Just an audit, really (Nosy...). I wondered how many guitarists were using the forum, what style they were playing, and what kind of level? I see lots of other string instruments being discussed but it seems like guitar is in the minority?

I play classical and folk style acoustic guitar. I'm self taught (argh), and had stopped playing classical with any level of seriousness about 8 years ago, so am really restarting. I'd reached a playing plateau, where I really needed a teacher to move forward, and lived in a small town where access to teachers was an impossibility. I've been playing again for about 5 months, and have got myself back up to about grade 4 level. I've got my first guitar lesson booked on Saturday, and am pretty excited. I'll do my first grade at the end of this year, at whatever level I am at at the time!

How about you?

Jane

Hi
I don't actually count but I did play classical guitar when I was at school - many years ago! I passed grade 5 but left school before I had chance to try grade 6. Sadly, I haven't played at all since then - perhaps one day...
W

I'm working toward grade 8. I'm taking a bit of a time out from classical studies at the moment because of other things going on around at home and being sick of the pieces. I can play the pieces ok, not quite to an exam standard yet, but not a million miles off. Sometimes I find it is better for me to take a step away from things and do something else and then return to it, rather than flog something to death to try to get it "perfect".
That is if perfect actually does exsists?
Other than that I plug my Les Paul in and wind the neighbours up, or try to figure tunes I like and write them down for future reference.

i play guitar but with no intention of sitting graded exams. though i play electric these days i still play some classical, different from an acoustic guitar because of the lower action and i found the string spacing a little awkward at first, compensated by the curvature of the fingerboard.

i'm trying to make something of moreno-torroba's sonatina, second movement, which will be nice to play on the terrace in summer. i might get it sorted out by then.

I have just started to learn the acoustic guitar at school. Been learning for about a couple of months now.

Car Expert

The second movements the andante, a real nice piece. I've heard it played, can't say I ever seen the music though.

Hi Meerkat,

As you probably already know, I am currently enrolled on a guitar course at my local education centre and I am having a great time! I have been playing the pieces that we do in class, but also have a couple of guitar books that I have been picking up for myself, for a bit of fun really. As for what we play, it's mainly pieces based on chords, and little arrangements of popular pieces, such as 'Love Me Tender' etc... It's all good fun The thing is, we are reading tab, which is great to have the skill if you can acquire it. However, I personally prefer to read the music now, it's just where I am used to it I guess.

I hope to start taking exams in guitar, it's good as my friend wants to take one too, so perhaps we can do it together to settle the nerves a little, plus it is my new year's resolution to take one!! I have got the scale book and have played all the grade 1 scales, so I might set myself a target of trying to master ALL the grade 2 scales soon.

The guitar is a refreshing change to piano and violin etc, and I still find it as enjoyable as each of the other instruments I play.

Joy

PS does anyone know why I have a warning sign at the left hand side of my post??

I've been surprised by how complex the scales are, once you get past grade one and two. Comparing it to say the cello scales, they seem far more complex to master. Or is it just me?

I must say, I couldn't really judge at the minute, as I haven't looked much past grade 2 for now. But maybe they are more complex

Hello! I have been playing for 3 years (so?)
I do violin too, and I think both guitar & violin will be grade 5 in November.

Oh yes! I forget to tell that I play classical guitar! I play a little bit of blues and my teacher and one other student are thinking of starting to study it, and I play songs and and any music that I like and want to play (and if I can't play it, I throw it out ).

Hi there, guitar friends!

I play classical and folk guitar. I have a lovely Ramirez classical guitar and loads of guitar music for popular classics and I particularly like playing Bach transcriptions. On the folk side I play a Taylor electro acoustic and play all the folkie hymns in my Church Folk Group. I also compose on my guitar and just love to play.

Sara

Oh wow, those are nice guitars Sara!!! What a lovely instrument. Which model is it?

I played the same guitar from when I was a child, despite it's buzzy weirdness, because I got amazingly attached to it and couldn't face replacing it. Till my husband accidentally dropped a bottle on it, leaving a bottle neck shaped whole in the side. I did cry. A lot. My new one is Spanish and artisan made, but not in the same class as yours! It has a nice tone though, and I'm happy with it for now.

Meercat it's R3. I find it's a bit quiet if I were to say anything against it, but I don't think I'll be changing it for quite a while. Funnily I've kept all my old guitars including a 1/2 size one which I played when I was ill in bed for a long while a few years back. Just goes to show that sentimentality pays off!!

Happy playing, Sara

I play bass guitar, just passed my grade 7. Also play lead guitar, prefer solos and finger-picking to chords.

Matt

I found that with my first classical guitar, which was an Admira...can't remember the model. I was using Augustine strings at the time, so i tried changing them to d'addario high tension strings which made a massive difference, so I've stuck with them ever since.
I now play the Yamaha CG201S which is all solid wood which, although it's very nice, I have sort of outgrown it. I'm planning a trip to stafford guitar this year maybe spend about £1500 if my wife will let me off the lead

It shows you how good or bad you are. 0% means you're good, but when that percentage increases, you are at risk of getting your posts moderated. You can only see your own one, but not anyone elses.

Car Expert

I am too bad to call myself a 'guitarist', but i play guitar...not really sure what style..just learning chords and stuff at the moment. (I'm self teaching..or trying to anyway.)

I use D'Addario composite strings which I like cos they have a good feel and they seem to last ages!! Good luck with the shopping trip...you'll have to slip out when her head's turned

Sara

Thanks for the explanation - I didn't realise that everyone else couldn't see mine. I thought I'd done something wrong ...

Ta
Joy

I play electic guitar. I think it'd be cool to play classical though, good skills.

I was browsing the forums and when I came accross this one I thought I had to respond! I play guitar! well, to be a tad more precise, I play the classical guitar. I have completed a music degree with guitar and am hoping to do post-grad studies in the U.K. in the very near future.

That's all for now, DiabolicConcerto.

Welcome to the board DC.

Welcome to the forums DC!

Car Expert

I play classical guitar. Currently considering doing my diploma.