Hey Noobie. Just to let you know, Iv'e taken the advice of dig everything and I don't recommend it. Not to say that I don't think you shouldn't dig everything, but I think you should crawl before you walk. Ive been detecting for a little over 2 years now and switched to a new machine because I listened to that same "dig everything" advice.
First off, what kind of detector are you using? This might help if someone on here has your machine and can recommend settings they use in your area.
With out knowing what you are using, I would suggest to start with bench testing your machine. Get some coins from the bank, change jar, and silver coins (even if you have to buy or borrow one). Then get some gold and silver jewelry and finally some trash (pop tops, aluminum, nails, steel bolts, small tin foil wadded up, and even bottle caps). See how they sound (or see...if you have a screen that shows what you're finding). Check depths or distance, to see how the sound changes. Tweak the settings to find what you like, and what you don't like. Pay attention to small gold sounds, especially because they will sound and read like a pull tab or pop top from time to time. BUT you can skip this if you have the bug to just dig, you can learn that way too.
If you want to learn in the "field" so to speak, start with a cleanish area, like your front yard. Look in areas where people would get out of their car and drop change or dig out their keys before they get to the front door. Change, rings and chains can fall out of a purse or pocket in to the grass and no one would ever hear they lost something. Side walks, driveways and paths that cut through the front lawn to the front door are great places to look. ALWAYS dig everything in THOSE areas. This way you know you didn't miss something good. When you think you want to try a more public place, check parks. Don't try and just hit any place at the park because parks are heavy in trash mostly, but still have good stuff in the right places. Start with parking lots where grass or dirt is next to the car door opening, then move to sitting areas (not picnic benches.....loaded with trash most of the time). Maybe places where parents watch their kids play.
Once you have found a good amount of change, and jewelry they go buck wild and be creative. I only say this because you'll get burnt out quick if all you dig is garbage. Find some easy coin first, then move on to find the jewels, and treasures this way you wet your whistle and learn your machine at the same time.
Good luck out there man, and HH.
Good luck Noobie! And I like to hunt with iron and foil mostly disc. out with the sensitivity at or just above the factory pre-set.
