# playing guitar blind

Category: Jam Session

## Post 1 by blake (Zone BBS Addict) on Friday, 07-Mar-2008 21:18:20

Hi all. I received a guitar for my birthday. I am a beginning guitar player.
Does anyone have any suggestions for playing guitar without sight? I have no vision at all. For example, finding the correct fret.

## Post 2 by motifated (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 07-Mar-2008 21:57:01

Blake, there are lots of guitarists who probably have better technique than I do around here, so I won't answer your question directly. If you're in the U.S., you might look into some of the materials that the National Library for the Blind Music Section has available on cassette. I've borrowed and used some of their self-instruction materials for other instruments like autoharp, and arranging for synthesizers. Yeah, I know those are pretty extreme genres, but I like and play all kinds of music. The materials they had someone develop themselves are very "blind friendly". Good luck, and enjoy.
Lou

## Post 3 by Caitlin (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 07-Mar-2008 22:25:47

Hey Lou, what's the web site for what you mentioned above?
I'm thinking of playing guitar too. I know tons of blindies who are awesome at it. One of my friends promises that I won't get caluses on my fingers and that it won't interfere with Braille reading. Can you guys confirm that?
Caitlin

## Post 4 by HotPerro (I live and breathe the board) on Friday, 07-Mar-2008 22:32:43

I'm a totally blind guitar player, and I don't have any problem whatsoever reading braille. Blake, what I would recommend, is to start off finger picking, just so you get an idea of where each string is, and basically, what it does. Once you get comfortable, then go to the pick, because it'll open up your capabilities. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I'm not the best guitarist by any stretch, but it's an awesome instrument to learn. Enjoy, don't give up, and rock on.

## Post 5 by motifated (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 07-Mar-2008 23:36:05

I'm not sure of the website, but I can tell you that I find it when I need to by googling national library service blind physcially handicapped. Yeah, I know its a long text string, but its worth the effort. *smile*. Post four is right. It shouldn't interfere with braille. Your fingers will be sore, but you can deal with it. I mean, it isn't intollerable. Besides, I had a really bad attitude about learning through listening to tapes rather than reading braille, and it was my first introduction to the idea that you can get used to about anything. *smile*.
Lou

## Post 6 by guitargod1 (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Saturday, 08-Mar-2008 0:24:10

I teach guitar via skype if you're interested. All the materials I give my students are accessible with a screen reader. I have taught blind and sighted students, a fair number of those being beginners. If you're interested in lessons, or if anyone else is, get in touch with me. Can provide resume etc on request.

## Post 7 by louiano (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Saturday, 08-Mar-2008 10:51:28

there is another resource out there that is good for beginners, although somewhat cluttered. i atended that company's summer camp at the uNiversity of Central Florida (as a pianist though). I am letting guitar rest for a while. The site is talking tabs. You can order some of their courses--althoug pretty bu=lky (a set of 50 audio cds) it explains quite a lot of useful material and it is desinged for the blind as well.

## Post 8 by blake (Zone BBS Addict) on Saturday, 15-Mar-2008 12:24:39

Thanks all for your suggestions.

## Post 9 by Caitlin (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008 2:23:21

Do the Talking Tabs thingies really teach you everything you need to know? Their site looks great, and I'm really considering giving it a go, but don't want to invest unless I have proof that it's good. I have a friend who likes it, but have yet to discuss it with her; I keep meaning to. Thoughts?

## Post 10 by Albanac (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Monday, 17-Mar-2008 13:11:03

www.musicvi.com, Check it out. Not just guitar either.

## Post 11 by ArtRock1224 (move over school!) on Saturday, 12-Apr-2008 20:32:10

Caitlin, sorry I didn't see this earlier. If you're a member of the National library service (I know you are--you used web-Braille to send me a copy of Les Miserables a long, long time ago,) you can download guitar instructional courses on tapes for free. the tapes are taught by Bill Brown, over at www.musicvi.com. Each tape from the website is ten dollars, but members of the NLS can get the tapes absolutely free.

## Post 12 by blindndangerous (the blind and dangerous one) on Monday, 14-Apr-2008 18:07:32

nice, i'll have to check this out. I have a guitar, and I really wanna start playing it more. I am a complete beginner at it though.

## Post 13 by louiano (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Monday, 14-Apr-2008 21:08:41

talking abs is worth it if you're wanting to spend time to do it. i mean the guy's a bit sleepy (thoguh we provided feedback on most of the materials since it was their first camp) and it does instruct you through everything. Expalins each part of the guitar in a lot of detail and the guy who'se teaching is a local hit here at Orlando. He has made some albums with his band and they surely tour regularly. it is nice. I am not sure on prizes but its ultimately up to you.

## Post 14 by Caitlin (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 14-Apr-2008 21:21:40

Lol cool...Thanks about Web-Braille. ALthough actually I sent you Les Mis from my local braillists lol. But Ido have it.

## Post 15 by Striker (Consider your self warned, i'm creative and offensive like handicap porn.) on Tuesday, 15-Apr-2008 0:14:17

hmm, this sounds interesting.
I was takeing lessons for a while but the costs just kept adding up...
this might be a much cheeper way to continue my guitar education.