10 Tips for Learning Guitar
| An article from Used Guitars and Amplifiers
| | 1. Practice consistently, a good target is 45 to 60 minutes every other day, you want to get whatever you're learning into both your brain and body until it comes naturally.
2. Get yourself a decent guitar, a cheap guitar may seem a bargain but a good guitar will be easier to play and you'll be much happier with the sound it makes so much more likely to put in the time it takes to learn than with a cheap, harsher sounding guitar.
3. Learn correct timing right from the start, it's essential for the song to sound right. Using a metronome will help considerably.
4. Learn to play chords, and practice them over and over until playing each chord is second nature.
5. Learn to read music, study music theory so you understand how notes are timed, how to transpose songs into different keys and even how to write your own songs.
6. Take it slowly and don't get discouraged. It takes time and consistent practice to learn to play any musical instrument. If you put in the time you will get there. When learning a new song, start off playing it slowly, but always with correct timing, then speed up as your brain and fingers learn the correct sequence of notes. Don't take on too much before you are ready or you'll just get discouraged. Most music will give you the level it's written for so choose the beginner's version to start with - you'll be much more likely to continue if you can play a recognisable, if simpler, version of a song than trying and failing to play an advanced version too soon.
7. Find others who like the same types of music, play together and learn from each other. Regular jamming sessions will inspire you and keep your interest when it gets hard to keep practicing alone.
8. Record yourself playing, this will give you valuable feedback on where you need to improve, but don't be too hard on yourself, don't just look for the problems, enjoy what you did well.
9. Use the web to find techniques, on-line lessons, guitar music and free song tabs. There is a wealth of material out there to help you improve. Find a forum you like, and ask questions of the more experienced guitar players.
10. And finally.. relax and enjoy learning, remember why you wanted to learn - to enjoy the music and the act of playing it. Don't make it into something you beat yourself up over. | |
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