Cliff Jeffrey's Page

"Don't do open tunings.  You'll regret it.  Guitar is not that hard.  Use a capo and play in keys you know.  Don't learn chords, learn the typical chords used in a key.  In other words, play songs, don't…"

"While there are some songs that you can interchange Bm and G/B (thinking You Are Holy) it is not a rule by any means. Sorry, but you MUST learn Bm."

"Absolutely.  Don't mess with alternative tunings until you've mastered regular tuning and chord changes."

"OK Thanks "

"No, that's not true. They're very different sounding chords. Even without knowing theory, just look at the notes involved in typical guitar voicing of these chords: G/B (low to high): B D G D G Bm (low to high: B F# B D F# The G/B really…"

"It's a possibility, but I would recommend the Bminor alternatives I suggested above - they are equally easy."

"Heard you can play G/B istead of Bminor when in the Key of G, that seems much easier."

"There is a website (sorry don't know the name, google it) that does hymns in modern styling."

"can you find one that will travel to you? It usually costs a little more, but can be very convenient. You'd be surprised how far some of these guys will travel for a student. Some teachers also do Skype lessons. I'd do a little research…"

"Thanks!. A guitar teacher seems to not be an option as I live over an hour to a decent size place, and there does not seem to be one around here."

"Oh - and I have some downloads on my site that may help you along. Help yourself at http://www.stevedemott.com/music-instruction/"

"Everything everyone is saying is good. Here's my advice as a player of 28 years and a teacher of 17 years: Practice everyday - for at least 10 minutes...but build that up as it will build up your endurance for playing a 20 minute worship…"

"Thanks everyone. Been practising for a while now, callouses are developed and I can do slow songs, just more practice and I can get the speed down for faster songs."

"I feel i can add something relevant to this topic. About 5 years ago i learned to play guitar (i already could play a few other instruments though) within a month i was leading music with it. My advice if this is a possible option to…"

"Good that you're working on it. I would suggest that you continue to spend that time on regular tuning. One can waste a lot of time working on and learning alternate tunings and yet they aren't universal enough to work for everything."

"Been practising, went back to regular tuning. If I had to do it with no previous experience and short notice like 1 month I would go with the Low E tuned to D F# A D octave higher. and put the strings in the middle. All major chords are a simple…"