NeilES335

Assuming you really liked that particular guitar and there were no significant differences I might have tried to negotiate a lower price for this "new old stock" guitar..

Fussy things those tube amps...

True....say and play at 120bpm would be a bit of a tonge twister?... so just use it as a tool and dont worry about it mucn?.

Saying the notes names out loud will definately help you memorize the major scale in any given key. It also helps your fretboard knowledge ie what note is on each fret. So, keep it up! You can slow playing the scales right down to say 50 bpm to start then increase speed as you become more proficient.

Thanks @DianeB... we appoint you official GG Correspondent!

Doing pretty well with S13 so far. Taking a bit longer than expected with some distractions.. Penta Blues Scales: check Jamin the blues; check Johnny E Blues; check Triad worksheets ; running about 80% when filled in as fast as i can write...shooting for 100% S14 not too far off?.

Kind of looks like a Harmony... if your parents bought it for you at Sears and Roebuck yours is likely one of them one of them , sold by the thousands by catalog mail order. """ Yippe Kiyeah Buckaroos!

Here's a very interesting and detailed article from Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar website about the history, development, construction and use of the Archtop guitar; http://www.acousticfingerstyle.com/ArchtopGuitars.htm This website also has numerous articles, tutorials, gear reviews and much more, for Fingerstyle Guitarists and guitarists in general.

Wow... Congratulations Wim! You are among a small elite group of players to make it that far in the LMG course. As I've said before, you're progress and playing is an inspiration.

Have a look at what Phil Keaggy does with a finger joint missing (albeit on his right hand). Lot's of us "mature" guitar players have arthritis in our hands to an manage ok...

Way to go Diane!??

@dcollord98 Welcome back! If you were at S18 on the LMG course, you already know how to play, and know far more than most. It should come back to you pretty quickly. If I were you , I'd go back to about S8 or S9 , and work through a review until you're back up to speed. I' d watch Live Lessons and buy Steves most recent "Fretboard Workout" courses (Major Scales, Speed & Agility , & Jazz Chords...all very low cost downloads from Resources store). Let us know how you make out ?. All the best!

Switching to light guage "coated " strings can help reduce string noise for round wound acoustic or electric strings. If it really bothers you you could try flat wound strings which virtually eliminate string noise however there is some sacrifice of treble Tone and sustain. on acoustic I noticed phosphor/ bronze strings (mellow)have less noise than 80-20(bright) bronze strings. As others have said technique is a major factor so as you progress you should notice a reduction in noise.

glad you got it repaired Don... these are great little amps... if I had an acoustic with a pickup I'd surely get one... (was playing one in a store yesterday) . I was playing a Godin Multiac (steel strring) with a under-saddle pickup pickup through it, and the tone was really great... clear and warm sounding, added a bit of reverb and a touch of chorus... super.

@randyh1953Maybe you need to use a spoon instead of a pickaxe! Some folks try to dig in a bit too hard expecting to hit the "diamond" level overnight. You need a positive attitude towards playing, and the persistence to keep at it. How about trying just 5 or maybe 10 minutes a day? Every day. Most folks can find that in their day. Leave your guitar out where you cant help but see it. You'll be surprised how much progress you'll make, a "chip" at a time. For most people, learning guitar is a life long pursuit. If you'd like some inspiration on patience and persistence, check out posts from my buddy @Eracer_Team-DougH . Despite a heavy schedule he practices in his car at lunch every day, (including blistering hot summers and sub-zero winters), and wherever and whenever he can...and he's been doing it for years... There are many others here with similar stories... So pick up that guitar, open the lesson books, and get busy. Soon you'll be telling us how much good progress you've made. You can do it!

Great job, one and all ?!

Chris; Certainly some chord changes such as the open G chord when fingered this way using fingers 2, 3 & 4 , make for an easier (and quicker)change to open C, Am, Em, and D chords. Later, having your index finger 1 free allows for hammer on/pull off's of various "colour " notes, or chord melody, especially when playing fingerstyle. Its a good habit to develop. Of course it depends on the chord shape. There are no fixed rules on what finger(s) to use but rather what note makes up the chord played.

Interesting that Richies top choice is the Canadian made Godin Kingpin II c/w ... Godin guitars are of excellent quality and very reasonably priced too.. I have a King Godin 5th Ave Kingpin I (not C/W) with a P90 which I really like so much it's my " go to "" guitar, and I usually play it unplugged. It's so "playable" because of the size and neck profile which is a bit wider than say a ES335, but not too wide, and the neck back is a bit flatter, which makes barre chords a breeze. I like the P90 sound, but I might try the humbucker upgrade... (just hadn't thought of it before) The tone had mellowed considerably since new about 4 yrs ago. I expect to have it a long time...Check ém out! ps brandonwoundpickups.com site apparently is out of action, but I did find them on Facebook.

Steve has been busy out of town working.

Be sure your guitar is set up properly with correct string height . You might want to try lighter gauge (10's) while you get used to how light your finger pressure can be to produce a clear note or chord .

Congats Ben?. It reminds me of my (and yours i believe) ES-137.. but smaller body size The best of a LP and a ES. Enjoy it in good health and Happy Anniversay to you and your bride.

I liked them too..good "bite size ' lessons and tips.

Hi Steve; Again, I wish to thank you for the wonderful guitar learning materials you have (and continue to) put out over the years. Always professional, meaningful and useful. Certainly the best available "self directed "learning of it's genre I'm sure. I was also wondering... have you considered producing a brand new version of Learn and Master Guitar under the Guitar Gathering Label? (No Legacy or Gibson branding per se) (Similar to what @DianeB suggests; " I was originally inclined to suggest a second edition of the Bonus Resources book. But probably better would be a new publication, under your own imprint, perhaps with a video to accompany it.) I know this would be a significant undertaking, possibly with some copy-write issues. I understand that the whole LMG course(s) evolved over time from it's inception, and there were (are) several versions, some of which led to the "bonus" resource book lessons, then Song Hits, and so on. Personally, I never really understood the "Bonus Resource"book; I thought that content should be included with the original lesson, and there could have been more songs with each Session at an appropriate skill level. With the "new" version there could also be two different courses, ie; Learn the Guitar ( beginner, S1 though say S10, and then Intermediate/Advanced, Master the Guitar say S11 through S20. Much of the ""original" material could be re-used, or updated, refined, or revised according to what has been learned over the past years of use and feedback. These "new "" courses could be sold on an on-line subscription basis or digital download, as us usually the case with other guitar sites, (rather than the physical CD's) providing a steady (well deserved) revenue stream for you and the Guitar Gathering website, Live Lessons etc. My bet is it would be a big hit. A short synopsis of a big idea... Thanks for asking; please excuse my verbosity! I hope this was helpful. (You may be sorry you asked! LOL )

Great song , really polished playing and recording .. professional sound?