I own a Fender Strat, PRS Custom 240-08 and Martin 000-15M. My main amps are the ENGL Fireball 25 with ENGL 1 × 12, Tone King Falcon, and Spark Mini and Spark Neo to go mobile around the house and mess around with digital amps. I also own a handful of pedals but mostly the fundamentals. I started playing in the 90s and played for about 4-5 years and quit now I am back and working on my retirement plan Haha. I also tried to get back again about 20 years ago but was busy with grad school and working fulltime so sold what i had.
My goals is to be a guitary theory nerd, and learned to be a well rounded guitar player with focus styles on David Gilmore and Frusiciante. Although, love to jam classic rock, heavy metal to Funk. Maybe get into some Jazz in my later years. I also would love to a master at looping and using backing tracks and multiple layers of sounds as a solo artist. I hope this community can provide tips to get me through hurdles or challenges or to get me over and feedback of my playing that I cant see myself. Also, another way to help me stay motivated.
David Gilmore inspires me and Frusciante. But when i was younger it iwas Jimmy Page, Kirk Hammett and Dimebag Darrell.
I know alot of open chord songs and would say guitar theory is at intermidiate level. Current struggle is changing from barre chords quick and smooth enough especially going to open chord to F. but know how to play 6 and 5th string barre chords as alternative to open chord songs I know.
I have signed up for all Justins paid stuff and want to learn everything form course 1 - 9 when avaialble
Hi Christian.
Sounds like yer motivating yourself. Very cool. I came to JG to do the same.
Seems like yer all set for gear. That’s some serious stuff ya got there.
Seems like yer guitar therory is a good way to go. I find myself wanting to learn more too. Signing up for all of Justins classes will be a great step towards that goal I’d think.
Sounds like yer needing a audio interface and a DAW. I believe it’ll do everything yer wanting to do.
Myself, I’ve only used it for recording me, but I think the items yer wanting will be in whatever DAW ya get.
I think ya just need to turn yer amp up and stand in front of it. You’ll get plenty of feedback then.
That was supposed to be humor. Plenty of folks here more than willing to give ya feedback on your obstacles that you encounter.
You’ll get there. Play some songs with barre chords in them. It’ll force ya to learn them. Or, play some songs that ya know that ya do with open chords. But instead of playing the open chords, play them as barre chords. Again, it forces ya to learn them barres chords.
Seems like ya should be on your way. Unless yer playing them 5th and 6th string chords as power chords. If so, branch out and go full barre E or full barre A. Even C or G as barres. Play only the stings yer wanting or mute the strings that ya don’t want. Or perhaps a combination of that.
Have fun man. With the gear ya got. Ya can’t have anything but fun I’d reckon!
You set your goals, that is important. I really recommend you Justins Music Theory Course. The beginning is free and if you like Justins way of teaching… hit that paid part too. It is great.
This comes just from the guy playing around 2,5 years. I guess you will be able to squeeze much more from that.
I still struggle with the changing to the F-Chord, but it has came a long way since I started, it gets there with time. Like others have recommended, I would play songs that force you to use the F-Chord and it will progress, that is how I did it.
For the music theory, I have found it really helpful as well. I paid for the lifetime course I found it that helpful. It is good to teach you things that pertain to the guitar in particular you can focus on and then focus on the whole of music theory, I definitely recommend.
This community is great at feedback and honest constructive criticism when you need it too. Lots of people who have played a very long time, to people like me really getting in there, to complete beginners and all experience is valuable feedback.
thanks for the feedback. ha. forgot to mention i do have an audio interface , Presonus and a pair of studio monitor speakers and headphones. I als oown Logc Pro
Hello Christian & Welcome!
You’ve definitely got the required tools (and then some!) now just put in the hours, some sweat & tears (leave out the blood, please) & you’re going to see some amazing results!!!
Good luck reaching your goals!!!
Welcome to the forum Christian!
You definitely have everything you need to start learning. I like Solo blues and Music Theory. Hope you learn fast and become a good guitar player!
Hi Christian, welcome to the community. Sounds like you already have some experience playing and will be able to breeze through all of the beginning lessons. Of course there may be a few things that you learn even in the beginning lessons. Don’t overlook the grade 2 and 3 Song Lessons . Most of the song lessons have some intermediate content. I’ve learned a lot from the song lessons even with over 30 years of playing open chords. Also you can get a lot of practice with changing from open chords to the full barre F in some of those songs. Have fun on your guitar journey.
Hi Christian
Welcome to the Community
Sounds like you’re all set with gear, tools and clear goals and well on your way!
This community is very friendly, supportive and encouraging, and there’ll always be someone around for advice and guidance.
Good luck on your guitar journey, but most of all, have fun
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.
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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.
