Congratulations! Embarking on the guitar journey is incredibly rewarding. Just by reading this, you’re taking the first step in the right direction. Like you, I was once a beginner, filled with excitement and a little bit of apprehension about learning the guitar. There are so many joys and benefits to playing, and trust me, the rewards are worth the effort.
This guide is designed to equip you with the essential tools and insights you need to start learning guitar effectively and, most importantly, enjoy the process without getting bogged down by frustration. With dedication and consistent practice, you will undoubtedly progress. But before you dive in, let’s explore some crucial aspects to make your learning experience as smooth and productive as possible.
My First Encounter: An Old Guitar in the Attic
My own guitar journey began unexpectedly. We had an old acoustic guitar sitting in our attic, a relic from my mother’s brief attempt to learn years prior. I was around 12 years old, completely captivated by music and the idea of playing the guitar.
I remember the excitement when my mother and I retrieved it from the attic. For days, I was mesmerized, just holding it, feeling the wood, the strings. It felt right in my hands. I had absolutely no clue how to play, but I was eager to learn.
After about a week of fumbling around, trying to make sense of it, discouragement started to creep in. My fingertips ached intensely every time I tried to press down the strings. Tuning was a mystery to me, so whatever sounds I managed to produce were, to put it mildly, not very musical.
I didn’t know anyone who played guitar personally, no one to ask for guidance. It quickly became clear: if I was serious about playing this instrument, I needed help.
Back then, the wealth of resources available today simply didn’t exist. What I desperately needed was someone or something to point me in the right direction, a roadmap for this new endeavor.
Eventually, my parents took me to the local music store, and I signed up for guitar lessons. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made. With the guidance of someone who had walked this path before, everything started to click.
I soon discovered that my old guitar wasn’t properly set up, making it unnecessarily hard to press the strings. I learned the basics of tuning, and almost instantly, the sounds I was coaxing from the guitar began to sound like actual music.
Today, you have far more options than I did when starting out. Let’s delve into what you should know and the resources available to you as a budding guitarist.
Essential Things to Know Before You Start
Starting to play guitar is incredibly exciting. You’re likely envisioning yourself playing your favorite songs, maybe even performing someday. You see accomplished guitarists and it seems effortless. However, it’s important to understand that there are aspects of learning guitar that require dedication and patience.
Learning guitar takes time. Consistent time with the instrument is crucial. When you admire a skilled guitarist, remember that you’re seeing the result of countless hours of practice and dedication, often unseen.
So, how much time does it actually take to become proficient? It’s a common question, but there’s no universal answer. In my years of teaching, I’ve observed students progress at different rates. Some grasp concepts quickly, while others require more time. However, one thing remains consistent: students who dedicate time to regular daily practice consistently achieve great results and continuous improvement.
Another important point to acknowledge is that playing guitar isn’t easy, especially at first. There are numerous challenges, particularly in the beginning. Hand coordination, developing calluses on your fingertips, understanding rhythm – these are just a few.
These initial challenges can feel daunting, but the good news is they are temporary. With consistent effort and perseverance, these difficulties diminish, and you’ll find yourself overcoming them sooner than you think.
Finally, it’s important to be aware that many people who start learning guitar give up relatively quickly.
- Some, realizing the effort required, decide it’s not for them.
- Others, despite enjoying the idea of playing, believe they lack the time needed to become proficient.
- Still others get lost, unsure where to begin, become frustrated, and abandon the guitar altogether.
Fortunately, I’m here to address these potential pitfalls. My aim is to help you avoid the common frustrations of starting guitar and provide you with a clear, straightforward path to progress and enjoy making music on the guitar!
Where to Begin Your Guitar Journey
Success in the initial stages of learning guitar largely depends on making a few key decisions. Don’t worry; these decisions aren’t complicated, especially with a little guidance. They are quick to make and will set you on the most appropriate path for your individual situation.
The first crucial decision is choosing your learning path. As I mentioned earlier, guidance is essential when you’re starting. Thankfully, numerous resources are available today. Select the one that best suits your learning style and preferences. Here are some of the most effective resources to kickstart your guitar journey:
Free Online Videos and Blog Posts
The free route is immensely popular today. Platforms like YouTube and countless websites offer a vast amount of free guitar lessons and tutorials.
This can be an excellent starting point, particularly if you’re just testing the waters to see if guitar is truly for you. There’s a wealth of valuable information accessible for free. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential drawbacks of relying solely on free content.
One significant drawback is the potential to become overwhelmed and frustrated by the sheer volume of available content. When you navigate through free resources, you’re essentially charting your own course. You have the freedom to choose what you learn, and when.
The challenge is that many beginners don’t realize that learning guitar is a sequential process, much like building a house. You need to master certain foundational skills before you can progress to more advanced techniques. This is a primary reason why many beginners get stuck – they attempt to learn complex skills without a solid foundation.
Another downside of solely using free resources is the temptation to jump ahead. When self-assessing your progress, you might inadvertently skip crucial foundational elements and move on prematurely. Before long, you may find yourself stuck, unsure of why you’re not progressing.
So, how can you maximize the benefits of free online guitar content?
My top tip is to stick with one teacher or source. If you find a particular instructor’s video helpful and engaging, explore their other available content. If they seem to offer a structured path that aligns with your goals, commit to learning from their resources. Their teaching method might just provide the foundation you need to move forward.
Avoid jumping between too many different instructors. This can lead to confusion and missing critical pieces of information. If your chosen source doesn’t offer content that takes you further on your journey, then invest time in finding another suitable path.
If you do find free resources you resonate with, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Utilize comment sections below videos or blog posts. Ideally, you should receive helpful responses from the content creator or other viewers. If you consistently struggle to get your questions answered, it might be time to consider a more interactive learning method.
Guitar Lesson Books and DVDs
Guitar books have been a traditional learning resource for a long time. Historically, they were often the only readily available option for guitar instruction. Books are valuable resources, and I personally learned a lot from various guitar books during my early days. In recent years, video-based instruction has gained significant popularity, as some learners find it easier to learn by visually observing techniques. Many guitar teachers also offer instructional DVDs covering a wide range of topics.
One limitation of books and DVDs is the lack of direct interaction and personalized feedback. If you encounter difficulties understanding a concept, there’s usually no way to directly ask the instructor for clarification or help.
In-Person Private Lessons
One-on-one private lessons have been the standard method for learning guitar for as long as the instrument has existed. You receive the undivided attention of an instructor, and ideally, your instructor has a structured and effective method to guide your progress. Unfortunately, not all guitar teachers are equally effective. Some are highly skilled at teaching and can greatly assist you, while others may not be as helpful. It’s wise to research and gather information about a potential guitar instructor before committing to lessons. Private lessons can also be expensive and may not be financially feasible for all beginners.
Small Group Lessons
Recently, group guitar lessons have become increasingly popular. They offer several advantages. Group lessons are generally more affordable than private lessons. Additionally, learning alongside other beginners can reduce pressure and create a more comfortable learning environment for some students. Not being the sole focus of attention throughout the lesson can be less intimidating and foster a positive learning atmosphere. Small group sizes tend to be most effective, as larger groups can become distracting, and you might not receive the individual attention needed to get your questions answered.
Online Guitar Lesson Websites
Over the past decade, online guitar lesson platforms have proliferated. These platforms often combine the benefits of video instruction with elements of personalized guidance, offering a compelling learning experience.
Typically, these sites provide a well-structured learning curriculum designed to take you from a beginner level to an advanced player.
You also benefit from the ability to re-watch video lessons as many times as needed. Many reputable online lesson sites also offer avenues for interaction with instructors, allowing you to ask questions or even submit videos of your playing for feedback. Online lessons are generally very affordable, making them a cost-effective option for learners seeking comprehensive instruction.
Once you’ve considered these options and decided which learning path feels like the best fit for you, and if you haven’t already:
Time to Get Your Guitar
The next important step is acquiring your own guitar. The first decision here is to choose between the two main types of guitars:
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Acoustic
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Electric
Acoustic guitars are recognizable by their large soundhole beneath the strings. They are hollow-bodied instruments, designed primarily for strumming chords and playing without amplification.
Being hollow, acoustic guitars naturally amplify their sound, making them ideal for practicing and playing in quieter settings without needing external amplification. They are portable and convenient for playing anywhere.
However, a potential downside for beginners is that acoustic guitars typically have thicker strings. This means they require more finger strength to press down comfortably, especially initially. You’ll need to develop finger strength and build calluses on your fingertips. Some beginners opt to start with nylon-string acoustic guitars (classical guitars). Nylon strings are significantly softer and easier to press down than steel strings found on typical acoustic guitars.
The other primary type is the electric guitar. Electric guitars are usually constructed from solid wood. Due to their solid bodies, they don’t amplify sound on their own. Unplugged, an electric guitar’s sound would be barely audible in a normal conversation.
Electric guitar players typically use a practice amplifier. When you plug an electric guitar into an amp, the sound is projected through the amplifier’s speaker, and you can control the volume and tone using the amp’s settings.
Both acoustic and electric guitars come in various sizes. Choosing the right size is important for comfort and playability, particularly for younger learners.
Guitars are commonly available in 1/2, 3/4, and full sizes.
1/2 and 3/4 size guitars are primarily designed for children and smaller players. They are generally outgrown as players reach around 11-12 years old, at which point most transition to full-size guitars.
Full-size guitars themselves vary considerably in dimensions and weight. There are guitars with thicker or thinner bodies, wider or narrower necks, and varying weights. Given the vast selection, visiting a local guitar store is highly recommended. Go in, try out different types of guitars, and you’ll quickly get a feel for what size and style are most comfortable for you.
Once you have your new guitar, ensure it’s properly set up. This is a crucial step often overlooked by beginners. Many manufacturers of entry-level guitars don’t invest in a professional setup before shipping.
Guitars have adjustable components that can significantly impact playability. A proper setup can make a guitar much easier to play. You’ll likely need assistance with this step. If you know someone locally who has guitar knowledge, ask them if they can check your guitar and make any necessary adjustments to improve playability.
If you don’t know anyone with guitar experience, take your guitar to a local music store and ask if they can perform a setup. It’s best to do this early on, so you avoid practicing on a guitar that’s unnecessarily difficult to play.
Sometimes, the strings that come pre-installed on a new guitar can be challenging to play. A guitar that’s hard to play is definitely not fun and can be discouraging. Heavier gauge strings require more finger strength to press down.
Many different string gauges are available. For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with lighter gauge strings. They are much easier on the fingers and make the initial learning process more comfortable. You can always transition to heavier gauge strings later if desired, once your finger strength has developed.
String sets are typically categorized by the gauge (thickness) of the thinnest string (the high E string).
For example, light gauge acoustic strings might be labeled as “11s,” indicating the high E string is 0.011 inches in diameter (measured in thousandths of an inch).
Light gauge electric strings are often “9s,” meaning the high E string is 0.009 inches. If you’re unsure what gauge strings are on your guitar, take it to a music store, and they can check and advise you.
If your guitar has heavier strings, purchasing a set of light gauge strings and having them installed can make a significant difference in playability.
When Will You Play Guitar?
Another crucial decision to make before fully embarking on your guitar journey is:
When will you practice?
Consistent practice is essential for progress. To move forward on the guitar, you’ll need to establish a good practice routine.
If you have an extremely busy schedule and struggle to find time to practice, learning guitar will be significantly more challenging.
In my teaching materials, I include a simple practice schedule page. This is where students can write down a specific time each day they will dedicate to practice.
Think about your daily routine. If you regularly watch TV or play video games at a certain time, consider repurposing that time for your guitar practice. Some prefer practicing in the morning, others later in the day. The specific time doesn’t matter as much as consistency. Stick to a regular schedule.
I always recommend shorter, daily practice sessions over marathon weekend sessions.
Think back to studying for a school test. If you have a week to prepare but procrastinate until the night before, cramming all night and taking the test the next day, you might perform well on the test. But what happens shortly after you leave the classroom?
You likely forget much of what you crammed. You struggled to hold the information in your short-term memory, and now it’s gone. However, the opposite occurs when you study a little each day.
The act of repetition over time commits information to long-term memory. It becomes ingrained and readily accessible. This is what we want for guitar playing – to retain what we learn so it’s readily available, making playing music enjoyable and less stressful.
Find Your Practice Space
The final decision to make before you fully commit to learning guitar is:
Where will you practice?
When I first started, I felt more comfortable practicing in private, away from others. I practiced in my room, allowing me to relax, focus, and have fun without worrying about what others might think.
You might be the opposite, perhaps more comfortable practicing in a shared space where others are around.
It’s a personal preference. Just identify a space. Ensure the space you choose is comfortable and conducive to focused practice.
I also recommend getting a guitar stand. Some prefer wall-mounted guitar hangers.
Either way, it’s important not to keep your guitar constantly in its case. Why? Because when the guitar is stored away in its case…
It’s easy to forget about it. And when you forget about your guitar, it’s easy to neglect practicing. Plus, guitars are visually appealing instruments! I enjoy having my guitars out on display.
So, those are the four key decisions I recommend every beginner guitarist make before diving into learning. To summarize:
- Decide on your learning method: Free online resources, books, in-person lessons, group lessons, or online lesson websites.
- Decide on the type of guitar you want to learn on (acoustic or electric), purchase it, and ensure it’s properly set up.
- Decide when you will practice and create a schedule.
- Decide where you will practice and set up your space.
Once these decisions are made, it’s time to begin! Get your guitar, sign up for lessons if that’s your chosen path, prepare your practice area, and schedule your practice time.
Start practicing! 😊
Conclusion
Remember, seeking guidance when starting guitar is perfectly normal and recommended. There are abundant resources available to support you. The key is to follow a structured path that keeps you progressing without unnecessary frustration. It’s tempting to jump ahead and try to play advanced techniques or songs prematurely. Resist that urge and stick to your learning plan. It won’t be long before you’re ready to truly “tear it up” on the guitar and experience the incredible joy of making music.
Any Questions?
If you’re a beginner guitarist with questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Leave a comment below, or contact me through my website at www.playguitarpodcast.com/contact. I’m happy to help guide you in the right direction.
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