Beginner help!

[localtalent]

I picked up an acoustic (Seagull M6 cedar) at the recommendation of the music store owner and my liking the way it sounds. I've been at it for a week or so and am noticing some odd problems that I'd like to not ingrain into my playing. Unfortunately, I'm a full-time university student with no method of transportation, so lessons are probably out of the question for now.

1) This guitar seems enormous, but I don't think it's that big. I'm 19, 5'10 or so, slight frame, and average hands. I'm probably not sitting properly with it, but I can't seem to get comfortable.

2) Buzzing and twanging. Some of it seems to have gotten better when I finger closer to the frets, but I still get some buzzes when trying to switch notes. I've started with a Mel Bay and they work string by string, and I'm getting these problems working with E and some of my chords. I also get a small or large twang when I take my finger off the string.

3) Clicking from the pick
I'm not sure if I'm doing this properly, but when playing several notes in moderate succession the pick vibrates against the string. It also clicks when I play a note, particularly noticeable when I strum a chord. It gets worse on the up-strum and sometimes gets caught in the strings if I hold it horizontally, but it clicks like mad if I let it drag more.

I like the feel of strings under my pick/fingers and I love the sound, but I'm feeling kind of frustrated right now. I want to stick with it, I don't plan to go platinum, but I would like to have some fun. Any advice for the newbie?

Thanks much,
-Justin

[Coffee]

Hi local

I don't know the guitar so can't comment on it. If you're a new player, my advise is slow down. Your fingers need to learn how to move cleanly to new positions and it takes time and concentration.

First, you need to be sure your hand is in a neutral position, that is, the wrist needs to be fairly straight. The easiest way to do this is if you are sitting put the guitar on your left leg and raise the neck of the guitar about to the height of the guitar body. This will make a huge difference.

Second, get your left hand thumb roughly in the center of the back of the neck. This allows the miraculous opposible thumb to direct pressure properly.

Third, the twang you're getting is likely because you're playing to fast and your actually dragging your finger off the string rather than lifting it.

Again. Slow down and give it time. It will come. Don't give up. The struggles are where we learn the most. Also, do a search for Jamey Andreas. He has a lot of info on proper practice and technique. The guitar is a great instrument. Hang in.

[GuitarHitman]

That buzzing is fret buzz. You'd be best taking it to a store and getting it adjusted.

As for the "pick click" you're probably holding it too loosely but no matter how hard you hold it you will always get a click from it.

[Coffee]

The other possibility for the clicking is that you're using a very light pick. Since they flex so much they often make a clicking sound.

Before you take the guitar in to have the frets dressed, have an experienced player try it to make sure it's the frets and not a problem that you are having. Buzzing is often from having your fingers too far from the frets and if you are a new guitarist, buzzing is par for the course.