Beginer problems!

Joespencer44 · #1 07-12-2022, 12:48 PM

Hi all.

I've been learning for a couple of weeks and picking things up but I can't figure out why my guitar doesn't sound right! I've put a video below.

The guitar is tuned in correctly but when I listen back to what I've played I can't hear the tune. It mostly just sounds like noise to me. I know I've only just started so it's not going to sound great.

I'm using the lightest pic and trying to only brush the strings.

I really want to keep going and improving but I don't know what I'm doing wrong!

Any help would be greatly appreciated! 🙏

https://streamable.com/khqncn

Bob from Brooklyn · #2 07-12-2022, 12:59 PM

I dunno. It sounds a hell of a lot better than I did after a couple of weeks.

zeeway · #3 07-12-2022, 01:11 PM

For a couple of weeks in, that sounds pretty good. You might try to slow way down, and deliberately concentrate on hearing every string…you are missing the higher end sound that comes from the treble strings (the skinny ones).

lowrider · #4 07-12-2022, 01:15 PM

What are you expecting to hear? You're strumming 2 chords and I guess that you're recording it on your phone. That's what I hear.

Keep practicing. Someday you will hear what you are wanting to hear.

And welcome to the Forum. This is a great place for all your questions

Tnfiddler · #5 07-12-2022, 01:16 PM

I think for 2 weeks, it sounds GREAT! I’d also recommend slowing WAY down and really working on smooth up/down transitions. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast!

JKA · #6 07-12-2022, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob from Brooklyn

I dunno. It sounds a hell of a lot better than I did after a couple of weeks.

Me to...by far!

Fatfingers12 · #7 07-12-2022, 01:18 PM

Is it Oasis?

jdinco · #8 07-12-2022, 01:22 PM

Don't sound that bad to me either....I would try a thicker pick and be more direct when striking the strings.

Br1ck · #9 07-12-2022, 01:22 PM

Here is a reality of playing guitar. I have yet to run into any player happy with how they sound. Singers are even worse.

I'd sign up for a beginner course from one of the online providers like Peghead Nation. $20 a month. Make sure you aren't forming any bad habits.

musicman1951 · #10 07-12-2022, 01:28 PM

I also think your being overcritical for having such a short time under your belt. I'm not sure about that third chord - it sounds like a suspension with the G on the top from what I can hear?

Don't expect great recordings from a cell phone. Good steady rhythm. As time passes and you become more comfortable you will add some variety with how many strings you hit with each stroke.

What don't you like about it?

Joespencer44 · #11 07-12-2022, 03:12 PM

Thanks for all the advice. I was hoping it would sound a bit more like the YouTube tutorials... its meant to be wonderwall.

I'll try doing a little slower and hitting the higher strings to.

Hopefully it's a mix of sound quality of my phone and lack of experience.

cliff_the_stiff · #12 07-12-2022, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatfingers12

Is it Oasis?

Wonderwall yes?
I think you are close.
it will sound closer as you pick up the rhythm.
You are playing the chords well- play it with the radio- it will help you get the timing.
I agree that slower is better when struggling with clean changes, but for 2 weeks- your changes are pretty clean.
Pat yourself on the back. Your doing great.

Pdubs76 · #13 07-12-2022, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joespencer44

Hi all.

I've been learning for a couple of weeks and picking things up but I can't figure out why my guitar doesn't sound right! I've put a video below.

The guitar is tuned in correctly but when I listen back to what I've played I can't hear the tune. It mostly just sounds like noise to me. I know I've only just started so it's not going to sound great.

I'm using the lightest pic and trying to only brush the strings.

I really want to keep going and improving but I don't know what I'm doing wrong!

Any help would be greatly appreciated! 🙏

https://streamable.com/khqncn

Sounds like you’re on the right path. Just gotta pay close attention to those up and down strokes and the timing. Ultimate guitar tabs has a bunch of tabs for that song. Some are more informative than others so you gotta sift through them. Keep practicing. It doesn’t happen over night. Good luck!

Bob from Brooklyn · #14 07-12-2022, 04:17 PM

I think you are close enough to try playing along with the record.

pickinray · #15 07-12-2022, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joespencer44

Hi all.

I've been learning for a couple of weeks and picking things up but I can't figure out why my guitar doesn't sound right! I've put a video below.

The guitar is tuned in correctly but when I listen back to what I've played I can't hear the tune. It mostly just sounds like noise to me. I know I've only just started so it's not going to sound great.

I'm using the lightest pic and trying to only brush the strings.

I really want to keep going and improving but I don't know what I'm doing wrong!

Any help would be greatly appreciated! 🙏

https://streamable.com/khqncn

You sound OK for someone who's been playing for only a few weeks. If you're playing the rhythm part of a song (i.e., the chords) you won't really hear the melody. Try using a heavier pick, like a Fender medium, and hit the strings a little bit harder - that will give you better tone. Keep your strumming wrist loose and concentrate on fretting the notes for each chord cleanly with your left hand. Then work on changing chords smoothly. You are on the right track - keep practicing and you will get the hang of it!