so im starting off in neutral.....i will have to use the clutch to get moving initially?...
NO!!!!
The only time you actually use the clutch and HAVE TO, is from a dead stop and once you get down to speeds under 5-10mph. From a dead stop, do everything you regularly would.
No how to get used to when to shift, is kind of different for each person. But, for now, where you regularly shift, is where you would. Let's say that's 3k. So you hit 3k RPM, and take your foot off the gas. As you take your foot off the gas, slide the shift out of gear. Now each car is a bit different, so you might have to shift faster or maybe a bit slower. But the key is to try to get the car back in gear around the same range you usually would. So, let's say that's 2k. Slip the shifter out (going into) neutral at 3k, and then as the RPM's fall to somewhere near 2k (or the place you would normally watch the tach fall as you put the car back in gear (with clutch, for the record) pull or push the shifter into your next gear.
I'll outline it at the end of the post, but I'm off to bed. Hit me up tomorrow or via PM if I confuse you. Start off by driving as you usually would, but make note of where the RPMs are when you're shifting WITH THE CLUTCH. All you're doing, by following my instructions, are using the gas as your clutch. Now, do the same without the clutch. "Simple as that!"
-From a dead stop, let the clutch out as usual and drive down the street. It's probably best to try this in an empty parking lot.
-You listen to the motor, and notice the RPM's approach 3k. As you get to 3k, let off the gas and slide the shifter into neutral.
-Your RPM's probably won't drop extremely fast like a truck, but be alert (doing this; it's ALL ABOUT THE RPM's!!!). As you near the sweet spot, around 2-2500rpm, gently push the shift into second gear. If you don't get it, just tap the accelerator and try again. Do not force the shifter in- that's where you will damage something.
Once you learn that, just repeat going into 3rd and 4th.
For now, I'll just tell you the up-shifting. Once you understand that, I'll teach you down shifting.
Good luck!