Lisa McCormick, Guitar Instructor
Sometimes it seems easier find a chord chart or some tablature than it is to find a clear answer to one of your basic questions about playing guitar.
Lisa’s been teaching guitar for 20+ years and has been asked every question in the book.
“In my 20+ years of teaching guitar to adult students, many are beginners, or “re-beginners”, picking up the guitar again after a long hiatus. In addition to offering “real world” lessons, I teach online at Guitar Tricks (www.GuitarTricks.com), where thousands of students from around the globe access video guitar lessons, and ask questions about the guitar.
Not surprisingly, I find that many guitar learners are wondering many of the same things.”
This segment of Guitar Life is new, and there is much more to come. If you don’t see your question asked and answered here yet, we promise it will be in the future! Ask us your questions in the Comments box.
Here are a few questions and answers to get the ball rolling. Click on the question to get the answer.
How do I know when it’s time to change my strings?
What kind of strings should I use?
Why do strings break?
Should I be using an electronic tuner?
My tuner is giving me weird answers. Why?
My guitar never really sounds like it’s in tune. Why?
My guitar sounds buzzy when I play certain chords. Why?
I Dropped My Pick Into the Sound Hole – Help!
Should I Use a Guitar Strap?
What Kind of Guitar Case Should I Use?
My Guitar’s Been in the Attic for 20 Years. Is it Dead?
What’s the Best Way to Clean the Guitar?
I’m going to a guitar lesson after work. Is it safe to leave my guitar in the car all day?
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Hello,
I have a 1990 Ibanez s540 with an Edge tremolo. My low E string’s intonation seems set fine, If anything, it is one cent sharp at fret 12, however, on this string everything after fret 14 is noticably sharp. I tried not pushing as hard to no avail. I’ve played guitar for 13 years and try to solve the problems accosiated with it but this one stumps me. I feel like an idiot because I bought this guitar a month ago and just noticed the problem today, when I changed strings.
I stretched them out and kept the nut unlocked, but it never helped. The store that I bought this from has a 30 used gear return policy-I’m stuck! HELP PLEASE
Hi Casey-
Well it sounds like you’ve really narrowed it down to a very specific problem, and one so subtle that it might elude the eyes and ears of a less experienced guitar technician. If you are in love with this guitar, I would see if you can take it to a bonafide luthier for a check-up. I’d make the store aware of your concerns, for the record, but let them know you’d like to take it to another professional for a second opinion. How much time do you have left on your 30 days?
Lisa, the “Jon is nuts” gtsspecialendsfriday link does not work (error 404 not found). The “Leave a comment” link does not seem to work either and I can’t find the special on the GT site. I would like to take advantage of the offer. Please check and let me know.
Hi Ernie,
Sorry for any confusion or inconvenience. The “Jon is Nuts” special was a limited time offer, initiated by Jon, the Big Cheese at Guitar Tricks. The offer has since expired. Sorry!
Still, Guitar Tricks is an amazing deal and an amazing resource, even at the regular price. Zillions of professional video guitar lessons, unlimited access, at about the price of a burger and a beer at the pub.
Plus, THIS month’s special deal (December ’09) is that you get my Guitar Intuition Ear Training program for free when you sign up. That saves you almost fifty bucks right there.
Here’s the info: http://tiny.cc/GuitarTricksWelcome.
If you happen to already have purchased Guitar Intuition from me, I’ll refund your money so you get to enjoy the freebie!
Just keep me posted on what you decide to do.
Too bad about the special. Maybe Jon will come up with a New Year’s special or something. I signed up for a month to see what is available and so far I like what I see… far more information that can be digested in a month that’s for sure!
I had already downloaded your Guitar Intuition course. Haven’t had a chance to try it yet due to the holiday hub-bub but I will soon. Hmm… hamburger and a beer. Sound good after the turkey and dressing! Hope you had a great Christmas… we sure did!
Hi Lisa,
What do you think about the Luna guitars? I have had my eye on the Muse Safari. I just have not justified buying it as of yet. Thanks for your thoughts.
LOVE it! Thank you, thank you!!!
– Jeff Emmerson
my mom asks not to practice when she is home,does this sound like she is being a bit discouraging ?
Hi Felicia,
Actually, there are some things you can practice that don’t make noise, like practicing chord change without actually strumming the guitar. Just let your fingers of your left hand practice moving from one chord to another chord. Maybe you and your Mom could come up with a compromise of some sort? Like, you practice at a certain time every day, so she knows when it will begin and end? Or, you find a space to practice in your home that it quiet and private? Believe it or not, some people practice in bathrooms or big closets sometimes!
can practicing with the t.v. on be distracting ?
Hi Felicia,
Distracting to who? To the person practicing? Or, to other people in the room who are trying to watch TV?
The person practicing can practice certain types of skills even with the TV on, like chord changes without strumming.
It would be best if you could find a time and place to practice where the TV is not on, even if that means in the bathroom, on the steps, outside, wherever you can carve out a little space for yourself.
But the TV being on does not mean it is not possible – just a little more of a challenge.
Don’t let that discourage you. If what you really want is to learn to play, you will find a way to do so.
I know that i have more problems with finger independece with my 3rd and
fourth fingers.it seems like they are more tied in with one another more than my 2nd & 3rd fingers.
Hi Felicia,
That is not uncommon. Everybody’s hands are unique, and have their own little quirks. Your fingers should get better at each doing their own job as you continue to practice.
can your sitting posture effect the way you practice chaning between
chords as well as learning scales?
Hi Felicia,
Yes, sitting posture can make a big difference!
The best is to sit up straight, in a straight-back chair.
Some people like to place one leg up on a small stool or riser.
How’s it going with your guitar playing?