Ask the experts - play the guitar
This week Brookfield-based community music teacher Jamie O'Connor gives a step-by-step introduction to playing the guitar.
I first picked up a guitar when I was 15 years old, 10 years too late in my opinion.
Now it's my life. Friends, new social avenues and even a career have been crafted out of my love for guitar.
Beginning to learn how to play is the easy part. All you need is a guitar, be it acoustic, semi-acoustic or electric (it's effectively all the same).
For around 80 you can get hold of a nice sounding, solid guitar, ideal for beginners. The next step is to identify which style of guitar you want to play - rock, classical, blues, reggae, it doesn't matter, the important thing is to set a goal.
I always found that the best way to learn is by setting and achieving targets. For me, and this is telling of the time, my first song was Wonderwall by Oasis.
"Boooo" I hear you shout, "all beginners learn that one". Well, the reason for this is that as a guitarist's song, it's a relatively easy one to play.
Covering a few chords it's great for practice, but more importantly it sounds nice when you can do it and it's one that people know and will sing along to. Passion, patience and commitment, that's the hard part.
Nobody has ever just picked up an instrument and been amazing. It takes time, frustration and dedication but it's extremely rewarding.
There will be times when you are staring at a wayward finger, pleading with it to move to the fourth fret but try as you might it stays put.
I promise one day this will stop, it will click and you'll feel at one. When this happens, just enjoy.
To watch the video, click on the green video icon above right.
Next week: Expert gardener Phil Dunnett, joint owner of Ribblesdale Nurseries, gives some tips on creating a colourful garden for autumn.
ASK the EXPERTS
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Email: josie.hill@lep.co.uk or call 01772 838104
Or write to: Josie Hill, Lancashire Evening Post Ltd, Oliver's Place, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9ZA
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
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Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 14 C to 19 C
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