Guitars 'N' Pickin' 'N' More

Enlarge Image Image Gallery

Homegrown Music

Marc Bristol-a homegrown musician who performs regularly throughout the Pacific Northwest-began sharing his knowledge of do-it-yourself entertainment with MOTHER readers back in issue 50. Marc's columns have touched on everything from access information for recorded music to detailed instructions on how to make your own instruments. Marc is interested in hearing any suggestions, comments, or questions you may have about the subject of do-it-yourself music, and he'll try to write about requested topics in future columns. Address your correspondence-for this column and this column only-to Marc Bristol, Dept. TMEN, 18520 312th Avenue N.E., Duvall, Washington 98019.

Marc Bristol

I can't say I'm surprised that my article in issue 72, "Learning to Play the Guitar", produced more response from readers of this column than any other piece I've written for MOTHER . . . but I can say I'm mighty encouraged-and gratified-to know that so many of you want more information. So here, without further ado (aside from saying thanks, everybody, for all the kind comments and super suggestions . . . keep 'em coming!) are yet more helpful hints for folks who want to get down with the gitbox.

BARGAIN HUNTING

A number of people wrote to ask how much the quality of a guitar might affect a person's ability to learn to play. Well, better instruments are certainly more enjoyable to pick . . . and chances are a novice will learn more quickly if he or she happens to be having fun at the same time. But I hasten to add that it's not-repeat, not-necessary to pay a small fortune to get a good axe.

There's a virtual glut of used medium quality guitars on the market today-thanks to the popularity of the instrument over the past couple of decades-and as a result, prices have come down to the point where it's usually possible to find a good secondhand model (many are Japanese-made) for just over $100.

And if that amount is still higher than you want to go, head for local garage sales and flea markets. I know of people who've found decent, older American-made guitars (brands like Kay and Harmony) in such places for as little as-are you ready for this? Jive bucks! [EDITOR'S NOTE: For tips on `fine tuning" a bargain basement guitar, turn to page 62.J

GUITAR LESSONS?

Some of you also asked whether formal instruction can be of much help to the beginning plucker, and-if so-how one should go about finding and choosing a good teacher. Well, I've never taken lessons myself, but I have acquired lots of know-how simply by asking better players to give me pointers. So if you hear someone picking a song or riff-or using a technique that you'd like to learn, don't be afraid to ask that person to show you what he or she's doing . . . and to offer to pay for the lesson if you think the situation calls for it.