Alex Turner, the acclaimed frontman of Arctic Monkeys, primarily learned to play guitar by practicing chords from an Oasis chord book alongside his friend and bandmate, Jamie Cook. His journey began with foundational steps influenced by his family.
Early Steps and Influences
Turner received his first guitar, an unknown model, from his parents in 2001. This early exposure was complemented by a musical environment at home; his father, David Turner, was a music teacher at local schools, which likely provided a backdrop for his budding interest.
The Learning Process
Rather than formal lessons, Turner's approach was hands-on and collaborative. He and Jamie Cook, who would become the lead guitarist for Arctic Monkeys, used an Oasis chord book as their primary learning tool. This method focused on practical application, allowing them to grasp fundamental chords by playing along to their favorite songs. Turner himself has stated that in his earliest days, "All I could play was A minor and E minor," highlighting his initial focus on basic but essential guitar shapes.
This self-taught, peer-supported method of learning with a chord book allowed Turner to develop a practical understanding of the instrument, forming the basis for his distinctive songwriting and guitar style.
Key Aspects of Alex Turner's Early Guitar Learning
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Guitar | Unknown model |
| Year Acquired | 2001 |
| Acquired By | Parents |
| Family Influence | Father (David Turner) taught music at local schools |
| Primary Method | Learning chords from an Oasis chord book |
| Learning Partner | Jamie Cook |
| Initial Chords | A minor, E minor |
