Guitar Question

[DrGonzo]

I'm ok with pain but it starts to look like I am turning them into pulp after a while. That can't be good, can it? Also, I would like some reassurance that barre cords are actually possible and not just something made up to frustrate beginners.

 

[onebud34]

Sounds about right...I used to play literally until my fingers bled. That might be the quickest way to build up your callouses

And barre chords are real...they really are...build up some callouses...it'll be easier to play them

 

[KittiesKorner]

I remember the barre days. You can do it!

 

[Jester]

I bet you do Ole69'r :roll:

 

[HeHateMe]

anybody recommend a good Dobro?

My regular geetar is a Martin. Not sure why I'd want an acoustic that looks like an electric (washburn), or an acoustic made of plastics (ovation) but those guitars that are made of aluminum or whatever are pretty fucking radical.

Ole, you said you play pedal steel guitar in some thread? Do you like Sol hoopii? I do. Also Speedy West. I wish I could play like that!!

 

[KittiesKorner]

anybody recommend a good Dobro?

My regular geetar is a Martin. Not sure why I'd want an acoustic that looks like an electric (washburn), or an acoustic made of plastics (ovation) but those guitars that are made of aluminum or whatever are pretty fucking radical.

Ole, you said you play pedal steel guitar in some thread? Do you like Sol hoopii? I do. Also Speedy West. I wish I could play like that!!

I wish I played pedal steel, only lap steel so far, but if I can ever afford a pedal (space as well as money-wise), I'd get one. Whole different ball game, though.

Funny you mention dobro though, because I signed up for a lap steel class and they didn't have a "lap steel" class per se, so they put me in with the dobro and slide players. Still learned enough to be on my way

 

[Nail Polish]

I'm ok with pain but it starts to look like I am turning them into pulp after a while. That can't be good, can it? Also, I would like some reassurance that barre cords are actually possible and not just something made up to frustrate beginners.

Barre chords are good to strengthen your fingers, but no pros hardly ever use em save for a special effect they want...None of the really complicated jazz/blues chords can be played off a barre chord platform. But like I said,they are excellent to strengthen your fingers. So go ahead till ya can play em in your sleep,then graduate to some really tasty chords used by guys like Robin Ford. Ive been playing for over 50 years, and I still can't figure out some of what he plays. The man is a genius. Check out the Ford Brothers Blues Band, and get ready to be amazed! Watch this and see how he plays the "Am" chord 5th position...He doesn't use the barre platform at all.

[video=youtube;4Z6D-e_uVYo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z6D-e_uVYo"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z6D-e_uVYo[/video]

 

[DrGonzo]

I always liked Robin Ford.

 

[Dogstar]

My fingers hurt - how long does it take to get calluses?

I wouldn't recommend it for the long run, but superglue gel and wax paper is my personal savior. Especially in the winter when my fingers tend to dry out and split. Put a drop a on the paper and roll your finger over it until you have a thin layer spread out. Then let it dry for a few minutes. Instant callus!

FYI - In case you've never worked with superglue... it's called that for a reason, so don't press down too hard on the paper or roll your fingers together while the glue is wet!