Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JacktheCat]

Some people make new year's resolutions, I make summer resolutions.

I'm firmly resolved that this time I will finally get around to learning how to play the guitar

So ...

What's the best way to learn to play the guitar in Korea? Books, materials, good starter guitars, etc? I am an utter and complete novice.

Thanks in advance.

[danieltudor]

...

[sakamuras]

best way is to figure out what you want to learn...
do you have a favorite song or band?

get a cheap guitar (strat knock-off for $100)
don't bother with books...all the stuff you ever need is online on the intenet (tabs, chords, etc)
watch videos of your favorite bands and see how the guitarist plays the riffs
if you've got half a brain, you should be able to pick things up.

most guitarists in bands never had a single guitar lesson....most are self-trained.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

My two bits of advice are learn to play rhythm first, even if you want to be a lead player, you need fundamentals first. And second, buy a metronome and practice with it always. It takes years to be able to play perfectly in time, and a LOT of guitarists who think they are in time are actually NOT, and they find out real quick when they go into a studio to make a recording.

When I started I used a metronome all the time, and practiced for 5 hours a day solidly for three years. And now, bada bing bada boom, I can play in time!

[Zyzyfer]

I'm interested in learning the bass guitar, myself. I want to wake up the neighbors...

...where's a good place to pick up cheap guitars? I've seen the shop in Hongdae, but the stuff there tends to be through the roof.

[JacktheCat]

Thanks to which ever Mod moved my post here. I should have posted it here in the first place. No-one ever goes over to the QA Forum.

About guitars; seems Harpeau is the one to talk to.

[fruitcake]

right behind where the Starbucks is. It's huge, though not sure how the prices compare. It's called �DZ��. It's about 2 floors full of instruments and gear. I'm sure you can find a reasonably priced guitar there.
As for learning guitar, music books are helpful. I started out learning Zepplin and Neil Young songs. First step is learning to change chords quickly, plus develop rhythm. Doesn't hurt to find someone who can help you out with the basics.

[JacktheCat]

Anyone know of guitar lessons available around the Yeonsu area of Incheon?

Or any friendly foreigner in the area willing to help out this cat?

Don't have much to offer in the way of trade at the moment, other than my funky clove cigarettes, motorcycle lessons and the displeasure of my company.

[posco's trumpet]

All of the above is good advice, except for 'buy a cheap guitar' (or cheap bass).

A cheap guitar will not be as pleasurable to play as a nicer one, and it will not sound as good. You will be less inclined to practice, and you will have simply ended up wasting $100 on a piece of bad luthiery which gathers dust in the back of your closet.

You don't need to spend a lot, but I don't think you should get anything cheaper than $300 to start. You can pick up a decent guitar for this price.

There are two schools of thought about whether to start on an electric or an acoustic: electrics are usually easier to play; acoustics will, by being a bit harder to play, will push you to make more progress. Depends on your character, I guess. If you get an electric, you don't need to get an amp at first (unless you want to torture your neigbors and loved ones).

Even a solidbody guitar will put out some sound (enough if you are in a quiet room). You can get a Line6 Guitar pod or Zoom effects pedal (or something similar) plug into your headphones, rock out, and nobody would be any the wiser. Either of these alternatives will almost certainly sound better (and last longer) than your average $75-100 guitar amp.

Finally, there is a lot of OEM being done in Korea (most notably for Paul Reed Smith and Seymour Duncan), and the no-name/own-name brands of some of these OEM contractors can be excellent.

If you need help choosing a guitar or bass, just ask someone experienced to go with you to Nakwon Arcade. I'm sure many guitarists/bassists would be happy to help (certainly, I would be). Just make sure YOU like what you buy.

(oh, and if you're a would-be bassist, try to find a short-scale or 3/4-size bass: they're easier to play... less string tension and all.)

[some waygug-in]

Looks like noone else out there is a classical guitarist, so just in case you are so inclined: www.chordmelody.com has all kinds of books and materials for sale on-line. Why do I suggest this? (you might ask) Because if you want to teach yourself, you will need a book written in English so that you can understand what's going on.

Also, there are all kinds of online lessons and such, some are free, others you have to pay for, but man, I wish half of this stuff would have been available when I was trying to learn. The problem with some of the tab sites is that there is no guarantee that they are accurate, so you take your chances with them.

If you do choose to go the classical route, you will want to get a decent guitar. Classical guitars are the ones with nylon strings. (way easier on the fingers than steel) There are some pretty decent classical guitars for sale here in the ROK for reasonable prices, but try them out first so that you get something you like.

Anyway, this is probably not going to be your choice, but just in case.

Cheers

[JacktheCat]

Thanks to Harpeau I am now bad in black.


Nice guitar Harpeau, thanks alot.

Going to be awhile though before I can use this bad boy to its full potentional.

[JacktheCat]

Haven't been able to find any waeguks around the Yeonsu area of Incheon to jam with, so have been practicing with some Koreans as of late.

Come to find out Koreans have a much different way of learning to play the guitar than Westerners.

Basicaly Koreans just memorize the song; where their fingers go on the frets etc. Most of them have no idea how to play chords. They can strum out the songs incredible well, but seem clueless on making their own music.

The Koreans find it very strange that I want to learn the chords. "Just memorize the song" they tell me.

Interesting.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

[hojucandy]

[diver]