Guitar Playing: The Keys to Success.
Playing the guitar can be a daunting skill to acquire. From tuning the instrument to mastering complex chords, it can seem like a long and difficult journey. However, learning guitar playing is actually much simpler than it seems. With the right guidance and the right attitude, anyone can become a guitar hero. Here, we provide an overview of the essential skills you’ll need to succeed in guitar playing.
A Good Starting Point: Tuning
The first skill you’ll need to learn in order to play guitar is tuning. Without a well-tuned guitar, it will be difficult to play anything accurately and you’ll only make minimal progress. Tuning can be a tricky process and requires a great deal of practice, but it is essential to become a proficient player.
One of the most common methods of tuning is the equal-tempered tuning or EADGBE tuning. To achieve the correct tuning, you must first identify the strings of the guitar. The strings are labeled EADGBE and correspond to the notes E, A, D, G, B and E respectively. To tune each string you can use either a chromatic tuner, which produces tones that match each string, or you can tune the strings to another instrument, such as a piano.
Learning Chords
Once you’ve learnt to tune the guitar, the next essential skill is to learn how to form chords. A chord is when more than one string is fretted and played simultaneously. Once you learn how to form basic chords you’ll be able to progress to more complex intervals, such as the major and minor chords. To form major chords, place your finger on the root note and then move it up the fretboard to form a triad. To form a minor chord, place your finger on the root note, move it up one fret and then move it up another fret.
Music Theory
A good knowledge of music theory is a valuable skill to acquire. Knowing how to read sheet music and being familiar with concepts such as time signatures, scales and key signatures will give you a great head start in understanding how a piece of music is constructed. This knowledge will also allow you to navigate through a song, allowing you to learn the chords and melody quickly and accurately.
Fretting Techniques
In order to progress in guitar playing, you must understand the various fretting techniques. Chords, scale and arpeggio playing require a variety of different techniques. To master each type of fretting, there are two main approaches. The first is to learn the techniques in isolation through scale and technical exercises, such as scales and arpeggios. This method involves practicing on the fretboard and involves using finger independence and dexterity. The second approach involves learning those same techniques through different musical genres and contexts. This approach involves learning songs, licks and solos from the genres you want to specialize in, such as rock, blues or jazz.
Developing Your Ear
Developing your ear is another important skill to learn. Being able to identify a particular interval, chord or scale will allow you to tackle difficult musical elements much more quickly. Once you can identify individual components of a piece of music, you can then start putting it together in your own playing. There are many techniques you can use to train your ear, such as learning songs by ear or playing along to songs.
Developing Playing Skills
Once you’ve mastered the above techniques, it’s time to focus on developing your playing skills. This involves practice and perseverance. Spend time practicing different styles and genres, such as blues, rock, jazz or classical. Experiment with different chord progressions, licks, and songs. Aim to challenge yourself and push the boundaries of your playing.
Conclusion
Learning how to play guitar can seem like a daunting task, but the journey can be enjoyable and rewarding. By understanding the fundamental skills, such as tuning and forming chords, you can make progress quickly and start playing the songs you love. Don’t forget to keep practicing and challenging yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to step onto the stage as a guitar hero.