The Joy of Learning Guitar: 8 Tips to Get You Started.
Learning to play the guitar is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can take up. Not only is it musically satisfying, but it also teaches discipline, patience, and the ability to express yourself—all while having fun. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, have no fear! Here we’ll go over eight tips to get you going on your journey to master the guitar.
1. Choose the Right Guitar
While it may be tempting to go for the fanciest or most expensive guitar on the shelf, this isn’t necessarily the best route when you’re just starting out. Electric guitars require more maintenance and can be harder to get used to than acoustic guitars, so beginners may want to start there. But it’s best to go to a guitar shop and try out a few for yourself to see which one makes you feel most comfortable.
2. Set a Schedule
People tend to underestimate the importance of consistency when learning the guitar. Only playing when you feel like it will prolong the process, while sticking to a consistent practice schedule is one of the best methods to improve. Try setting aside an hour every day to work on your skills. If you can’t commit to that much time, aim for at least 15 minutes each day, or five hours a week.
3. Learn the Basics
A big mistake that many guitarists make is jumping in and learning songs without getting the basics down first. This may be fun and make you feel like you’re progressing, but you won’t be able to play with ease until you really know the fundamentals. To do this, learn the parts of the guitar, get familiar with different strumming and fingerpicking techniques, and practice chords and scales.
4. Find the Right Resources
From instructional videos to books and virtual lessons, there are a plethora of resources out there to help you learn the guitar. Do some research to find the best methods that work with your style and budget. There are so many reliable courses, apps, and platforms available—explore and find one that works best for you.
5. Use a Metronome
A metronome is an essential tool for any musician, and the guitar is no different. This small device will help you keep track of your timing, allowing you to stay on beat and in time with the music. Whether you’re strumming chords or soloing, you’ll want to be able to keep the same tempo for a proficient sound.
6. Listen and Learn
Throughout your journey, you’ll be learning songs by following tabs and instructional materials. However, there’s also a lot to be gained from just listening to music and deconstructing your favorite songs. Listen carefully to how each musician plays, pick out the parts that you like, then try them out on your own. This can be a great way to learn new techniques and incorporate them into your own playing style.
7. Have Fun!
This should go without saying, but it’s important—have fun! Learning the guitar is hard work and requires tremendous amounts of patience and practice. But never forget that at its heart, the guitar is a fun instrument. Keep your end goal in sight, but remember to enjoy yourself along the way.
8. Stick With It
Once you’ve fully committed to learning the guitar, your next step is to stick with it—no matter how challenging parts may be. You can’t expect overnight successes — learning the instrument takes time, dedication and practice. The progress may be slow, but once you’ve developed proficiency, you’ll be able to look back and relish in the hard work and effort you put in.
Playing the guitar can bring us immense joy. From the musicians we’re inspired by to the songs we’re able to create, the guitar is an incredibly rewarding instrument that will challenge and grow with you every step of the way. Use the tips above to get you started and remember: progress is not linear and the best reward comes from having fun and putting in the work.