As some of you may remember..

[OctoberVision]

I posted about a month ago regarding purchising my first guitar. I am now happy to report that I am the proud owner of an Ibanez S370. I've been messing with the thing all day and I love it. I think my fingers are going to start bleeding soon actually. heh.

Only problem is, I don't really know where to begin on the learning process. I've looked at lots of instructional webpages and stuff, but does anyone have a particular method they used when they were just beginning?

 

[Morningrise]

Power chords, essential to metal, I think. If you are willing, Metallica has easy stuff and is great to start off playing, get a feel for the guitar first. Work on your fingers make then a bit stronger, and it will help a lot later on. Try some scales, those help in getting the "feel" of the instrument, and also help build strength in the fingers, and build knowledge. Lessons always help, if your willing to go through that...

 

[Morningrise]

Oh, and Good Luck!! Have fun with that thing, it could become one of the most important pieces of wood and metal in your life! It has for me. Let us know what happens!

 

[Till Fjalls]

Awesome dude, have fun!!! I'd suggest learning your basic chords first so you can play them without having to look at a chart.

Then start learning some stuff like some simpler strumming type tunes. Every Rose has it's thorn, for example, or I remember you by skid row Those 80's metal ballads are great places to start. If you think you can get those chord shifts down, i think the next logical step in the ladder would be to buy a Guns and Roses tab Book and work on their two Illusions albums, it worked for me!! Those are great albums because you can learn the guitar parts, but they aren't too strict as far as playing them precisely goes, allowing you to add and develop a bit of your own style. And they're really fun and easy to play!

 

[Katatonic]

Go to www.darkwood.com/opeth/tabs.html and get the apostle in triumph. its a REALLY easy song and it will get you going as well as sounding excellent.