Lisa McCormick, Guitar Instructor
Sometimes it seems easier find a chord chart or some tablature than it is to find a clear answer to one of your basic questions about playing guitar.
Lisa’s been teaching guitar for 20+ years and has been asked every question in the book.
“In my 20+ years of teaching guitar to adult students, many are beginners, or “re-beginners”, picking up the guitar again after a long hiatus. In addition to offering “real world” lessons, I teach online at Guitar Tricks (www.GuitarTricks.com), where thousands of students from around the globe access video guitar lessons, and ask questions about the guitar.
Not surprisingly, I find that many guitar learners are wondering many of the same things.”
This segment of Guitar Life is new, and there is much more to come. If you don’t see your question asked and answered here yet, we promise it will be in the future! Ask us your questions in the Comments box.
Here are a few questions and answers to get the ball rolling. Click on the question to get the answer.
How do I know when it’s time to change my strings?
What kind of strings should I use?
Why do strings break?
Should I be using an electronic tuner?
My tuner is giving me weird answers. Why?
My guitar never really sounds like it’s in tune. Why?
My guitar sounds buzzy when I play certain chords. Why?
I Dropped My Pick Into the Sound Hole – Help!
Should I Use a Guitar Strap?
What Kind of Guitar Case Should I Use?
My Guitar’s Been in the Attic for 20 Years. Is it Dead?
What’s the Best Way to Clean the Guitar?
I’m going to a guitar lesson after work. Is it safe to leave my guitar in the car all day?
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6 responses so far ↓
7 (not so stupid) Questions « Guitar Life // June 1, 2009 at 7:11 pm |
[...] New on Guitar Life: 7 (not so stupid) Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask About Your Guitar. [...]
Casey Fritz // September 3, 2009 at 12:52 pm |
Hello,
I have a 1990 Ibanez s540 with an Edge tremolo. My low E string’s intonation seems set fine, If anything, it is one cent sharp at fret 12, however, on this string everything after fret 14 is noticably sharp. I tried not pushing as hard to no avail. I’ve played guitar for 13 years and try to solve the problems accosiated with it but this one stumps me. I feel like an idiot because I bought this guitar a month ago and just noticed the problem today, when I changed strings.
I stretched them out and kept the nut unlocked, but it never helped. The store that I bought this from has a 30 used gear return policy-I’m stuck! HELP PLEASE
lisamcc // September 3, 2009 at 9:35 pm |
Hi Casey-
Well it sounds like you’ve really narrowed it down to a very specific problem, and one so subtle that it might elude the eyes and ears of a less experienced guitar technician. If you are in love with this guitar, I would see if you can take it to a bonafide luthier for a check-up. I’d make the store aware of your concerns, for the record, but let them know you’d like to take it to another professional for a second opinion. How much time do you have left on your 30 days?
Ernie // December 24, 2009 at 5:48 pm |
Lisa, the “Jon is nuts” gtsspecialendsfriday link does not work (error 404 not found). The “Leave a comment” link does not seem to work either and I can’t find the special on the GT site. I would like to take advantage of the offer. Please check and let me know.
Lisa McCormick // December 24, 2009 at 10:43 pm |
Hi Ernie,
Sorry for any confusion or inconvenience. The “Jon is Nuts” special was a limited time offer, initiated by Jon, the Big Cheese at Guitar Tricks. The offer has since expired. Sorry!
Still, Guitar Tricks is an amazing deal and an amazing resource, even at the regular price. Zillions of professional video guitar lessons, unlimited access, at about the price of a burger and a beer at the pub.
Plus, THIS month’s special deal (December ‘09) is that you get my Guitar Intuition Ear Training program for free when you sign up. That saves you almost fifty bucks right there.
Here’s the info: http://tiny.cc/GuitarTricksWelcome.
If you happen to already have purchased Guitar Intuition from me, I’ll refund your money so you get to enjoy the freebie!
Just keep me posted on what you decide to do.
Ernie // December 26, 2009 at 4:55 pm |
Too bad about the special. Maybe Jon will come up with a New Year’s special or something. I signed up for a month to see what is available and so far I like what I see… far more information that can be digested in a month that’s for sure!
I had already downloaded your Guitar Intuition course. Haven’t had a chance to try it yet due to the holiday hub-bub but I will soon. Hmm… hamburger and a beer. Sound good after the turkey and dressing! Hope you had a great Christmas… we sure did!