Can I play the guitar without any formal qualifications in it?

john2054

The question is something of a misnomer really. In that i can play the guitar, and know how to read chords, as well as play the pentatonic scale first form (good for blues improvisation). I even once had a buskers licence many years ago. But what do the users of tsr think about this??

Reply 1

claireestelle

22

Original post by john2054

The question is something of a misnomer really. In that i can play the guitar, and know how to read chords, as well as play the pentatonic scale first form (good for blues improvisation). I even once had a buskers licence many years ago. But what do the users of tsr think about this??

I dont think you need a qualification to play an instrument well :smile:

Reply 2

john2054

OP

6

Original post by claireestelle

I dont think you need a qualification to play an instrument well :smile:

Well that's a relief! I had another little tinkle on my guitar last night, and again today. It is so much more rewarding than playing on computer games all the time! x

Reply 3

ombtom

17

Original post by john2054

The question is something of a misnomer really. In that i can play the guitar, and know how to read chords, as well as play the pentatonic scale first form (good for blues improvisation). I even once had a buskers licence many years ago. But what do the users of tsr think about this??

What evidence is there that you cannot play the guitar?

Reply 4

Vennec

13

You don't need a qualification. Qualifications are just formalities, really. Find some guitarists, a Youtube channel or self-teach.

Reply 5

sandvika

3

DUDE don't tell me you have been playing without your guitar liscence......

Reply 6

john2054

OP

6

Original post by sandvika

DUDE don't tell me you have been playing without your guitar liscence......

I was just playing in the house. I don't need a licence for that do i??

Reply 7

jawsontheflooor

15

Original post by john2054

I was just playing in the house. I don't need a licence for that do i??

are you being for real?

Reply 8

frankieboy

13

Jimi Hendrix - No formal qualifications. Aside from physically being able to ingest more LSD than anyone else in the history of the universe.

Jimmy Page - No formal qualifications.

Pete Thownsend - No formal qualifications.

Paul Weller - No formal qualifications.

Eric Clapton - No formal qualifications. Aside from a certificate stating he's a bonefide dick.

Brian Setzer - No formal qualifications.

Albert Lee - You guessed it.

Etc. etc. etc.

Reply 9

john2054

OP

6

Original post by frankieboy

Jimi Hendrix - No formal qualifications. Aside from physically being able to ingest more LSD than anyone else in the history of the universe.

Jimmy Page - No formal qualifications.

Pete Thownsend - No formal qualifications.

Paul Weller - No formal qualifications.

Eric Clapton - No formal qualifications. Aside from a certificate stating he's a bonefide dick.

Brian Setzer - No formal qualifications.

Albert Lee - You guessed it.

Etc. etc. etc.

But typically, here in the uk at least, piano grades are generally seen as the prerequisite for an expertise in that instrument? Funny isn't it?!?
I guess those guitarists you cited are all folk/rock guitarists and not classically trained?

john

Reply 10

frankieboy

13

Original post by john2054

But typically, here in the uk at least, piano grades are generally seen as the prerequisite for an expertise in that instrument? Funny isn't it?!?
I guess those guitarists you cited are all folk/rock guitarists and not classically trained?

john

It depends on the style greatly. Sometimes, formal training can actually impede progress in folk styles.

Having said that, Jerry Lee Lewis I understand could play some classical piano.

What sort of style is it that you want to play?

Reply 11

Tiger Rag

22

I've yet to meet anyone who plays guitar (and I know a few) who actually has a qualification.

A friend who teaches me the ukulele doesn't have a qualification. But he's a bloody good player. (and teacher)

Reply 12

User1333171

12

It's definitely legal, but many things are legal and that doesn't mean they're right.

Reply 13

john2054

OP

6

Original post by frankieboy

It depends on the style greatly. Sometimes, formal training can actually impede progress in folk styles.

Having said that, Jerry Lee Lewis I understand could play some classical piano.

What sort of style is it that you want to play?

I would quite like to learn some more scales of the guitar, and arpeggios, to improve my improvisation range?

Reply 14

john2054

OP

6

Original post by Tiger Rag

I've yet to meet anyone who plays guitar (and I know a few) who actually has a qualification.

A friend who teaches me the ukulele doesn't have a qualification. But he's a bloody good player. (and teacher)

One of my teachers was had grade 8 in electric guitar, and he could sight read and pick individual notes. He was trained at the royal school of music however. I'm not sure how he did it, probably a combination of classical training and practice for some years.

I also have a little tinkle on the 'free' piano in town, some times. I would like to get better at that as well!?!?