Crusoe

Nobody else can get a word in edgeways!

Mid-life crisis. I've had an acoustic for years but never really did anything more than strum a few simple tunes on it. Back in March, I saw people talking about Harley Bentons, on Basschat, so had a look. They had a TE-20, amp and accessories for £150 so I thought I'd take a punt. Six months later and I also own an Ibanez AS-73 and am taking lessons, hoping to do the grades.

Good stuff!

Welcome Andy. I'm another Ibanez player - AS73 TCD

Welcome to the site. It can be a bit quiet, but hopefully as the community grows it'' be a bit more active.

SImon McBride has joined the band as his replacement.

Peggy Sue is another great song using those chords. First song I ever played on guitar. We tried to do a punk version of it

Would you be going to these lessons in person, or online? It mighty be a good idea to go for the trial lessons to see what you think of them. I don't think you need to buy an expensive guitar. The Yamaha acoustic you bought is a decent guitar for a beginner.

Some people find an electric guitar easier to play as the strings can require less pressure to fret, but you do have to factor in the price of an amp and leads as well. IF you do decide to go down that route, Thomann do some very good bundle deals on guitar an amp. I got a telecaster style guitar and an amp for £150 and am really happy with it (the guitar is great, the amp is just ok, but will do for now). Justin Guitar's lessons are really good, so I'd say stick at them. Marty Music does some good ones too.

It does take time to master changing chords. Persevere with it. Why not try just practising the chord changes with the left hand, without strumming, until you get the feel for where your fingers are supposed to go. Then practise the strumming, without forming the chords. Then try putting it all together. What you can try doing is using the tip of the topmost finger (eg for an A chord it will bee the finger on the D string), have it touch against the against open string so that it doesn't ring out if you do accidentally hit it. Justin's lessons are good. Stick at it and good luck.

Yep, reminds me of my Dad's old "Shadows" records. Well played.

Who let you in here?

You can do it all with a jazz bass, whereas guitars are just very fussy.

*cough* same *cough*

Welcome to the site Richard. Lovely guitar. Lowdens are made quite near to me.

Looks great. Have fun playing it.

You could ask on this thread https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-amps-gizmos/54035-vintage-german-archtops-9.html I'd agree with Dad on the €400 - 500 valuation, maybe a little more depending on condition, but definitely worth getting a proper valuation done.

Lovely looking guitar. I've never heard of them, so can't offer any advice. I hope you get a decent price if you do sell it.

I would say if you don't want to learn it, don't. I'm in a similar position to you. I had an acoustic for years but never really did much other than strum a few chords or play simple songs from books. I got an electric guitar about 5 months ago and know a few scales and a bit about chord formation. I pick up bits and pieces of theory from books and videos, but it doesn't always sink and and stick. I'm thinking about taking lessons, but don't know if I would get into the theory side.

That's sad. Best wishes to them both.

Welcome to the forum

I don't know if you've seen this one or not...https://youtu.be/IucozqgzJcw

There are loads of good YouTube channels for inspiration. Justin Guitar and Anyone Can Play Guitar are two that I watch quite a bit.

I'm a bit like yourself Neil, in that sometimes I struggle with what to practise. I'm not always sure what my goals are with learning to play. I suppose I'd like to be one of those guys who go into guitar shops, pick up guitars and just fire off dozens of licks. It's not going to happen though

Do you still have it? If so, stick some strings on it and see what it sounds like.