The guitar is unquestionably one of the most popular musical instruments, and for good reason. When you think of guitarists, you think of rock bands, pop groups and solo performers that all share the same cool factor. The guitar is an infamous instrument that needs no introduction, and with the rise of people looking to take this instrument, we wanted to take our readers through the learning process. Of course, you’ll need a guitar if you want to start learning, and there are a number of great beginner guitars out there. If you want to play rock style music, consider getting a nice electric guitar to start with, whereas if you are looking to play classical and blue, then a Yamaha C40 is the guitar for you.
An Intro To The Guitar
The biggest thing a beginner should learn is how the guitar works, how the strings are tuned, and how the picking technique works. There are probably thousands of songs that a guitar player could learn, but there are only so many that a beginner should try to learn. The best way to learn the guitar is to learn all the basics, the notes, the scales, the chords – everything. As you learn more, you will start to be able to play some basic songs. Once you finish mastering the basics of the guitar, you will probably want to specialize in one area of the guitar (say lead or rhythm) and learn the techniques that make that area of the guitar shine.
Learning Too Fast
It is no secret that instruments take time and dedication to master. If you’re new to the guitar, and you try to learn too fast, you’re going to get frustrated – your mind will probably go blank. Strumming the strings too fast is normal for many beginners, especially if they’re learning the guitar from someone else who is more experienced. But keep in mind, when you are starting out, it is OK to take it easy and really focus on the notes. The trick is to master the basics first, before you start getting frustrated. Also, strum the strings at a pace that feels right to you, not too fast and not too slow – the middle ground is where you’ll find success.
Learning Takes Time
You might be tempted to skip learning all together when you pick up the guitar. This can be a mistake, though. If you want to learn the guitar fast, you have to be able to identify the chord charts and understand how they work. This takes some time and practice, but you need to do it. Once you get good with chord charts, you can then move onto a single note playing, which is the most challenging part of learning the guitar. Another helpful tool is the capo. Most guitarists use a capo on the third finger. If you are a left-handed player, a capo on the second finger will work wonders. Capos come in many shapes, colors, and sizes, so finding one that suits you is not a problem. The capo helps players who are fidgety or lazy in their guitar playing, because the music will sound smoother if the capo is used.
Summary
Finally, remember that practice makes perfect, but it’s also important that you are consistent. Don’t give up practicing, but don’t make it impossible. With regular practice, your finger strength will improve, you will be able to identify the chord charts better, and you will feel more comfortable strumming and playing. Good luck!