Many people try to learn guitar, but not everyone is successful.
If you are a complete beginner, this free lesson will walk you through an 11-step process of basic guitar playing.
Step 1: Choose a Guitar That Suits You
The guitar you use to learn has a significant impact on your chances of success.
Guitars come in various types. They are broadly classified as acoustic guitars and electric guitars.
Find the perfect guitar that suits you. Ideally, you want a guitar that fits your body shape and size. This will have a significant and long-term impact on your guitar journey, so take it seriously.
Step 2: Learn How to Tune Your Guitar Precisely
As a beginner guitarist, a tuner is essential.
There are different types of guitar tuners. Nowadays, smartphone tuner apps are popularly used. There are plenty of free guitar tuner apps you can try.
Step 3: Learn Guitar Strings
One of the fundamentals of guitar playing is learning the names and numbers of your guitar strings.
From thickest to thinnest, guitar strings are as follows: E, A, D, G, B, and E. Guitar strings are also numbered 1 through 6 as follows:
- The thickest string is the 6th string. In standard guitar tuning, this string is tuned to E. It is known as the low E string. This is the deepest or lowest guitar note you can play.
- The 5th string is tuned to A, also known as the A string.
- The 4th string is tuned to D, usually referred to as the D string.
- The 3rd string is tuned to G, also called the G string.
- The 2nd string is tuned to B, also known as the B string.
- The thinnest of all the strings is the 1st string tuned to E. It is also called the high E string.
A great way to memorise these guitar letters is by remembering these phrases:
- Elephants and Donkeys Have Big Ears
- Eddie Ate Dynamite, Goodbye Eddie
Step 4: Learn Some Basic Finger Exercises
Before you can start learning chords or riffs, the best way to put your fingers on a guitar is to practise.
Practising finger exercises on the guitar allows you more control over the guitar and reduces finger fatigue. When starting, the purpose of finger exercises is to teach you the proper technique.
Step 5: Learn the Basic Guitar Chords
Playing guitar chords is also one of the essentials in learning guitar. There is a simplified version for every guitar chord. Knowing the easier version allows you to enjoy music while improving your dexterity and control.
Learn to play chords by checking this guitar chords guide for beginner guitarists.
Step 6: Learn Strumming Patterns
Rhythm is an important element of music. To learn guitar, you should be able to strum chords rhythmically.
No matter what style of music you play, playing rhythm is more important than playing loud. As a guitar student, learning to strum in time and with rhythm should be your primary goal.
Step 7: Learn to Hold Your Pick
If you want to learn how to play the guitar, you must be comfortable using a guitar pick.
Understanding how to make contact with the guitar is an integral part of playing the guitar. This may seem to be something minor but is significant.
Grip the pick between your thumb and forefinger, allowing only the pointy end to protrude.
Step 8: Learn Your First Songs
After learning to play guitar chords and strumming patterns, it is time to learn your first song. Playing many riffs and strumming several chords is great, but playing an entire song is amazing.
When learning to play a song, try playing it slowly at first. Repeat parts until you understand them. Increase your speed gradually until you know the chords and notes by heart.
Step 9: Find a Good Teacher
There are many great guitarists on YouTube, but there aren’t many great music teachers. When looking into guitar lessons, it’s a good idea to have a list of objectives in mind. This way, your potential teacher knows what you want to achieve.
A good guitar teacher will completely change your chances of learning the instrument. Keep looking, and don’t give up if you still haven’t found the ideal teacher for you.
Step 10: Develop Good Practise Habits
You must keep on practising. Developing a good practice attitude can help you succeed in playing the music you like.
Ideally, you should practice playing your guitar for about 15 minutes per day. But even five minutes per day will result in noticeable and satisfying progress.
Keep a regular practice routine, and you will eventually hone your guitar skills.
Step 11: Persistence is the Key
It is normal to have trouble while you are learning. Be patient and try not to become frustrated with yourself or your instrument.
Don’t be discouraged by the opinions of others. Concentrate on what you’re doing and try to have fun.
This will make your musical journey easier and more enjoyable as you progress.
