Beelzebubba, any chance the Primus songs you know you know the guitar parts for? I know a bunch of the bass lines so that covers 2/3 of the parts.
Acoustic Guitar Magazine has a great forum, very adult.
http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true
There is a great range of abilities posting there, from really accomplished pros (amazing guitarists - I’ve heard the MP3s!), to middling middlers, to rank amatures.
What gear do you own; guitars, amps, effects? One Spanish-style (wide neck) ‘Maldonado’ acoustic with fitted internal pick-up. One Westone 1 A electric with active circuitry. Yamaha multi-effects processor.
How long have you been playing? Not long enough. About 24 years, and still much to learn.
What type of music do you play mostly? Made-up rock instrumental stuff for my own amusement, or possible accompanimens to the shedloads of lyrics I write.
Are you in a band? Name of said band? Nope. Wouldn’t want to be in any band that would have me.
Any thing else you would like to share about your history in guitar? History ‘in guitar’? A curious phrase. I taught myself to play entirely from first principles, no books, no teacher, no lessons, no-one else I knew who could play. Took me about 6 years to get the basics down.
I think that being able to just pick up a guitar and pass some time is wonderful. It’s the ultimate de-stresser, and I find exploring the world of possibilities hidden in that simple fretboard transports me to a completely different part of my mind. Everyone should learn some musical instrument.
This goddamn MB! I typed it once, it disappeared, I typed it again, and this time I copied and pasted it from elsewhere. Good thing, as the damn board told me I wasn’t logged in! I LOGGED IN WHEN I HIT POST REPLY YOU F’N…ok…breathe…
Anyway, trying again:
Equipment:
[ul]
[li]Main guitar: Hamer SATF, bought used on ebay earlier this year, or mabye last fall.[/li][li]Backup/Second guitar: Carvin DC127T bought new in 1996. Carvin has basic guitar models, that you then pick options on, just like picking from a menu. Not really knowing what i wanted, I picked everything! So, humbuckers with coil splitters, a “phase” switch (still not sure what this does), Oiled koa wood, rather than having a lacquer finish. Looks real nice, plays real nice, but of course, for all the money I spent on it, the cheap, used, made-in-korea Hamer has a warmer tone![/li][li]Fender SD Maverick Stratocaster. Fancy name for a japanese built Strat with a hunbicking bridge p/u and a floyd-style trem. My first electric guitar, bought new in 1992. Doesn’t work. Broke the high-E string on it well over a year ago and never got around to replacing it. I noodle around on this while waiting for the computer to boot up.[/li][li]Hagstrom HII or HIII. Saw it listed on ebay by a friend of a friend and convinced him to de-list it and sell it to me. Also doesn’t work. The body has a real cool shape to it though, so someday when I have more money and less laziness I’ll probably rewire it and repaint it.[/li][li]Lexicon MPX-G2. Midi-controllable box that contains Preamp, EQ, Delay, Chorus, Reverb and various effects. Can be used in the fx loop of an analog amp, or along with another midi preamp, but I use it standalone. (Mostly because I can’t afford to do anything else! ;)[/li][li]Carvin HT400 power amp. Nice and clear, decent power, unfortunately, the right channel doesn’t work…[/li][li]Carvin 4x12 speaker cab. I like the sound, but I’ve heard better. My head through a buddy’s Ampeg cab has a better tone, and my head through the studio’s Marshall cab was real sweet. Again, can’t afford to change…[/li][li]Ampeg 2x12 cabinet. Sounds ok, but not as good as the Carvin in a way I can’t explain. So this sits in a corner of my room. makes a good resting place for my motorcycle helmet![/li][li]Fender M-80 amp. Head unit that came with the ampeg cab, my second amp ever. Power supply broke. While playing on stage. Not a fun night… This sits in my basement.[/li][li]Korg AX-something G. My first entry into the digital fx world. Kind of cheesy sounding and cheap looking. I think this is in my closet. [/li][li]ADA MP-2. My second entry into digital. Sound is a bit better, and this is Midi-controllable. Still not that good though. This is on the floor in my room. Useable as a backup should anything happen to the lexicon[/li][li]Various fx pedals: Boss Super Phaser, Dunlop “Hendrix” wah, I may have a DOD distortion pedal somewhere…these don’t get used anymore.[/li][/ul]
Seems like a lot, but that was all accumulated a little at a time over… 10 years…!
Play mostly hard rock I guess, my band Increment is original hard rock with a female singer, for lack of a better description, or maybe it’s power-pop? I dunno, never been big on musical labels.
By myself, just messing around, I’m more likely to just play like a bluesy-rock kind of thing. Or really bad renditions of Rush songs! 
I guess I’ve been playing for 10 years. Started on drums when I was 10, then in high school was drawn to guitar… Took some lessons from my sister’s friend, and now all these years later, I haven’t touched drums since the college marching band, but I still play a lot of guitar!.
I’ll second what KidCharlemagne said about
Harmony Central, I’ve posted a question or two there and always gotten good responses.
As for the professional instruction thing? I think you have to find the right teacher, the one who knows how to reach you. I took professional drum lessons for years and never seemed to get passed a “certain point”. Then I took guitar lessons, and the teacher used a totally different approach, and I really took to it quickly. Although I’m probably at a point now where I have also plateaued at just above the mediocre level, and could do with some instruction, maybe either in classical or in jazz…
I knew someone in high school who was an amazing metal guitarist, as in, at 16 was fronting a band doing Metallica covers, and ripping through all the solos with no difficulty. When he moved away he was playing his own speed-metal stuff. When he moved back a few years ago he was playing beautiful jazz. He decided one day to try something different and found a teacher who could make the connection to him, and now has this love for it (and a great ability at it!) The point of all this long-windedness is some teachers may not get you anywhere, but if you find the right one I think it can make a huge difference.
But that’s just my opinion! 
-Jon
What gear do you own; guitars, amps, effects?
- Taylor 410ce
- Dean Metal-bodied resonator
(Both with Fishman pickups)
AcoustiGlide brass slide
Dunlop fingerpicks
Also miscellaneous instruments (harmonica, kazoo, fruit shaker)
Kyser capos
I use an EV self-contained PA and Behringer mixer, for both
my guitar and voice
How long have you been playing?
Off and on for 25 years -- I played for my living for a couple
of years, and all though college.
What type of music do you play mostly?
My main thing is Pre-War Delta blues -- Charley Patton,
Robert Johnson, Tommy Johnson, Willie Brown, Son House,
Bukka White. Since I'm not accomplished or known enough
to get many gigs playing this music exclusively (I discovered
it just a few years ago), about 75% of my shows are
other -- oldies rock, rockabilly, pre-hat country (Cash,
Haggard, Hank Sr.)
Are you in a band? Name of said band?
johnpappajohn.com
Any thing else you would like to share about your history in guitar?
DON'T PLAY LEFT-HANDED!!! I do, and I can't play 99%
of the guitars out there. It was a benefit for teaching
though -- for the student, looking at my guitar's neck
was just like looking in the mirror. OK, it's also fun to
tell drunks they're welcome to play my guitar, "SURE -- if
you can play a left-handed one -- heh- heh"**What gear do you own; guitars, amps, effects? **
1950’s Reissue Strat, surf green- I’ve replaced the stock pickups with Seymour Duncan P-90’s, put on a black pickguard, and replaced the three knobs with two shiny Telecaster knobs.
Epiphone Sheraton, dark brown- I just bought this guitar so it needs work… there is some fret buzz and it has typically weak Epiphone stock pickups. But once I get that done I think it will be a pretty good guitar. I basically bought it for playing jazz.
Yamaha FG-412 acoustic- I don’t like this guitar much, I’ve had a lot of work done on it and it always ends up having recurring setup problems.
Almansa classical guitar- Basically a cheapo nylon string guitar, but fine for my purposes.
Fender Studio Lead amp, 100 watts
Big Muff distortion pedal, Boss Digital Delay
**What type of music do you play mostly? **
Jazz, folk, rock, punk, country, blues, classical.
**How long have you been playing? **
Somewhere in the neighbourhood of 5 years.
**Are you in a band? Name of said band? **
I’m in a jazz big band, but I don’t really have the time to be in a rock band… I mostly just play rock at home for my own amusement.
** Any thing else you would like to share about your history in guitar? **
Nothing that I can think of.
Sorry for the late reply.
Of course not 
It never works out that way. Sorry,
What gear do you own; guitars, amps, effects?
I own several luthier made classical guitars. They cost in the 3000-5000 dollar range. It is unlikely that many people out there would know the makers.
How long have you been playing?
Around 15 years.
What type of music do you play mostly?
Classical and flamenco
Are you in a band? Name of said band?
Nope, I am a solo performer.
Any thing else you would like to share about your history in guitar?
I have a degree in guitar performance and have been a private teacher for a while but am not currently. I used to have a semi regular following when I was doing “nouveau flamenco” but it wasn’t anything like Otmar Leibert. What he does is nice but doesn’t really have enough melody in it to sound like flamenco to my ears.
**What gear do you own; guitars, amps, effects? **
I own a 1961 Les Paul Goldtop that was built in the custom shop. My amp is a Fender 100 watt Ultra-Chorus. Nice little amp. My Yamaha nylon string burned in my apartment fire :(. I used to have an Ibanez guitar, a Crate half stack, Alesis Quadraverb and a bunch of other rack mount effects but the whole rig got ripped off a while ago.
**How long have you been playing? **
I’ve been playing for 20 years.
**What type of music do you play mostly? **
I play a wide range of stuff. I like Heavy Metal, Jazz, Classical and other styles. I tend to mix things up. For example, the song I am working on recording right now starts with a honkin’ country rock type riff then morphs into a funk fest. I write almost everything I play. When I do play covers I usually take a different tact on the song. I think my favorite cover to play is “Faries Wear Boots” which I do on an acoustic.
**Are you in a band? Name of said band? **
I am not in a band right now but I have been in many. I think my favorite band name that I have been in was “They Might Be Idiots”.
Any thing else you would like to share about your history in guitar?
I opened for Megadeth and Sanctuary a long time ago. I also followed Joe Satriani once (That wasn’t fun but, thankfully, our singer sucked so attention wasn’t paid to me).
Also one of the Metal magazines at the time, Keraang I think, reviewed a recording of my bands live show. They totally hated the singer, which wasn’t suprising because he sucked, but compleminted our “two guitar attack”. The thing was, and I let the magazine know, I was the only guitarist.
Slee
Bently Electric Guitar, amp, no picks (yet), need new strings.
Well, I played for about 18 months a few years ago, and I just started again 3 days ago.
Rock. (I try at least.)
No.
No.
While we’re on the topic, could anyone recommend me some easy rock songs? I’ve attempted to pick up songs (from tabulatures) by Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Sublime, At the Drive-in, Metallica, and Green Day, but only really had sucess with Green Day and Metallica (a little bit). So anything along the lines of those groups, but I’m open to other suggestions of course.
I need some songs that have a few easy chords, and some relativly easy plucking.
Stairway to Heaven is the classic all guitarists have to learn (then never play)
‘Easy’ is a very subjective thing, so it is hard to guess what you have in mind… Songs you can play on your own, one guitar?
Don’t know so much about the groups you mention, but you could try:
[ul]
“Karma Police” by Radiohead
“Wonderwall” (or almost anything) by Oasis
“Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty
“Mr Jones” by Counting Crows
“Nothing Ever Happens” by Del Amitri
“I wanna hold her Hand“ by The Beatles
[/ul]
Maybe these are too simplistic for you, but good for singing along to if that’s your thing.
Best to find some simple songs you really like then concentrate on those. It’ll make the learning easier and more worthwhile too. Good luck.
Read “I wanna hold your hand” by the Beatles above. Doh!
I’m just starting myself, and loving life. This may be a bit too simplistic for you, but there’s a great Counting Crows song off the green album called Walkaways. It’s real simple to play, variations on G the whole time and some easy picking. It’s also short.
It was kind of a breakthrough for me when I found this song, because I’ve always really dug it, and I can sing along.
I have one guitar, it’s a Mitchell, it’s cheap but has good hardware and a solid top, and it sounds pretty darn good, even when I play it ;).
I’ve been playing for three months now.
I have a roommate who is a very accomplished player, and who doesn’t mind my amateurish accompaniment. It’s encouraging and helpful.
It’s also fun to read about people with longer romances with this instrument. I used to play the piano when I was a kid, but the chances of me posessing a piano are pretty slim, and the allure of the guitar is somehow more poignant. I look forward to the next decade or so!
I too am “guitarded,” not to mention tone deaf. This has not stopped me from playing for 6 years. I own a Blueridge classical and a Fender Strat. Despite my deficiencies, I have achieved some modicum of guitar skill. My advice: don’t give up, because the ladies love a guy who can strum the strings.
Here is a list to at least give you some ideas for some easier strumming type songs.
Alice In Chains - Brother
America - Horse With No Name <-- very easy
America - Lonely People
Beatles - Hey Jude
Beatles - Let it Be
Beatles - Twist and Shout
Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Blind Melon - No Rain
Bowie, David - Space Oddity
Buffalo Springfield - For What It’s Worth
Buffett, Jimmy - Changes in Latitudes/Attitudes
Buffett, Jimmy - Margarittaville
Bush - Glycerin
Clapton, Eric - Wonderful Tonight
Clash - Should I Stay, Or Should I go
Counting Crows -Mr. Jones
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bad Moon Rising
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen the Rain
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Hey Tonight
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Proud Mary
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Who’ll Stop the Rain
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Almost Cut My Hair
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Helpless
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Southern Cross
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Teach Your Children
Dave Mathews Band - Ants Marching
Doors - Love Here Madly
Dylan, Bob - Blowin’ In the Wind
Dylan, Bob - Like a Rolling Stone
Dylan, Bob - The Times They Are A-Changin’
Eagles - Already Gone
Eagles - Lyin Eyes
Eagles - Peaceful Easy Feeling
Eagles - Take it Easy
Eagles - Tequila Sunrise
Everlast - Ends
Foo Fighters - Big Me
Green Day - Brainstew
Green Day - Hitching a Ride
Green Day - Time of Your Life
Hendrix. Jimi - Wild Thing
Jewel Who will Save your Soul
Jewel - You Were Meant for Me
Joplin, Janis - Me and Bobby McGee
King, Ben E. - Stand By Me <-- very easy
Kingmen - Louie Louie
Kinks - Lola
Led Zeppelin - Gallows Pole
Led Zeppelin Hey Hey What Can I Do
Live - Dolphins Cry
Live - Lightning Crashes
Live - Selling the Drama
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
McLean, Don - American Pie
Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Nirvana - About a Girl
Nirvana Man - Who Sold The World
Nirvana - Penny Royal Tea
Nirvana - Polly
Oasis - Champaine Supernova
Pearl Jam - Elderly Woman Behind the Counter
Pearl Jam - Last Kiss
Petty, Tom Free Falling
Petty, Tom Swingin
Pink Floyd - Welcome to the Machine
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil
Rolling Stone - Time Is On My Side
Rolling Stones - You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Seger, Bob - Against the Wind
Seger, Bob - Hollywood Nights
Seger, Bob - Night Moves
Seger, Bob - Still the Same
Semisonic - Closing Time
Smashing Pumpkins - disarm
Soul Asylum - Runaway Train
Staind - Outside
Stewart, Rod - Maggie May
Stone Temple Pilots - Creep
Sublime - What I Got
Sugar Ray - Every Morning
Third Eye Blind - How’s it Gonna Be
Thorogood, George Bad To The Bone
Yardbirds - For Your Love
Young, Neil - Heart of Gold
Young, Neil - Helpless
Young, Neil - Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Young, Neil - Sugar Mountain
At least there’s a word for it. Doesn’t get me a special parking space but it helps to know. At best I was the kid who only knew Stairway to Heaven but I could barely manage that now. Tucked away in the closet is my Hohner classical. The top is pulled badly under the bridge but it’s still playable. I also have a cheap Ibanez solid body and a Fender frontman reverb amp. I still lust after a Les Paul but would be like someone who can’t drive a clutch getting a Ferrari Daytona.
Well,
I’ve got 6 guitars. 5 acoustic 1 Electric Bass
My baby of them all is my new Rainsong acoustic electric low maintenance all graphite dreadnought.
I’ve got a Washburn 12 string, a baby Taylor for biking/hiking/camping (get a back axe and it’ll go anywhere), a 6 string Gibson cutaway, and my first guitar—a $150.00 Samick.
I’ve been playing for about 8 years now. I bought the samick after college and bought the Echo and the Bunnymen Songbook and taught myself (poorly) from that. I’d finger a chord and play along with the tape whenever that chord came around. Eventually, I got better. I started collecting songbooks from every artist I could get my hands on. My preference is Contemporary folk but I want to approachthe guitar with a genre-less style. So I’ve got the Metallica/Slayer/Al Dimeola/Stevie Ray Vaughan/Led Zeppelin/David Wilcox/Cheryl Wheeler/Tom Waits/Dwight Yoakum/Matchbox 20/Abba/Ani Difranco/and thousands others. I found olga.net about 5-6 years ago and that immediately made my playing better. I found that a good majority of songs are out there to be played just by looking for fan websites. Belle and Sebastian, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Dead Milkman, Nanci Griffith, John Mayer, blah blah blah. I could ramble on for days.
I’ve got friends whom I’ve taught to play. I always have one bit of advise for 'em. Play the songs you want to play. Don’t get stuck playing “Michael row your boat ashore” in order to be a guitar player. No one wants to hear that song. :oP
Memory Lane here. I don’t play right now, but I haven’t gotten rid of all the stuff.
Guitars: currently, a Yamaha FG-75 (my first guitar), a bright yellow Chiquita travel guitar, and a knockoff Fender Strat with a traditional tremolo. I have also owned a '69 Fender Telecaster. I potted the pickups on it so that I could play “at volume.” It was a bit rough to play but sounded fantastic. I also owned a 75 Gibson Les Paul Custom. I made a mistake going for the “Wine” finish. Pauls are well-constructed, beautiful, but beastly heavy. I also found out that I didn’t like the sound as much as I thought. The other Gibson I owned was a pawn-shop SG with green metallic finish and two DiMarzio super distorters or somesuch. Much lighter than the Paul, great neck/action, really liked it.
I have a Big Muff Pi distorter, a Queen Triggered Wah from EH’s strike days, a Boss Distorter, a Boss octave pedal, a digital delay, a EuroTec phaser (yard sale treasure) and a trashpicked CryBaby Wah. I also have an SRD Rockman headphone amp. I would like to ditch most of the effects for a Pod and plug straight into the iMac to record.
I had all the scales/chords lessons, so I get a little beyond basic rock/blues, but I’m not versed like Joe Satch or Steve Morse.