If you want to learn to play guitar, you might not know where to start. Your mind may be brimming with questions, and it can feel intimidating. You might also wonder if you’ll be good at guitar. Unfortunately, in some instances, new players don’t always give themselves enough time to learn the basics and unfairly put a lot of pressure on themselves to “get good” right off the start.
Relax! Learning to play guitar should be a fun experience more about the journey than the destination.
—
Monday, June 14th
1. Start With The Basics Of Playing Guitar
The first steps are always the most difficult. But you have to learn to crawl before you can walk!
It may not be as exciting as playing your first solo, but little things like learning the names of your strings and the different parts of your guitar can help you build greater familiarity with your instrument.
Learning to play guitar chords is a fundamental building block of guitar education. Even if you cannot play a guitar solo (yet!), beginner guitarists can quickly learn a few simple chords and strum along to their favorite songs as a rhythm player.
2. Find The Best Guitar For You
Whether you’re learning to play an acoustic or electric guitar or decide that you want to learn how to play bass, finding the right instrument is essential.
Shopping for your first guitar is an exciting experience for new players. And while you might be tempted to pick a guitar based on looks, it’s important to weigh several factors when choosing the right guitar. Such as the type of tone you prefer, your budget, and even your physiology — such as whether you have smaller hands or play guitar left-handed or right-handed.
3. Create An Ideal Learning Environment
One of the first steps on your path to playing guitar is to set up an environment that makes you want to practice. Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up your practice space:
• Keep your guitar prominently displayed.
• Maintain an optimal temperature.
• Find the proper lighting
• Find a comfortable chair or practice stool.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Regular practice is crucial to improving as a guitarist. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your practice sessions:
• Carve out regular time to practice.
• Warm up first.
• Record yourself.
• Try new things.
• Try playing with others or with a metronome.
This article is a re-post, with minor modifications, of “The Best Ways To Learn To Play Guitar,” published on fender.com
