Hey guys. I’m Jay from London and I’m very happy to be back here. My first foray into learning was around 15 years ago. I discovered JG and was hooked. I bought a Yamaha 310 from Argos (IYKYK) and couldn’t put it down. I played obsessively for around a year then eased back as I had plateaued. That plateau I just couldn’t get over (Barre chords struggle etc) and I gradually lost interest and stopped playing.
Recently the itch to start again had begun. I picked up the Yamaha and realised how poorly set up it was (6mm clearance at the 12th) and how cumbersome it felt.
So I’ve splashed out on a Taylor GS mini mahogany. My goodness what a difference. It’s a pleasure to pick up and play and to just look at! . I’m a bit annoyed that I didn’t realise how badly setup the Yamaha was back then, maybe a pro setup or new instrument would have kept me at it.
I’m getting those fingers toughened up again and I’ve started from scratch. I must have retained a bit of muscle memory as my 1 minute changes ADE are at 50 plus straight away. Anyhow I’m thrilled to know that this community and Justin are still thriving.
I look forward to joining in the conversations and encouraging others.
TLDR: I gave up learning years ago. But I’m back with a newer better setup guitar and I’m as eager as ever.
Hi Jason,
Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun
Yes, it’s a shame how many people stop because the action of the strings is much too high… good that you’ve figured that out now, don’t look back and go full speed ahead
Hi Jason, welcome back to the forum, and fingers crossed that you’ll stay with us longer this time. Taylor guitars are beautiful instruments, congrats!
Cheers Withold
100%. The difference between a badly setup guitar and a properly setup guitar can make all the difference to whether a beginner sticks with it or not.
Re barre chords. Hang in there. When I started, the full F barre sounded bad for quite some weeks for me. But it’s worth the effort, it’s a real gateway drug.
Hello Jay & Welcome!
Since you’re Justinguitar alum (sort of), I won’t offer a bunch of ‘newbie’ advice…
I’ll only say that when I feel like a plateau is imminent, I work on things that keep me motivated because they’re FUN! This might slow me down a bit, but I don’t stop! Since I have a hard time with barre chords, I play power chords instead… they’re easier & when you add a bit of distortion, they’re a blast!!!
Keep it Fun & you’ll keep going!!!
Good luck!!!
Hi Jay,
It may be premature to give up on the Yamaha - most guitars are badly set up when you buy them. Just find somebody to do a proper setup and chances are you will have two guitars that play well. My Epiphone Les Paul (the second guitar I got) was a dog to play when I first got it, and plays really great now. I was slightly luckier with my first one, a MiM Fender Tele, because the seller did at least some set-up work for me, but again not ideal. I’d wholeheartedly recommend the chap who did the proper setup for mine but he’s in Letchworth (NAH Guitars).
I’ve thought about keeping it mostly for sentimental value. But the missus soon enough put a stop to that idea! We’re in a 1 bed flat and the living room is already a bit of a man cave.
@Aporia_Miller@Jayce23 Welcome to you both, and I am sure you will enjoy your time spent in a great community. Look forward to chatting with you, cheers Hec
Hi Jay, welcome to the community and welcome back to Justin’s great instruction. I’ve got a Taylor GSmini Mahogony also and it is especially good to use for acoustic blues. Have fun the second time around. I know that your fingertips are happier
Hello Jason and welcome to our Community! I also started in my teens and quitted, I re-started about 20 years later. My biggest problem was lack of good guidance (the Internet was just at its beginnings at the time) and feeling really hopeless with Rhythm…I’m digressing, what I wanted to say is that no matter what happened in the past we’re now here with renewed enthusiasm for learning…welcome back!
I wish I could say I was in my teens when I started 15 years back!!
Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s weird seeing some of the old Justin videos from those days… although he doesn’t seem to have aged…does he use Dunlop Lemon oil on his skin??
Hello Jay.
Welcome to JustinGuitar and this fantastic community.
Please take your time to look around and get to know the wider space. View by Categories.
We are a supportive and encouraging group of students and guitarists from across the world. Essentially, we are all here for music and to improve as players. We truly are a ‘community’. Members help and support one another and a friendly, positive attitude underpins this. We hope that all - young or old, experienced or new players - adopt and foster the pay-it-forward ethos that Justin personifies and embedded all those years ago when he started the website and forum.
Also, please make sure to read the Community Etiquette announcement for some important information and guidance.
If you want to record yourself to show your progress and / or seek feedback there is our ever popular Community Recordings section.
Behind the scenes there is a small and dedicated team who work to make the JustinGuitar experience as good as it can be. Check out the Onboarding sessions provided by Fanny.
Justin also has a small group of Approved Teachers he recommends for people wanting 1-to-1 lessons to supplement his courses - of which I am privileged to be one.
and I’ve started from scratch. I must have retained a bit of muscle memory as my 1 minute changes ADE are at 50 plus straight away. Anyhow I’m thrilled to know that this community and Justin are still thriving.
