THE BASICS
Good fundamentals are essential, not only when you are starting out, but throughout your musical journey. Beginners should pay special attention to fundamentals, getting them engrained in your brain until they become second nature.
Just like building a house, you need to start with a good foundation. Without that your house is likely to suffer. Without proper fundamentals your journey will be tougher and you won't have to spend time relearning something correctly. The more you play with good fundamentals, the better your playing will be.
Just like building a house, you need to start with a good foundation. Without that your house is likely to suffer. Without proper fundamentals your journey will be tougher and you won't have to spend time relearning something correctly. The more you play with good fundamentals, the better your playing will be.
Relax - Tension is the Enemy
Every try running while tensed up? Ever try doing anything while tense? Doesn't work too well, does it.
Have Patience and Persistence
Learning a musical instrument is not an easy task. If it was everyone would be playing music. That said, if you keep at it you will get better. Be nice to yourself. You will make mistakes. Everyone does. But, those that show patience and learn from their mistakes will get through them and become better.
Consistent Practice is a Great Way to Improve
Pract
ice is the way to get better at anything. That said, bad practice makes bad, so practice often, but practice the right way.
Good Posture Eases Pain and Helps Avoid Injury
Bent over a guitar, staring at your hands, is a great way to learn all about back pain.
Having Good Hand Positioning Will Make Thing Easier
Having good had position will help your reach all the strings and frets easier.
Understand Your Guitar
Knowing all the bits and pieces of the guitar will help you communicate with guitar techs and other musicians.
Learn the Different Ways to Tune The Guitar
An out of tune guitar will not only sound bad, it could hurt your ear training. There are a number of ways to tune the guitar: by ear, with a tuning fork, to other strings and with an electronic tuner. However you do it, just do it.
Always Warm Up Before Practicing or Playing
Just like you warmup your muscles before you go for a jog, you should warmup your fingers. This will help you stave off pain and injury.
Learn to Fret Properly
Fret strings with the tips of your fingers, bending at the first knuckle will help you avoid muting any other strings. The closer to the fret, behind the fret that is, the better the sound.
Start With Simple Chords and Strum Patterns
With just a few chords and some simple strumming you can play tons of songs.
When Strumming, Keep Your Hand Moving
Moving your hand down on beat and up off beat will help you keep time. Keep this movement even when not hitting the strings.