Tips for a beginner?

[kabanna]

You'll be extremely grateful when the day comes where you have callusses on all your fret hand fingertips.

Oh yes. I think that will be the most wonderful of days.
But now, as I sit here looking at the messed up skin on my first and second fingers, that day seems far off. I cannot wait.

[justanotherfan]

Thanks Nuladion for those exersises....I will use them. I agree with Hydro...I am workin on roughening up those fingertips.
Kabanna, I hear ya....I think my fingers are getting stronger also. Doesn't hurt as much pushing those strings down.
Aganin...thanks for all the advise. I appreciate it.

[justanotherfan]

Hi all.....I am finally getting some courage to post some stuff. I still consider myself a beginner looking for some advice. I was taking guitar lessons from a gent of about 51....very old school. He was teaching me to read music...was not getting too far with that. Had to fire his ass due to invasion of my "personal space".

I am starting with a new instructor next week who is going to teach me through tablature and throw in some theory. I think this will work well for me. Alright...now to my question.....is there any videos or advice to having a good strumming technique. I seem to be stiff and robotic like. I don't want to start with my new instructor looking like a complete fool. Maybe I just need to relax. My strumming is not smooooth.

Thanks for any advice. I am so impressed with all the talent there is here. You all are great.
Sorry this is so long......Sue