New to guitar

My name is TJ and just would like to say hello to everyone on this site. I've been only playing guitar for a little over a week. The whole time I've been playing I have also been reading on this site, and I have to say that most everyone seems to be very knowledgable. The lessons here have helped me understand some things, especially theory and modes. But I do have a question, as a total noob to music and guitar, what should I focus on. The last few days I've been practicing the box shapes for the 7 modes of major keys. Should I continue with that or shold I go and practice only the basics like strumming patterns, basic chord shapes, stuff like that? Or should I do both? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Try learning and memorizing all the notes on each string, that way you will have a little better knowledge of what exactly you are playing. Learn some chords and some scales etc. So you can write your own music. You should also try learning simple songs to get started and learn different strumming patterns. Some of it may not be fun but it will help you a lot. Merry Christmas by the way ! :)

I'd practice the basics and keep moving to more advanced stuff as you get along. Learn a few chords (major and minor) and then keep learning a new chord every few days alongside learning scales and practicing them.

Learning songs is an easy way to keep motivated because it feels like you're going somewhere with guitar. I suggest you start with really easy songs and then try and find a harder song each time you come to learn a new one. This way you'll notice your progress and won't get stuck in a rut as easily.


And welcome to the forums.

What's your aim? What do you plan to get out of guitar? If you can answer these questions, we can point you in a course fitting you.
It really good you're starting out with theory since you will find things will fit like puzzle pieces as you move through guitar and music theory. Although you don't have to learn it (some of the greats didn't), it is very useful especially if you plan to take it seriously or haven't been playing since you were 5 on some musical instrument.

I hope you enjoy learning and playing guitar, that's the main point.

My goal originally was to just be able to play songs, read tab, and maybe write simple songs. But it seems that the more I read about theory and understand it, the more exciting the thought of playing my own music becomes. It's only been like 10 days. But I love the challenge, and each day I get better, so it's been pretty fun. I plan to just for now take it slowly, and just have fun.

Yeah it is good not to get too serious so early in - its like dating lol if you get too serious too soon you might f**k something up. My goal was to be able to read tab and write my own stuff too. now I can because I've practiced hard.