Talk:Guitar/The Basics

Some pictures would be helpful... 82.141.125.200 18:34, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

As it stands this article is a joke, full of poor, misleading and even harmful advice to any beginner. 121.72.245.220 08:44, 9 August 2007 (UTC)

The section that states holding the guitar at a horizontal angle lower then the classical position is actually incorrect. Holding electric and acoustic guitars horizontally has real world benefits beyond aesthetics particular for playing the blues. The two easiest is keeping the hand angle the same while moving through box positions and also to put the thumb on the neck to achieve the ideal bending positioning In fact I think the horizontal hold was adopted entirely for that reason as a good left hand position for bending while holding a guitar in a classical manner is extremely awkward.

Contributors please read
It is all very well to have high ideals and goals when writing such an article, but it is obvious to me that most authors to date have almost no real expertise in the subject. Is it not the height of arrogance to forge ahead anyway? "Respect the public. Do not render them dupes to your own ignorance" Fernando Sor Methode Pour La Guitare, Paris 1830. I make no apologies for being blunt as I've dedicated 25 years, working years, to the instrument, both performance, tuition and of course, study. The article is aimed at raw beginners, you have an ethical obligation to get it right. Please, do not contribute to this article unless you have a measure of real expertise in - and experience in teaching - the subject. I've tried to amend much but the article remains lightyears from the ideal. User R.christie - see userpage in Wikipedia, not in here. 121.72.245.220 23:53, 13 August 2007 (UTC)


 * Feel free to correct whatever you feel is in error, but it is difficult to improve text that doesn't exist in the first place. I have no doubt you have learned much about the guitar, and indeed, I am also certain that many other people have learned to play equally well, using techniques that a "professional" would be horrified by. Your expertise and additions are appreciated, and I agree that this article is by no means complete, but please do not immediately associate "different" with "ignorant". --NickPenguin 23:14, 14 August 2007 (UTC)


 * Nick, the quote is almost two hundred years old and unfortunately it remains highly relevant as the author faced, and described, the same problems as I refer to above. If you ever get the chance I recommend that you (and indeed all guitarists serious about the instrument) read Sor's fascinating method, see from Tecla publishing http://www.tecla.com/extras/0001/0389/0389pref.htm to order your copy.


 * I dispute that many achieve high skill levels without adhering to basic physical and technical guidelines. A few, super gifted, individuals might, but there exist principles that form the fundamentals and these principles ought to be put in place well before any study of exceptions. "Different" (usually inflated with the tag "style") is a smokescreen. I am happy to provide informed reasoning behind all changes I've made, please feel free to ask. Richard.

Sentence
Please, can someone explain me this sentence? Beginners are also often inclined to put their elbow too high or low, which leads to cramping. This refers to the elbow of the right arm? Thanks. --190.131.24.205 (talk) 00:24, 3 January 2010 (UTC)