Guitar...how to learn?

[kch73]

I have always wanted to learn to play the acoustical guitar. Since my inlaws have passed away my wife and sister discovered her Dad had an old Martin 00-18 guitar. Serial number says built about in late 1964 to early 1965.

It is my understanding that Martin's are considered high end guitars and highly collectable. We aren't considering selling it or anything but just a few questions...

1. Is this a good guitar to learn on?

2. How/what is the best way to learn guitar?

3. Anything else I need to know?

I'm not looking to be a star or anything, just learn a few songs for enjoyment...

[LakeJake]

You can teach yourself to play, especially with the vast info on the internet.

However, teaching yourself can be frustrating, and a slow process. I suggest a few lessons. They can be informal, but sitting with someone that knows their way around a guitar will be very helpful in the beginning... especially if you have never played any other instruments in the past.

[Shane]

1. Sure. I'd suggest taking it to a knowledgeable luthier (guitar mechanic) to have him check it out and adjust the neck/action (if needed). That will ensure that there are no hidden issues with the guitar (there probably aren't) and that it will be easy to play.

2. Best way is to sit down with a good teacher. 2nd best way is YouTube videos. I taught myself how to play when I was a kid by using just chord sheets and a cassette player, figuring it out by ear. That's doable, but much harder than watching somebody play. We didn't have YouTube in the '70s though.

3. It will seem impossible at first. It isn't. Keep after it. Practice for at least 15 minutes every day. Don't practice for 3 hours per day just yet. You need to build up some callouses on your fingers before you start playing for a long time. Just keep it fun, and be patient. You'll get there.

[Jaybo31]

With the internet now days there are more videos on the youtubes than you can stand to watch. And that Martin is probably worth several thousand dollars.

[popup_menace]

Guitar is something that isn't for the easily frustrated. It's gonna take time and patience. I'm no master, but I can get by. I taught myself by finding songs I liked on www.ultimate-guitar.com and using the chord layout to learn each chord. If you start with songs you know you will have a better idea on how to strum and make it sound halfway right. Then you can simply play it over and over until you can flawlessly execute the chord progression. Do that enough and you'll have learned a myriad of chords and have the ability to just goof around and get better!

[topshot]

i would recommend learning on a different guitar if you plan to use a pic, as it will be all too easy to scratch up the body. If you will be finger playing, and don't drink carbonated beverages, go ahead and use the martin after getting it tuned by a pro. acid in your body will corrode the strings and metal frets, all bad for maintaining value of the guitar.

[jooger17]

Take some lessons from a quality teacher!

I taught myself how to play with the same intentions you have. I can tell you without a doubt, that once you learn a song or two, if you don't give up on it; you'll want to play more and more. By teaching myself, I learned some really bad habits. A few years back, I was going to take some lessons and I lost progress rather than gained because the teacher rightfully refused to accommodate by bad habits.

[MadHatter]

Carry around a piece of wood around with you. Tap your fingers against it every chance you get. It really helps with the calluses, and desensitizing your finger tips. I never learned to play really well, but at first my fingertips couldn't keep up with my desire to play/practice.

[El Forajido]

https://youtu.be/isI9UIBMquU

[catslayer]

I have always wanted to learn to play the acoustical guitar. Since my inlaws have passed away my wife and sister discovered her Dad had an old Martin 00-18 guitar. Serial number says built about in late 1964 to early 1965.

It is my understanding that Martin's are considered high end guitars and highly collectable. We aren't considering selling it or anything but just a few questions...

1. Is this a good guitar to learn on?

2. How/what is the best way to learn guitar?

3. Anything else I need to know?

I'm not looking to be a star or anything, just learn a few songs for enjoyment...

Dont know much about vintage martins, but should be a SOLID guitar, look and see how beat down the frets are, might need work...

1.) I play a martin, i love them, Taylors good... I am a proponent of buying a nicer one than a cheep wont hold tune box guitar...

2.) Step 1.) Find guitar
Step 2.) Find music you like (country and gospel easiest)
Step 3.) go in a room ALONE, with Tabs, and chord sheet (both available on line. Countrytabs.com is great)
Step 4.) try to play along, look at chords, make them, work on it... generally suck for 2 years... after 2 years... Your family will be willing to listen to you play....

3.) DONT TAKE IT TO SERIUS, its FUN, its called PLAYING for a reason....goofing up happens, if you dont stretch yourself you ant playing hard enough.

G, C, D, E, A, F and a capo will let you fake your way through a BUNCH of songs.

I'm a big fan of soft strings and the red tortex picks...

[catslayer]

btw if your like me the teacher didn't help... worked with 2... I just needed to be shown the basics and then go get to a point I could not make class an exercise in futility. I was young at the time too... I should probably go back now honestly I think I could pick up a bunch very quickly

[Shane]

i would recommend learning on a different guitar if you plan to use a pic, as it will be all too easy to scratch up the body. If you will be finger playing, and don't drink carbonated beverages, go ahead and use the martin after getting it tuned by a pro. acid in your body will corrode the strings and metal frets, all bad for maintaining value of the guitar.

I've owned dozens of guitars and never had a fret corrode. You should be replacing the strings once a month or so, if you're playing a lot. Old strings don't hurt the value of a guitar. $5-10 bucks gets you a new set anyway.

Guitars are made to be played. Take care of them, of course. But play that sucker!

[kch73]

Thanks for all the info/advice and pointers. I think I will take it to a luthier if I end up with it and let him/her inspect it. It hasn't been played since 1984 but has been stored in the case in room temp (house) since then.

I've watched a few YouTube videos and I now know what a fret is :-)...

My only experience with anything musical was 6th grade band with a cornet and I was awful, but I've always wanted to learn acoustical guitar so why not try it I think!

My wife even said she would buy me some lessons for my birthday. I think it would be a good way to honor my FIL.