://justinguitar.com/en/BC-101-CommonQuestions.php

Questions...

[Craigyboy]

How do we know when we are ready to move on the the next stage for each stage of this course?

[Djer]

Thank you justin for the great beginners lessons! I have learn a lot from you.

But when we are ready to the next stage?

How do we know when we are ready to move on the the next stage for each stage of this course?

[justinguitar]

When you feel ready and know the chords from memory.

Good question, I will try and think of something more specific and add it to BC-119.

J

[Tetsuo]

Well, I got one of those begginers questions! 
"My fingers really hurts!" 

I just bought my guitar this month and it came with "default" strings that i really dont know the specification.

I started trying Stage 01 yesterday, and after just 5 minutes doing chords, i just cant continue.
Im not the kind of person that feel to much pain, so, i think its really hurting me.

Is there a possibility that its the strings? I notice that the first fret is the most difficult one (doing the E chord - First finger).

Is it normal?

By the way... the A chort is pretty difficult My first finger have to press really hard cause it stay away from the fret.

D chord is easy 

Thanks!

[rohit93]

Tetsuo, I think it is pretty normal, I got my guitar this weekend and my fingers started to hurt as soon as i started to play it. I heard people say its better to start of playing with nylon strings because it doesnt hurt that much. Im using steel strings thats probably why, it may be the same for you or your just pushing really hard .

[Tetsuo]

Hi there rohit93.
I got steal strings too!

I read somewhere that you should use 0.10 mm strings when you start cause they or easier to push. Dont know the words in english to use here =D, but i think its like the Diameter of the strings

Well.. i just ask the store to see what kind of strings came with my guitar.
Hope i got a answer soon. I will keep practicing anyway!

Thanks!

[Linsen]

I started 5 weeks ago, practiced on day 1 and 2 till I got blisters and couldn't touch it on day 3. Slowly started to pick it up again on day 4, but more than 5 minutes at a time were impossible. It slowly gets better, though, so don't worry.

My advice would be not to overdo it on the first days. Put the guitar down if it gets painful and try again later etc. It's normal and alright that it hurts, but you should avoid blisters if possible.

[justinguitar]

Yeah - light strings are a good idea for beginners.

Try not to let yourself get blisters, but I must admit that I played until my fingers bled a few times when I was learning! But that is not recommended at all... if it hurts stop.

J

[licksnkicks]

You know when you should give it a rest and if your fingers are hurting that much then REST!!  My fingers absolutely killed me for the first week and a bit.  They started peeling.  I know how badly you must want to play as I felt the same way.  Your calluses will build up very quickly though.  Just give it some time and you will be fine.  I do notice though that my fretting hand the fingers are quite sensitive to touch, even as I sit here and type on my laptop.

Licksnkicks

[PartyKing]

When you just beginning and brought your first guitar, change string as quickly as possible to 0.8 set and play those. Just buy the softest you can, they sound not so good, but later you can buy any set you want. Starting with 0.8 really helps.

[licksnkicks]

Hey that makes me wonder what are my strings!  How do I go about finding out.  What wire gauge??

Licksnkicks

[Tetsuo]

I ask the store...and mine is 0.11.

Should i change it to 0.10 or something?
I think with 0.8 you will have to tune your guitar everytime you play.

At least, that is what i read on the web.

Tetsuo

[close2u]

Hey that makes me wonder what are my strings!  How do I go about finding out.  What wire gauge??

Licksnkicks

There is a tool - can't remember its name. Take it to a store next time you buy.
Also, changing the guage effects the guitar neck/truss rod tension so stick with what you have unless you have it set up when changing.

[justinguitar]

I ask the store...and mine is 0.11.

Should i change it to 0.10 or something?
I think with 0.8 you will have to tune your guitar everytime you play.

At least, that is what i read on the web.

Tetsuo

.11 is very thick on electric, but about good on acoustic. J