The Joy of Playing Guitar: Your Introduction to the Wonderful World of Strings and Frets.
If the very thought of playing the guitar speaks to you, then you’re in for a treat! Learning the guitar is an ongoing process, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences that any musician can embark on. For centuries, the guitar has been associated with its rich history of pros as well as folk legends alike.
It’s no wonder then, why the guitar has such a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Regardless of whether you’re aiming to become a professional or just ooze raw emotion through your strings, the guitar is a great entry point for those setting out on their journey to musical greatness.
Today we will explore how to begin learning the guitar, what it’s like to make this musical instrument your own, and how to further develop your love of playing the guitar. So without further delay, let’s get started on teaching you the fundamentals of playing the guitar!
First of all, the most important thing to understand with the guitar is the fretboard. This is the part of the instrument that creates the notes and chords that you’ll need to learn. You should familiarise yourself with the fretboard and make sure that you can find the groups of notes – such as natural notes, sharps, and flats – that go into every single chord. This is the basis of playing the guitar, and once you’re comfortable here, you can start to make your way through forming chords, playing riffs, and creating your own brand of music.
Subsequently, if you’re more comfortable with the concept of playing by ear, then you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the different string groups – e.g. the high E string, the B string, the G string etc. These are still the same notes as on the fretboard, but you now have an extra layer of complexity. Because these strings have to be held down and tuned appropriately in order to produce sound, your knowledge of the fretboard has to be much finer in order to properly hear and discern what notes are being played.
Speaking of sound, learning the basics of guitar is much more tactile than simply listening and understanding. Starting with playing open strings is a great first step here – when you strike the strings without pressing down any of the fretboard frets, the open sound is in tune and lets you get comfortable with the basic notes of the instrument. Chords are formed from string combinations, so from here you can start to get a feel for the sound of each chord and the way it registers in sound.
From here, you can also begin to understand the different methods of playing the guitar. Strumming, picking, hybrid picking, etc all have a unique way of producing sound and making your playing unique. Practice these methods in order to reach a level of comfort when you need to switch between them during a song. Additionally, the way you practice will shape your playing – be it alternate picking, economy picking, or sweep picking. All of these techniques offer a different way of interpreting music, so be sure to find the one that appeals to you the most!
Next, understand the different types of guitar – acoustic, electric, and bass. Each type of instrument has its own distinct style and feel, so getting used to each one before you purchase of your own will make the decision much easier. From Jazz to punk, blues to Pop, the type of guitar helps to define the sound you want to achieve.
Moreover, don’t forget about learning songs. Playing the guitar isn’t just about learning chords and running scales, there are many beloved songs out there that you can use to familiarize yourself with the instrument. The process of learning a song also introduces you to the appropriate strumming patterns, picking techniques, and practice sequences that you can use to refine your technique. Furthermore, songs are made of chords, so you can use the process of learning songs to further develop your understanding of chords and the way they interact.
Finally, keep practicing and have fun! Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes – everyone makes mistakes and the important thing is to keep learning and progressing. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break and come back when you’re feeling more comfortable with the concepts. Not only will this give your brain some breathing room, but it will also help to reinvigorate your love of the instrument.
The guitar truly has the power to move us and transport us to a world of musical heaven. Even if you don’t become a master of the instrument, you’ll always have the joy of playing and the satisfaction that comes from creating your own music. So, pick up your guitar today and make the process of learning how to play this wonderful instrument your own!
‘The Joy of Playing Guitar: Your Introduction to the Wonderful World of Strings and Frets.’