The Thrill of Learning How To Play Guitar.
Learning to play the guitar has been a popular hobby for many years, and there is something incredibly satisfying about mastering the instrument. For some, playing the guitar is a way to embark on a new journey, while others simply wish to get in touch with their creative side. Whatever the reasons are, picking up the guitar may often seem like an intimidating endeavour, but the reward that comes with it is immense.
Mastering the guitar can be particularly rewarding as it gives the player the ability to do many amazing things. Rather than just strumming some basic chords, you will begin to understand more intricate tuning and more complex melodies. Plus, there is just something about being able to sit down and play for yourself or for others that brings a sense of satisfaction. For many, learning to play the guitar is an adventure of a lifetime, but figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.
In this blog post, we will go through some of the basics steps to take when learning the guitar. From purchasing your instrument to figuring out how to pick it up, we will make sure you can begin your guitar journey without any worries. Let’s dive in!
1) Choose an Appropriate Guitar
The first step in learning how to play the guitar is to make sure you purchase the right instrument. Depending on your skill level and goals, you may need an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar. Someone who just wishing to strum along with their favourite songs may only need an acoustic guitar, while an electric guitar is a better option for those who want to add more depth and complexity to their music.
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option available, you may need to invest in a better-quality guitar in order to get a better sound. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for!
2) Learn the Parts of the Guitar
The guitar is quite a complex instrument, so it helps to get familiar with its various parts before you start playing. Once you know the anatomy of the guitar, it will be much easier to understand the various components and how they relate to one another.
The body of the guitar is the part you hold and the pick guard is where you rest your fingers while strumming or picking. The strings run along the neck, and the headstock is the area near the end of the neck where the tuning knobs are located. Knowing these parts will be helpful when troubleshooting any issue you may encounter on your guitar’s setup.
3) Hold the Guitar Properly
Proper posture is a crucial step in learning how to play the guitar. The way you sit and hold the instrument can affect your performance and comfort. When sitting down, it is best to have your feet flat on the floor and a cushion or pillow to support your lower back. Using an adjustable stool may also be a good idea, as it will help you adjust your position and posture as you practice.
When it comes to holding the guitar, the positioning of your arms and hands should reflect the natural curvature of your body. Make sure your elbows are lightly touching your body and your wrists are not bent. Make sure to keep your wrists and fingers relaxed, as tension can cause fatigue quickly.
4) Tune Your Guitar
Before strumming your first chord, you must make sure that your guitar is in tune. Tuning your instrument will ensure that the notes you’re playing are in harmony with the rest of the music. To start, you can purchase an electronic tuner, which will detect the note each string is tuned to and display the results on its LCD display. Alternatively, you can download an app on your smartphone to use as a digital tuner.
5) Pick the Right Strumming Pattern
Now it’s time to get your strumming on! The strumming pattern of a song is what gives it its distinct sound. Different patterns will give you different results, so it’s important to choose the right one depending on the mood and tempo of the music. Strumming patterns vary greatly, but some of the more common ones are 8th-note, 16th-note, alternating-up and alternating-down.
To master a strumming pattern, you should practice regularly and listen closely to the music to get an idea of when to switch between the various plucking techniques. The more you practice, the more natural your strumming will become.
6) Understand Chord Structure
To sound like a pro on the guitar, you need to understand how chords work. Chords involve two or more notes playing together and are used to create beautiful melodies. To start, you should begin by learning the major and minor chords. Once you are familiar with the basic ones, you can start adding more complex variations to your plucking.
7) Learn Popular Songs
Once you have the basics under your belt, it’s time to take your playing to the next level by learning some popular songs. Learning new songs is a great way to practice and also makes the learning process a lot more fun! You can find hundreds of songs online which have easy guitar tabs, making them the perfect way to sharpen your skills.
8) Find the Right Resources
Learning to play the guitar can be a difficult task, so it pays to have the right resources on hand. With the help of guitar books, lessons, and tutorials, you will have the right guidance to get better and become a more seasoned player.
9) Take a Class
Although online lessons are useful, nothing can substitute the hands-on experience of taking a guitar class in person. The teacher can instruct you step by step and give you feedback on your form, enabling you to improve at a faster rate.
10) Have Fun!
As with anything, having the right attitude will greatly increase your chances of learning how to play the guitar. So remember to have fun and enjoy the journey. After all, it is the reward for making it to the end of the road that matters the most.
The thrill of learning how to play the guitar should not be underestimated. With consistency, dedication, and the right resources, mastering the instrument will have you beaming with pride. With this guide in hand, you can enjoy the process and learn to be an awesome musician in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get strumming!