Learning to play guitar can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be intimidating for those who are just starting out. If you’re a beginner looking to get into playing guitar, you might be wondering where to start. In this article, we’ll go over some key steps you can follow to learn to play guitar, from choosing the right instrument to developing good practice habits. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, these tips will help you on your journey to becoming a proficient guitar player.
Step One: Find a guitar that is right for you
Finding the right guitar is an important first step in learning to play. It’s important to choose an instrument that is comfortable and easy to play, as this will make the learning process much more enjoyable and help you develop your skills more quickly.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a guitar, including size, body style, and construction materials. You’ll want to try out a few different models to find one that feels good in your hands and is easy to play.
It’s also worth considering your budget and the type of music you want to play, as these can help narrow down your options.
The most important thing to consider is picking a guitar that you like to look at. If you don’t enjoy how it looks you may not like to pick up and play it. Once you’ve found a guitar that feels right for you, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient player.
Learn Easy Open Chords
Learning easy open chords is an important step in your journey to becoming a guitar player. Chords are the building blocks of guitar playing, and they are used in nearly every style of music.
Open chords are called this because they use open strings – that is, strings that are not stopped or fretted by the fingers. These chords are generally easier to play than other types of chords, making them a great place to start for beginners.
There are many easy open chords that you can learn, including the C chord, G chord, and D chord. By learning these chords and practicing them regularly, you’ll be well on your way to being able to play a wide range of songs on the guitar.
Learn some basic guitar riffs
Once you’ve mastered some basic chords, the next step in your guitar journey is to learn some basic guitar riffs. Riffs are short, catchy melodies that are played over and over again in a song, usually on the guitar.
They are an important part of many styles of music, and learning to play them can be a lot of fun. There are many easy guitar riffs that you can learn, including classic rock and roll riffs like those found in songs by Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. These riffs are usually played using a combination of chords and single notes, and they can be a great way to improve your skills and build your confidence as a guitar player.
By practicing riffs regularly, you’ll be able to play a wide range of songs and start to develop your own style as a guitar player.
Learn some basic finger exercises
Before you start learning chords and riffs, it’s important to work on developing the strength and dexterity in your fingers. This will help you play more smoothly and accurately, and will also reduce the risk of injury as you continue to practice.
There are many simple finger exercises you can do to improve your hand and finger strength, and it’s worth incorporating these into your daily practice routine. Some examples of basic finger exercises include finger stretches, finger rolls, and finger picks.
By practicing these exercises regularly, you’ll be able to build up the strength and control you need to play guitar more effectively.
As you become more comfortable with these exercises, you can start to incorporate more advanced techniques into your practice routine to continue improving your skills.
Learn the names and numbers of your guitar strings
Learning the names and numbers of your guitar strings is an important step in your journey to becoming a guitar player. It’s important to understand which string is which, as this will help you communicate more effectively with other musicians and follow guitar tabs and sheet music more easily.
The strings on a guitar are usually referred to by their names – the high E string (thinnest), the B string, the G string, the D string, the A string, and the low E string (fattest) – or by their numbers, with the high E string being the first string and the low E string being the sixth string.
It’s worth taking the time to learn the names and numbers of your guitar strings, as this will make it much easier for you to navigate your way around the instrument and understand what you’re playing.
Develop Good Practice Habits
Developing good practice habits is an important part of becoming a proficient guitar player. It’s important to set aside dedicated time for practice, and to be consistent with your efforts.
It’s also important to stay focused and motivated, and to set achievable goals for yourself. Some tips for developing good practice habits include creating a dedicated practice space, setting a regular practice schedule, and breaking your practice sessions into manageable chunks.
It’s also a good idea to vary your practice routine by working on different techniques and styles, and to mix in some fun and enjoyable activities along the way. By developing good practice habits, you’ll be able to make steady progress on your guitar journey and eventually become the player you’ve always wanted to be.
The Importance Of Weekly Guitar lessons
Weekly guitar lessons can be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills on the guitar. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced player looking to take your skills to the next level, weekly lessons can provide a structured and focused environment for you to learn and grow.
In these lessons, you’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a qualified instructor who can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and provide guidance and feedback as you progress.
Weekly lessons can also help you stay motivated and on track, and can provide a sense of accountability that can be helpful in keeping you committed to your practice. Overall, weekly guitar lessons can be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to become a better guitar player.
Learning Music theory
While music theory can be a useful tool for understanding the structure and mechanics of music, it’s important to approach it with the right mindset when learning to play guitar.
While a basic understanding of music theory can be helpful for things like reading sheet music and understanding chord progressions, spending too much time on it can actually slow down your learning process. This is because music theory can be a complex and abstract subject, and it can be easy to get bogged down in the details.
It’s important to strike a balance between learning the theory and actually playing the guitar, as the best way to improve your skills is through regular practice and hands-on experience. By focusing on actually playing the guitar and developing your skills, you’ll be able to progress more quickly and enjoy the learning process more.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to take your guitar playing to the next level, be sure to check out Breakthrough Guitars’ free courses. With expert instructors and a wide range of lessons covering everything from basic chords to advanced techniques, these courses are an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their guitar skills. So don’t wait, start learning with Breakthrough Guitars today and take your playing to new heights!
