10 Steps to Get Started Learning the Guitar
The guitar is a versatile instrument, rich in history and loved by people around the world. Learning to play the guitar can allow you to express yourself musically, boost your cognitive skills, and serve as a rewarding pastime. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you take the first steps on your guitar playing journey.
Step 1: Acquire a Guitar
Before diving into the world of chords and riffs, you’ll need a guitar. The primary types are acoustic and electric, each with its unique charm. Beginners often start with acoustics but choose depending on your musical style preference.
Remember, the quality matters as it affects gameplay and sound. However, you don’t need a high-end guitar to start. A decent, budget-friendly instrument will serve perfectly for beginners.
Step 2: Know Your Guitar
Get yourself familiarized with the instrument:
- The body of the guitar
- The neck, frets, and strings
- The headstock, tuning pegs, nut, and saddle
Understanding these parts will help you in your learning journey facilitating effective communication in lessons, online tutorials, or when explaining problems regarding your instrument.
Step 3: Learn How to Tune Your Guitar
An out-of-tune guitar won’t produce the right sounds, no matter your skill level. Familiarize yourself with tuning methods — using an electronic tuner, tuning apps, or even by ear.
Step 4: Basic Techniques
Here are the essential techniques you need to nail down:
- Holding the guitar: Learn to hold your guitar correctly, whether standing or sitting.
- Finger placement: Your fingers need to press down on the fretboard at the right places and with appropriate pressure.
- Picking and strumming: Understand the basics of using a pick and strumming with your fingers.
Step 5: Starting with Easy Chords
Chords form the backbone of guitar music. Start with simple ones like E minor, C major, and G major.
Note: Resistance and discomfort are normal as your fingers acclimate to the new activity.
Step 6: Practice Regularly
Practice is crucial. Set aside dedicated time each day to get used to playing, thereby enhancing muscle memory and improving skills over time. Consistency and patience are key here.
Step 7: Start Learning Songs
Once you’re comfortable with some basic chords, start playing simple songs. It makes practice fun and encourages you to continue learning. There is a plethora of easy songs ideal for beginners available online.
Step 8: Experiment with Different Styles
Don’t limit yourself to a specific genre or style of playing. Exploring various techniques will make you a versatile player and enrich your overall musical experience.
Step 9: Consider Professional Lessons
You can learn a lot by self-study, but professional instructors can provide invaluable personalized guidance. You can opt for local tutors or use online platforms offering guitar lessons.
Step 10: Keep Pushing Your Limits
Once comfortable with the basics, challenge yourself. Learn more complex chords, try fingerstyle or slide guitar, or even compose your own music.
Remember, learning to play the guitar is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process, and every strum will bring you a sense of achievement.
In conclusion, becoming a proficient guitarist will take time and dedication, but with these steps, you’re starting off on the right track. Happy playing!
Online Resources for Learning Guitar
When looking for the best sites to learn guitar playing, several platforms stand out for their comprehensive lessons, interactive tools, and focus on different skill levels:
- TrueFire: TrueFire is recommended for intermediate to advanced guitarists, offering an extensive library of lessons across various styles and skills. The platform features interactive learning experiences with real instructors and a community forum, ideal for players seeking deep knowledge in specific genres or techniques.
- Fender Play: Fender Play offers structured learning paths suitable for beginners and players looking to brush up on their fundamentals. It’s known for its clear, concise lessons and extensive song library. The platform provides lessons for guitar, bass, and ukulele, covering various genres and featuring interactive tools like chord charts and tablature. Despite its strengths, it’s noted that the content might be too basic for more advanced players.
- JustinGuitar: As a top free option, JustinGuitar offers a well-organized and comprehensive curriculum ideal for beginners, particularly those interested in blues, jazz, or classic rock. The platform includes a vast array of lessons and a song section, all guided by Justin Sandercoe’s effective teaching method. However, it may not be the best fit for intermediate or advanced players seeking depth in less familiar styles.
- JamPlay: Best suited for intermediate players or those interested in genre-specific learning, JamPlay features a variety of lessons across different music styles, including less common ones like Hawaiian Slack Key and Flamenco. The platform offers structured learning paths, interactive tabs, and live Q&A sessions, though it has a smaller song library compared to some other platforms.
- Yousician: Unique for its game-like approach, Yousician is an engaging platform ideal for beginners and younger learners. It uses audio recognition to provide real-time feedback, making the learning process interactive and enjoyable. However, it may not cater as well to older players or those without gaming experience.
Each of these platforms has its strengths, depending on your learning goals, preferred styles, and experience level. To find the best fit for you, consider what each offers in terms of content, teaching methods, and interactive features.
Check out these posts for a full list of recommendations and reviews:
7 Best Online Guitar Lessons of 2024 – americansongwriter.com
6 Best Online Guitar Lessons – theguitarlesson.com
10 Best Online Guitar Lessons – middermusic.com
6 Best Online Guitar Lessons – guitarchalk.com