Sounds like a big challenge. Fortunately there are only a few different basic chord shapes. There are 5 basic shapes and they are based on the open position chords C, A, G, E and D. This system of chords is often called the CAGED system for that reason. With minor rearrangement of the fingers each of those 5 chords becomes movable.
The fingerboard has a lot of notes. And they are laid out in a manner that is specifically designed for chording. Therefore, when soloing you still must navigate the fingerboard via chord shapes. All great guitarists do this. The scale shapes and patterns they play correspond directly to chord shapes they know.
Good music always has good rhythm. Whether you are strumming chords or soloing, your rhythmic phrasing will be the first thing people notice. The best way to get into the groove is to practice with a metronome. Also, jam along with CDs but record yourself and listen back to your performance. Were you in time with the band? Do the same when you jam with other musicians: record yourself and listen back to it. Do not be concerned about getting a hifidelity recording, you just need to hear yourself. Also, check out the beginning lesson on rhythm.
What if you could hear a musical phrase then instantly be able to play it on your instrument? You could probably learn a lot of cool stuff, without lessons or method books! Ear training will unlock the doors to the world of music.
Many old school players know little if any music theory. They certainly did not watch DVDs, or study from method books. They learned by listening. It is the way music has been passed down for generations. They could play by ear because they can recognize 1. root movements, 2. chord qualities and 3. melodies when they hear them. Get started ear training today. Getting some ear training software and using it everyday is highly recommended.
You should know at least one scale. If you only learn one make sure its the pentatonic scale. This scale is the single most widely used and most widely adaptable scale ever. And it sounds great. And it only has 5 notes! You will eventually want to learn the scale in all 12 keys. Also, you will probably want to learn all 5 different fingerings for the scale (or at least 2 or 3 of them). Start with an easy key and position, like the key of A at the fifth fret.
Here is an interactive mapping of the pentatonic scale in all keys and fingerings all over the fingerboard.
The blues is a simple musical format, often with just three chords. It has been incorporated into every form of popular music: rock, country, hip-hop, etc. There are many things in a typical blues song you should be aware of.
You can study all of these five areas on your own, but studying with a friend or music teacher can really help you get a jump start, especially in the beginning.
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