The guitar is a very popular instrument. An essential part of most rock and pop music in the western world, acoustic and electric guitars are the most popularly sold instruments in the United States. While more musicians tend to learn the piano, the popularity and appeal of the guitar makes it a very attractive option. The fact that most of the songs one might want to learn can also be performed on a guitar also leads to its popular sale and acceptance.
The first step in learning how to play the guitar is to find a good teacher. Books, internet videos and software are all good starting points and can help you with your practice. However a good teacher is the only way to learn the initial nature of a guitar, and it is essential that you take lessons before heading out on your own and trying to teach yourself new songs.
A teacher will be able to help you both physically and emotionally, assisting you as you get used to the somewhat uncomfortable and awkward holding positions while building up calluses necessary for proper handling of the strings. They will also serve as encouragement, with good teachers ensuring you are well aware of your progress and reminding you of the benefits of your new skill, as they guide you past any shortcomings.
When trying to learn guitar, the most important thing you can do is remember to practice. Guitar playing is something which must be honed to the point of an instinct, and the only way you can do this is to practice every day. Even a brief 10-15 minute session is enough to reinforce what you know and help maintain the strength and muscle memory essential for playing guitar. You should try to memorize the notes and positions, playing without reference to photos or materials as much as possible.
It is also important not to get discouraged when you are learning to play. Initially your music will be very bad and the act of playing will be physically painful. However, as your body adjusts and your skills increase, you will find yourself playing better and better. Most pop songs, especially those of the 90s and 00s, are very easy to play and have a very simple structure.
This means you can learn some of your favorite songs early on, and encourage yourself with such success. You should also take any opportunity you can to play in front of an audience, since they will praise your skill and encourage you to continue playing.
This is a guest post written by Becky W!
I wanted to pick up an instrument. I have a piano and need a teacher for that too!
I’ve seen my son learn 7 new songs in about and hour just by listening. Of course you have to know the basics first. That’s where having a good teacher can be important.
Great post! But much better if you refer some free online guitar lesson sites.
I always wanted to know how to play the guitar or the piano. We have get togethers all the time and several of our friends play guitar and piano and the rest of us sing! So much fun!
Thanks, I’d love to learn guitar and these are very helpful tips.
My Son is learning to play guitar. He can actually read the music without any training. I am very impressed!
Practice is key. It also takes a while initially for your fingers to not blister if you have soft fingers.
I always wanted to learn guitar, all three of my brothers did, but I picked piano instead and still have never gotten around to actually picking up the guitar, too.
When i was younger i bought a guitar thinking i could star in my own rock band well needless to say that lasted all of a week until i gave up learning to play guitar didn’t come easily to me lol
I am getting my stepdaughter guitar lessons and she doesn’t think she needs them to learn. I should have her read this! =)
I think playing an instrument is very beneficial to kids of all ages and that means tall ones, like grown ups.
Practice and setting time aside for practice helps and so do recitals for demonstrating to people other than just family that you can play. It’s a skill that doesn’t seem to ever leave you. Having a good teacher is key, but some teach themselves how to do it. Music you like helps also.