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So I made this blog post awhile ago about how I just bought a guitar.
http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?id=215081
I was really looking forward to learning how to play, unfortunately that has yet to happen. About that same time I started having trouble with tendonitis in both wrists. I also ended up tearing one of said tendons by slipping and falling, which lead to the discovery that I have bone islands in my wrists (which have also been causing a bit of pain). Basically my wrists have been a mess, so not much of activities like playing guitar or starcraft have been going on. Luckily my wrists have been feeling pretty good lately, so I plan on picking the guitar back up. Thanks to everyone who offered help in that blog, even though I was unable to take advantage of it.
In another thread on teamliquid I saw a link to this site.
http://www.gametabs.net/user/598/tabs
It seems like a good source of some simple tabs, and stuff I would actually like to play. When thing settle down in the next week or so (hopefully) I’m going to try to learn one of these. After that, I’ll work up from there. Seems like a decent enough spot to start, at least to me.
On the topic of Starcraft 2, I had planned on switching to protoss and getting back into 1v1. However, I don’t think I’ll have time to dedicate to a serious effort of getting better at both sc2 and guitar. So I think I’m just going to play team games casually from now on. I do think that I’m going to switch over to random though.
Anyone got some good guitar tab sites? Doesn’t necessarily have to be video game theme type stuff, but I would enjoy starting off with that kind of stuff. Or some good protoss/zerg team strategies or builds for me to start off with?
Thanks for reading 
 
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www.911tabs.com
As for what songs to learn, I suggest checking out songs your tone matches to and practice those (assuming your gear is limited).
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United Kingdom1688 Posts
Hi-
I have played guitar (mainly electric) for 11 years now, and SC:BW for 3. I think you're making the right choice here- nothing can compare to being truly accomplished in an instrument. If I couldn't play, it would be like being unable to speak. Sounds like you've made a pretty wise decision, though if you really wanted I think you would have time in the day to be good at both. But if you gotta pick, pick guitar.
The two above me have already listed the top tab sites, but it's very important to note that, depending on how good/accomplished you want to become, it is a MUCH better idea to pick up sheet music from the start. You'll be more versatile, and even just a moderate level of musical theory will enhance your playing tenfold. I can see the attractions of tabbed music, in that there's no learning to read involved, but I hope you take my word for this that sheet music and a little theory will be interesting and very useful.
Get going on pieces which you find fun (otherwise you won't have any cause to stick with it), coupled with learning simple chord patterns and basic scales so that you can actually understand what you're playing, and why it works/doesn't work. Again, I promise you, it's far more rewarding in the long run.
Don't use tones or sounds which give you any handholding during practice or excuses for inaccuracy, such as heavy distortions, overdrives, phasers etc. They will make a mess of your ability to play with precision, intonation and grace.
Also, what kinda music do you like? I may be able to identify some pieces which would suit your level and style.
Hope I can be of help.
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Thanks for the response guys!
I guess I was ignorantly under the impression that tabs were just how guitar music was written lol. I suppose I should be looking into sheet music then? I know the basics of reading sheet music (I played trumpet for awhile), but I'm guessing there is a learning curve to apply it to guitar. Thanks for the advice there.
I am mostly into hard rock and metal. Some of my favorite bands (in no particular order) are Megadeth, Chevelle, RATM, Audioslave, and Shinedown.
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United Kingdom1688 Posts
There is definitely a different learning curve to it, but if you know the basics you should be able to pick it up, as long as you work at it a bit. Really not too hard though.
I'm about to go to bed so I can't lurk TL at all, but I'll have a think and post some stuff you might like to play, when I get up in the morning.
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Well a little bit of an update that I didn't feel deserved a brand new blog post. After getting advice from both of my blog threads, I've decided how I want to start out. I'm going to start out with one song, picking up the things I need to learn along the way to play it. I will also do so from sheet music (as suggested by imbatoss). I'm just glad when I started looking at sheet music I remembered what everything meant haha. My selection is:
http://ninsheetm.us/sheets/TheLegendofZelda/TheLegendofZelda/Overworld.pdf
One of my favorite game franchises, and something I would be happy about being able to play. I plan on taking it a couple measures at a time and starting at a real slow tempo. It should be a good time. I don't know if objectively it is the best choice; I'm actually fairly sure it isn't. But I'm going to roll with it, because after all - I'm out to do this for fun anyway.
Work should be clearing up early next week, with maybe a few hard earned days off to boot. Boring work details : + Show Spoiler +I work in research and development and was slammed up against a project end deadline. My last few weeks have been chaotic with work combined with moving last at the end of last month. I should finish (on time) next week. My next project won't kick off until around the 22nd, so I might be able to take some time off at the end of next week. I'm stoked about that 
Thanks to all who have given me advice and encouragement!
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Buy a scale book. Tabs are nice if you want to be that guy that plays stairway to heaven or john mayer in the park but the true path to awesome involves learning how to make your own music. Tabs can give you ideas but books will teach you how to make your own.
btw I literally cringed when I read Squier Affinity. We all need to start somewhere but man, that's a rough place to start. If you like playing guitar save up and buy a cheap <300 guitar, you'll see the difference
Good luck!
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Yeah I knew I was getting shit when I bought it haha. I didn't want to spend too much until I knew it was something that I wanted to do long term.
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EPT
