Hi Susan,

The guitar can be a great resource as an instrument. It is versatile and it is also limiting. The first thing to do is decide what you are.

1. A guitarist.

2. A singer

3. A singer who is a guitarist.

Jean Redpath always said she used the guitar as a visual aid because people weren't used to hearing some one just sing.

Learn to play a song in one key. Then put a capo on the guitar and play the song elswhere in the same key but using differnt chords.

Songs in D may run D, G, and A, in the open. Capo at the seconf fret and play C, F, and G. Now you may have some lower tones or different sound shapes that allow you more color in your vocal style.

Because of problems with my hands I find my self playing more the middle of the neck with a capo. This allows me closer fret distances but it also opens up those different shapes and colors I mentioned. And at the same time it is a little limiting to me.

My best guitar advice is experiment and listen. And do a search in the data base for similar topics and find a world of advice there in.

Good luck and welcome aboard

Don