Eager Rookie Seeks Veteran Advice!!!!!!!!!!

[eavakame]

As it is, I am an 18-year-old college freshman that recently fell in love with the guitar and realizes that I have no choice but to use this passion to the glory of the Most High God. The story behind how I got my first guitar even has God written all over it, so there's no doubt in my mind that God gave me this passion to use for His glory.

That being said, I have no idea where to start! I see all kinds of stuff about different scales, chords, chord progressions, arpeggios, etc, etc, and I'm having trouble picking a starting point. Do I need to get a book? Do I need private lessons? Do I just watch and learn on YouTube? I've been playing by ear for a little while and I've picked up a couple songs but I pay close attention to the guitarist in the pulpit on Sunday mornings, and I know that in order to gain his ability to improvise, solo, pick up songs by ear in a matter of seconds, etc., I need to build a strong foundation in the basics.

So I guess my question is, what are the ground-level things that I need to master? ANY and EVERY suggestion is more than welcome.

God Bless You All! =]

[Fenix]

Hello and welcome to LGM man!

First off, can you afford private lessons? I would honestly suggest taking lessons. I personally never took lessons (wish i had). It would make things so much easier for you.

I am sure someone else will come along with some resources that will get you started. God bless.

[gtrdave]

Realize that unless you are a prodigy, and few people are, it will take YEARS of constant practice, study, lessons, playing, listening and observing to get fairly decent at guitar playing (or any instrument).
If this is really a passion of your, you'll have no problem putting in the necessary time to learn and grow.
Just so you know, I've been playing for 30 years and I've still got so much to learn, which is just fine with me. 

[uriahsmusic]

BEGINNER GUITAR VIDEO!

SLOW CONNECTIONS BEWARE!


basic guitar chords

get busy!

[jlynnb1]

also, be sure that you don't sabotage yourself from the beginning. if you are wanting to be a guitar player, a musician. learn the the theory behind the chords and runs you learn. with they fit, why they work together. practice everything you want to tackle slowly and perfectly at first, gradually working up to speed.

worst thing you can do is learn bad habits due to sloppy practice...it's almost impossible to ever unlearn them.

[djbrough]

Get some lessons and start by learning the CAGED system. Try the book "Fretboard Logic SE". It will allow you to learn the neck more effectively. It's helping me to understand why we play what we play.

Also buy a real book or fake book. Learn some simle songs once you've got the basics of fingering down. They should be songs based on first position open voicings.

[SanctifiedGuitar]

As you learn your songs, learn the music theory behind them.

In all your getting, get an understanding.