Learning to Play the Guitar: A Guide for Newbies.
Are you keen to learn to play the guitar? Whether it’s out of a passion for the music, the challenge of learning a new skill, or the desire to share your music with others, there’s no time like the present to begin your guitar journey. Don’t be daunted by the seemingly vast amount of skills, chords and terms you need to learn; get started with our guide to learning the guitar.
Whether you already own a guitar or are just starting out on your musical adventure, the first step to learning is to understand the various parts of the instrument and how it works. To break it down, we’ll start with the strings – classical guitars usually feature 6 strings (although 7 or more strings can be found on some variations), while the standard steel-string acoustic guitar and electric guitar usually feature 6 strings, depending on the model. The strings are what make the guitar produce sound when you strum or pick them.
The next important part of the guitar to get to grips with is the fretboard. This is the long flat section of wood on the neck of the guitar, that contains the frets, which are metal inter-connectors that divide the fretboard into sections. This is where you place your fingers to create the chords and develop your sound.
Once you’ve got a handle on the structure of the instrument and how it works, it’s time to start learning chords. Chords are a combination of notes, usually made up of three or more notes, that give your guitar that signature sound. You can play chords open or barred, but barred chords are far more common and easier to play for beginners. Different chords will give you different sounds, so it’s important to learn a variety of chords to show off your guitar playing ability.
If you’re a keen learner, you’ll also want to get to grips with lead guitar. Lead guitar is when you take the lead in a piece, rather than accompanying someone else. This will require more advanced techniques, such as hammer-ons, pulling-offs and slides, as well as being able to interpret the music you are playing.
Once you’ve had time to practice and perfect different chords, melodies and habits of lead guitar playing, you’re ready to move onto reading music. Reading music involves being able to interpret the symbols on a sheet of music and translate them into sound. As music is never a one-size-fits-all, there are various styles of notation, but the most common is the standard notation. It is important that you learn how to read music, as it allows you to be able to play your favourite pieces with accuracy.
It’s always a good idea to find a mentor or take lessons to help you progress. You can find guitar players in your area or take classes from an established music teacher. Having someone to guide you through your journey will help you stay focused and motivated. Ask around to find a qualified tutor and you could even join a local music school for more intensive lessons.
If you don’t have access to a private tutor, there are plenty of websites, apps and books available for you to use to teach yourself the basics. Youtube and digital media are great for finding tutorials and guides, with some resources offering more in-depth instruction and explanations than others. Reading books can also be a great way to expand your knowledge, as well as to provide more specific tips and techniques.
Finally, the most important thing when learning to play the guitar is to have fun and don’t be hard on yourself. Learning any skill takes patience and practice, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to master each technique or skill. Listen to lots of different music and styles to draw inspiration from, as well as to keep your progress interesting. Don’t forget to take breaks too and unwind with your music when you need to.
So, you see, learning the guitar is within your reach. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be playing the guitar like a pro in no time. Now, it’s time to pick up your guitar, put your fingers to the fretboard and start your very own musical journey!
“Learning to Play the Guitar: A Guide For Newbies.”