Originally posted by Mr Sleep
Indeed, I'm a strange boy sometimes 
I like some rock songs but it isn't my main musical choice. I already know how to play the kazoo, I'm the kazoo master!
There's a Turkish miiltary band that features a kazoo section.
Shame, I'm quite precious about it, it is my first guitar, so it is treated with respect by all or they face consequences
So was I. It didn't stop people from picking it up and abusing it while I wasn't there. The horrors of communal living.
Like I say it won't be for a good few months now but I'll probably put a deposit down on a nice one I've been eying up, what brand do you recommend?
Gibson, Alvarez, Takamine, Ovation, Yamaha...or the best, a Martin or Taylor. I recommend Yamaha, they make a fine instrument overall for the money. But if you're strapped for money, buy something cheap for now. Basically any steel string acoustic that features durable machine heads (that won't fail under string tension, thereby keeping you out of tune
), a neck that isn't bowed, and an action that you can't fit your thumb under. Oh man, I know I've recommended an acoustic for building up strength, but there are some cheaply made ones out there that will kill you instead of helping you.
In this respect I haven't been too bad so far, it's been pretty eclectic, lots of different artists, I'll list some of them at some point.
My entire perception of music changed once I learned to play the guitar. You could say it was an enlightening experience, broadening my musical horizons to the point where I can just about listen to anything, and appreciate what I hear.
I have learned a modicum of sheet music, I used to play piano and cello you know but trying to remember the names of notes is my only real problem, so while I'm playing 1st to third to 5 fret on the first string I couldn't telly you what they were without having to think about it a bit, I believe it's F, G, A but then I had to think about that
The clef is different. Anyway, people have generally come up with sound advice in the thread, and it's worth pursuing all of it. Essentially, here's what I did: played with other musicians whenever I could; got tab books for those riffs and parts I wanted to learn how to play; bought a book called the "Guitar Manual" which was in-depth and went into musical notation, music theory, and technique; played until my finger tips were raw. I think you can roll up all of the advice given here and flesh out what works best for you.
What are the general opinions concerning singing along with tunes? I know it's worth it but are any of you any good at it?
Can you sing?
I developed that faculty after I was brave enough to play in front of other people. I have a good enough voice, and actually prefer that. Doing that *and* playing with other musicians is the real test, though. It challenges your timing and forces you to sing on key.
