bassist returning to the small strings

[progrmr]

Hi everybody -

I played guitar as a kid, crunching a ton of metallica and not much else I was never very dedicated to actually learning music and guitar playing went by the way side.

About a year and a half ago I decided to give bass a go - for some reason I feel drawn to string instruments and have a desire to play them. After about 15 basses, 2 bands and a lot of lessons I've decided that bass isn't for me.

I have learned quite a bit in that time regarding the fretboard, some scales and specific styles (focused a lot on blues). Also learned to read the bass clef.

I'm wanting to play rock/metal, blues, and jazz.

Just bought a Line 6 Spider 4 75W amp and am buying a used BC Rich Mockingbird Masterpiece (in dragon's blood - lol!!) this evening. Funny guitar kinda for a 40-year old, but I hear it plays OK.

I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy playing guitar again - I know I'm excited to get everything hooked up tonight

Since I'm coming back to guitar after such a long hiatus - I'm wondering that others might think would be a good approach. Just start listening to music/playing again? Or should I take a more academic, structured approach?

[Eric***]

Hi progrmr. Welcome to the forum.

To answer your question, I generally think that you just need to grab a guitar and find something that sounds good to you. If you're thinking, you're not playing.

This is coming from someone who thinks about stuff far too much, but that's the advice I'd give. You can fill in the holes and/or expand your palette later.

[Tig***]

Welcome to The Fret, progrmr. (application developer/coder?)

I played bass and keyboards for a while and returned to 6 strings about 1 1/2 years ago myself. While my playing isn't anything of greatness, I've learned a huge amount and the improvement is welcome. Trust me, if I can learn guitar in my mid 40's, anyone can! Keep it fun, and the rest will follow.

The learning curve can be improved upon by online lessons, like from a few members here: DolphinStreet.com (Robert Renman)
http://www.dolphinstreet.com/guitar_video_lessons/,
and Mark Wein http://markweinguitarlessons.com/.
Also a few youtube teachers, like Pebber Brown http://www.youtube.com/user/pebberbrown, or http://www.steviesnacks.com/, plus so many more out there.

Also, the Fret Logic III books/DVD by Bill Edwards is a good learning ground for the CAGED chord shape stuff.

I enjoy playing along with backing tracks to improve creativity and chops, like at http://www.guitarbackingtrack.com/.

[progrmr]

Welcome to The Fret, progrmr. (application developer/coder?)

Yep - I wish I was a musician for the cool factor, but I'll take programming for the pay factor

I played bass and keyboards for a while and returned to 6 strings about 1 1/2 years ago myself. While my playing isn't anything of greatness, I've learned a huge amount and the improvement is welcome. Trust me, if I can learn guitar in my mid 40's, anyone can! Keep it fun, and the rest will follow.

The learning curve can be improved upon by online lessons, like from a few members here: DolphinStreet.com (Robert Renman)
http://www.dolphinstreet.com/guitar_video_lessons/,
and Mark Wein http://markweinguitarlessons.com/.
Also a few youtube teachers, like Pebber Brown http://www.youtube.com/user/pebberbrown, or http://www.steviesnacks.com/, plus so many more out there.

Also, the Fret Logic III books/DVD by Bill Edwards is a good learning ground for the CAGED chord shape stuff.

I enjoy playing along with backing tracks to improve creativity and chops, like at http://www.guitarbackingtrack.com/.

Thanks for the links - very useful.

My time as a bassist was really beneficial in that I really focused, had a set practice routine, etc. I think I lost some drive because things became about academics strictly rather than actually playing. I intend to avoid that with my return to guitar. Also bass was never very comfortable for me - not sure why but it just didn't click with me. I wanted to enjoy it because I think a well done bass line rules but I just can't get behind doing it myself.

The fun starts in a couple hours - can't wait...of course, now I have do the "Crazy Dave's Gone Insane Bass Gear Blowout" posting on the local CL

[Tig***]

I learn best by mixing it up between practice and just playing free form or with music. Too much academics sure can kill the creative drive. Sure, you gotta use the tools that improve performance, but I don't want to be an engineer when I can be an artist! The trick is to not be a sloppy artist!

Maybe that's what pulled me back into the guitar... creativity and expression. I found it hard to create and express with a bass. I can create all day with keyoards, but the soulful expression comes alive with a guitar for me.

A really cool, helpful book I was referred to in a thread here is called, "Zen Guitar", by Philip Toshio Sudo. It teaches nothing technical, but instead more about motivation and fulfillment with a spiritual/philosophical twist.

Edit: I forgot to mention TAB's. I've learned many chords, songs and licks from TAB's online and from magizines.
http://www.guitaretab.com/
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/