Debbie Learning to play any instrument is an awesome idea and it doesn’t always require lessons in order to comprehend everything, particularly the basics. The same goes for guitar. In fact, I’ve heard many times from serious guitar enthusiasts, that practically everybody can play it.
And I believe that’s true. The only difference is that some people need more time to understand certain things, while to others, it simply comes naturally. But at the end of the day, I think it all comes down to your determination and mindset.
It doesn’t matter which of these two groups you belong to, what matters is the fact that with the help of the tips that I’m about to put together today, you’ll be able to learn to play this instrument much faster!
Determine Your Pace
One of the most important things to keep in mind whenever you’re learning something new is precisely this. I know that you’re impatient to become an expert when it comes to this, but please do not feel any obligation to accelerate this process.
That won’t do you any good. According to seasoned and passionate guitar lovers at Stay Tuned Guitar, you should learn this instrument on your own face and focus on one technique until you perfect it. I know that in the beginning, you will most likely set a million goals, however, that’s completely pointless and will only make you feel too frustrated.
Therefore, begin with one focus. For instance, you can take ten days or two weeks to get yourself familiar with five chords. When I say five, I do not literally mean that you should stick with this number.
It can be any other, as long as it’s realistic. Once you’re done with it, then you can concentrate on changing between the cords by utilizing various combinations, and so on. The point is that you should take things slowly.
That’s the only way you’ll be able to make any significant and long-term progress. Select a certain goal for a week and be sure to stick with it. If you focus on multiple ones simultaneously, you’ll easily get distracted.
The Left-Hand Death Grip Should Be Avoided
Once you start playing, you’ll almost immediately conclude that pressing strings against the fretboard is very challenging, not to mention the fact that it hurts your fingers as well. One of the best ways to overcome this is by hooking the thumb over the top of the fretboard in order to get leverage.
This move is also known as the “death grip”. How come? Well, that’s because you inevitably end up with a relatively fierce grip on your neck and it limits the reach of the fingers. The point is to have the thumb behind the guitar’s neck.
This will stimulate your hand to start employing the fingertips, which is a great thing. The only “downside” of it is that it may make you feel uncomfortable at first or you may find it daunting but don’t worry.
As time goes by, you’ll get used to it, and in time, you’ll realize that this was actually a very valuable lesson.
Practice Systematically
I know that there are lots of advantages in terms of learning guitar with a teacher by your side. It’s because this person can offer you useful feedback whenever you’re doing something wrong or simply tell you what you should or shouldn’t do to avoid some mistakes along the way. And let’s not forget to mention the fact that some of the most talented and popular guitar players of all time, like Eric Clapton, Magnus Karlsson, Jimi Hendrix, Herman Li, and Yngwie Malmsteen were actually self-taught.
This just goes to show that learning this instrument all by yourself doesn’t have to be difficult at all! However, if you want your journey to be effective and accelerated, then you must practice systematically.
And that’s something that every guitar teacher is going to tell you. There’s nothing better than having a developed workout routine. Only then you’ll be able to master everything just like these abovementioned legends.
Find The Guitar That’s Suitable For You
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be playing an acoustic or electric one or maybe you’re interested in playing bass, the point is, you must find the guitar that suits you most. And I am positively sure that you’re going to love this entire process.
At least that’s almost always the case with inexperienced guitar players. Now, I know that you will probably (in the beginning) be drawn to a guitar that’s a true sight for sore eyes, however, there are more important factors to be considered.
I would advise you to first find a tool, such as Find Your Fender that’s going to ask you several simple questions regarding the type of tone you love, how much money you set aside for new guitar, and your physiology as well.
This refers to the size of your hands or if you are right-handed or left-handed. These sorts of things. And precisely based on the answers you give, it’s going to provide you with a list of guitars that seem like a good match for you.
Don’t Forget A Guitar Tuner
A thing that every guitarist must have, both more and less experienced players is precisely this thing. You won’t be able to learn from your mistakes if you’re always out of tune, no matter how good you may be. And that’s especially hard to determine when you’re a beginner because you won’t be able to easily tell if you’re doing something wrong or not. That’s why it’s of huge importance to purchase an electronic tuner.
It’s going to make sure that your instrument is always in tune. If you solely rely on your ear (and not on a tuner) you will most likely always be off. Thereby, please invest some cash in it. Fortunately, it’s not expensive.
If you ask me, a guitar is one of the most amazing instruments in the world because, without it, no tune could ever sound so good. Therefore, if I were you, I would definitely implement all these tips in order to become a great guitar player.
