The Best Kept Secrets to Becoming a Master of the Guitar.
From the streets of Nashville to the gypsy camps in Catalonia, the guitar is a global phenomenon. It’s a versatile instrument found in every genre of music, from jazz and classical to funk and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s no surprise that so many aspiring guitarists have set off on a journey to master their own craft. But the truth is, becoming a master of the guitar is no easy feat. It takes dedication, hard work, and some good old-fashioned guidance.
Luckily, with the right knowledge and a few key strategies, you can quickly access the tools and techniques you need to become a skilled player. Here, we’re breaking down the best-kept secrets to becoming a master of the guitar. Read on to learn the key steps you need to take if you want to reach the next level of proficiency.
1. Learn Holding Basics
The first key step to mastering the guitar is learning the basics of how to hold the instrument. From the classical style to the popular sitting-down position, there is a huge range of approaches to playing the guitar. Each of these styles requires a different method of holding the guitar, as well as different techniques for strumming and picking the strings. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the various holding techniques, and pick the one that feels most comfortable to you.
2. Practice Good Posture
As with any physical activity, having good posture is integral to the success of any guitar player. Not only does it help to maintain the correct form and ensure that your hands are in the correct position, but it also helps to avoid back and shoulder problems down the road. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the correct posture, and practice using a metronome to help keep you in time and maintain a steady rhythm.
3. Work on Playing Chords
Once you’ve mastered how to hold the guitar, it’s time to start working on your chords. Chords are one of the most fundamental building blocks of guitar playing, and getting them right is essential for progressing further. Practice playing simple chords in time with a metronome and slowly work your way up to more complicated chord progressions. Additionally, try to focus on playing chords with your pointer, middle, and ring fingers, as this will help you to get a smoother sound.
4. Get to Know Your Fingering Techniques
Chords aren’t the only thing you need to perfect when learning the guitar. You also have to master various finger techniques, such as picking and strumming. Learning the correct finger techniques can help to make your playing sound more professional, and will ensure that you don’t experience finger fatigue from overplaying. Take your time to practice, and always work on playing at a speed that you can comfortably manage.
5. Understand Music Theory
One of the most difficult, yet essential steps in mastering the guitar is understanding music theory. Music theory is the study of the structure of music, and it provides the basis for understanding all aspects of playing an instrument. It introduces the concepts of harmony, melody, counterpoint, chord progressions, and much more. Taking the time to understand music theory will make learning the guitar much easier, and can even open up options for improvisation and composition.
6. Choose the Right Gear
The right equipment is essential for any guitar player. There is a huge variety of nylon, steel, and acoustic-electric guitar strings on the market, as well as different pickups and amplifiers. While the type of gear you choose is entirely dependent on the style you are trying to play, it’s important to take the time to research your options before making a purchase. After all, the right gear can make the difference between a mediocre performance and a truly great one.
7. Improve Listening Skills
The ability to listen carefully is one of the most important skills for mastering the guitar. Good listening skills will help you to internalize the sound of a piece of music, allowing you to improvise, compose, and recognize errors in your playing. Take the time to listen to a wide range of artists and genres, and try to identify the subtleties that make a piece of music stand out.
8. Learn to Read Music
It’s essential to learn to read music if you want to progress as a guitarist. Reading music will help you to understand what you’re playing, as well as gain a deeper understanding of musical theory. Start off with simple sheet music, and familiarize yourself with the different note lengths and time signatures. As you become more confident, try to expand into more complex pieces.
9. Record Your Playing Journey
Finally, documenting your playing journey is vital for continuing to make progress. Taking the time to record yourself playing will allow you to identify areas that you need to work on. Additionally, it can be very motivational to listen back and appreciate your improvement over time. Keep your recordings in a safe place and refer back to them regularly to keep track of your progress.
Learning the guitar is one of the most rewarding and unique experiences you can have in life. By following the steps outlined above and dedicating yourself to mastering your craft, you can become a professionally trained guitarist. So make sure to practice regularly, familiarize yourself with the basics, and remember to enjoy the journey. With the right attitude, discipline, and knowledge, you can become a master of the guitar!