[(Don't)Lie_to_me]

I presonnaly think that learning the maximum amount of chords is a good thing. Not all at once and not as you start, but generally picking as many as possible up as you go.

Some that seem obscure like sus4 chords are actually very useful, as they turn up it pleanty of songs, and subbing them out for the major version is fine, but its not as pure a sound to me.

When writing I like to experiment with different chords to see what 'this' higher note can do, or what 'that' flat sound gives the song

Not only that it helps to keep playing fresh, as you dont stagnate with the standard chords, you can swap and change all the time. And of course, you always have a good library of more regular chords to play too. It's probably about finding the balance that suits you.

[Jim Bon Jovi]

a suspended 4th isn't an obscure chord and it has alot of uses in modern music

an Fmaj#11 or whatever the other chord was you mentioned on the other hand is nigh on useless.

[RS8MB0R8]

If you are planning on picking up an electric guitar and playing anything with more than a moderate amount of distortion, you really don't need anything more than power-chords (made up of the root note, the 5th and the octave.)

If you add other notes to them, they sound awful unless you're playing arpeggios (i.e. playing each string individually as for example, in the 'These Days' verses).

Power-chords are the ideal starting place on electric. If you're playing acoustic predominantly, I'd learn major and minor chords first, as Jim suggested and then the +7, +9 chords... etc. will come when you have developed a bit of fretboard theory.

[Jim Bon Jovi]

Originally Posted by RS8MB0R8

If you are planning on picking up an electric guitar and playing anything with more than a moderate amount of distortion, you really don't need anything more than power-chords (made up of the root note, the 5th and the octave.)

If you add other notes to them, they sound awful unless you're playing arpeggios (i.e. playing each string individually as for example, in the 'These Days' verses).

you should ditch that boss monstrosity box and get yourself a good standalone stomp box for your gain

[RS8MB0R8]

It's funny you mention that because when I first got the unit, I had my gain level set at around 80-90 for my 'dirty' patches. Now, I have dropped most to around 20-30 with only the occasional one tipping the 40 mark.

I just love the wide range of effects the unit offers. The wah is awesome for an integrated effect and some of the clean sounds are nothing short of heavenly but would require so much extra gear to obtain if I didn't have my black magic box of tricks.

[Iceman]

Originally Posted by (Don't)Lie_to_me

Not only that it helps to keep playing fresh, as you dont stagnate with the standard chords, you can swap and change all the time. And of course, you always have a good library of more regular chords to play too. It's probably about finding the balance that suits you.

Yeah, but we're talking beginner guitar here.

So go with the basic chords, play what you want and practice. Theroy is good if you have the patience to learn it, but you really don't need it until you're pretty good.

Ice

[Dawn]

Originally Posted by UKjovi

and that would be me
Thanks for the advise

u didnt tell me :P

U boys can record us a BJ medley stick it on u tube

Dawn

[Jim Bon Jovi]

Originally Posted by RS8MB0R8

It's funny you mention that because when I first got the unit, I had my gain level set at around 80-90 for my 'dirty' patches. Now, I have dropped most to around 20-30 with only the occasional one tipping the 40 mark.

I just love the wide range of effects the unit offers. The wah is awesome for an integrated effect and some of the clean sounds are nothing short of heavenly but would require so much extra gear to obtain if I didn't have my black magic box of tricks.

but it's just not cool and lets be honest, that's the most important facet of playing guitar.

saying that, me and my bro are going to start using a laptop for upcoming gigs :-S not very rock n roll

[Jim Bon Jovi]

Originally Posted by Dawn

u didnt tell me :P

U boys can record us a BJ medley stick it on u tube

Dawn

i remember adrian and some other guys tried something similar a few years ago but with original stuff.

personally i think it'd be great fun to do a JT collaboration on something and with the internet it's easier than ever.

if anyone is up for it i am. i even have a big goofy sounding phil collins-eque 80s kit patched into my v-drums we could use

[Thomas Anderson]

Originally Posted by Dawn

U boys can record us a BJ medley stick it on u tube

Maybe all of us learners/amateurs should do it

I got a nylon string classical acoustic guitar a couple of years back but never really did more than learn a few basic chords and some simple licks. I got an electric guitar a while back and then replaced my acoustic one with a proper steel strung one, and though I rarely touch the electric one I tend to practise more with the acoustic now. I just try to focus on learning new chords, and usually try to do it by finding songs I like and learning the chords I need to play them, and learning that way.
I don't have the patience with it to practise enough to be any good, I know I won't ever be, but if I can get to a point of being more comfortable playing, learning more chords, and especially I need to work on singing at the same time, that'll do me

I did record a version of Have A Nice Day and stuck it up on YouTube if anyone is interested. It isn't too good, but as I said, that's just me now.

YouTube