If you've ever dreamed of creating music or simply wanted to start a hobby that's both rewarding and therapeutic, then learning to play guitar is a fantastic choice.

Whether you're a beginner guitar player or someone looking to take their skills to the next level, this guide will set you on the path to becoming a guitar maestro.

We’ll explore the world of guitar playing, from choosing your first instrument to mastering advanced techniques.

Why Play Guitar?

When you play guitar you get benefits that can be felt beyond the songs you play.

The guitar is an instrument that allows you to express yourself!

Simply put, it’s fun and makes you feel good.

Plus, you can feel like a rockstar when strumming your favorite iconic songs.

Additionally, playing the guitar helps keep you sharp.

Learning guitar chords, scales, and complex compositions improves memory, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

It's a complete mental workout wrapped in the joy of creating music.

Getting Started

Choosing the Right Guitar

One of the first steps in learning to play guitar is selecting the right instrument.

Electric or acoustic?

Each has its own characteristics and charm.

Electric guitars are versatile and great for rock and blues, while acoustic guitars provide a warm, unamplified sound that's perfect for folk and fingerstyle playing.

A lot of beginner guitar players choose to start on acoustic guitars because the thicker strings help to build calluses more quickly.

Accessories

Every guitarist needs a few key accessories to enhance their playing experience.

The main one of all being guitar picks.

That’s right, picks plural.

You will loose these bad boys, and if you only have a couple to spare, you will be annoyed.

Get a couple packs of picks.

These aren’t to be cherished, they get worn down and start to sound dull after some time.

(If you hold a fresh pick up to the light next to a worn down pick, you’ll immediately understand).

Another accessory which should be thought about is a guitar strap.

There are different materials, widths, and colors.

We suggest starting with a basic standard polypropylene strap (not as intense as it sounds), then moving on from there once you get some experience.

Lastly, a good tuner.

You’ll need to be in tune if you want to play guitar.

Getting all of those strings to work together can be difficult at times on a good day.

So be sure you are in tune to make the learning experience that much better.

Tuning technology is great now a days, and a simple clip-on tuner is a great way to go.

Learning the Parts of the Guitar

Before you embark on your journey, it's essential to acquaint yourself with the different parts of your guitar.

From the headstock to the bridge, understanding the anatomy of your instrument will help you communicate effectively with other musicians and ensure you're taking proper care of your guitar.

Take a look at the diagram of an electric guitar above.

Each part has an important role in the overall function of the guitar.

Getting into the intricacies of these roles will require an entirely new blog post.

For now, learning the terminology is a great first step.

Holding Your Guitar

Proper posture and hand positioning are foundational to your guitar playing journey.

We'll guide you through the correct way to hold your guitar, ensuring that you're comfortable and can play without straining your body.

Learning to Play Guitar

Mastering Chords

Chords are the building blocks of all songs.

There are many different theories on how to use chord progressions in compositions, but when you get down to it, you can play literally hundreds of songs with only three chords.

Using a guitar chord chart to learn the basic open chords will allow you to start playing real music right away!

Strumming Patterns

Strumming is the heartbeat of your music.

Explore various strumming techniques and patterns to add rhythm and dynamics to your playing.

From simple downstrokes to complex fingerpicking patterns, you'll be amazed at how much you can do with just a pick and your hand.

Guitar Scales

Guitar scales are the essential building blocks of music, and understanding them is crucial for any aspiring guitarist.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, delving into the world of guitar scales can open up new horizons in your musical journey.

Scales provide the foundation for melodies, solos, and harmonies.

They are like the alphabet of music, and by mastering them, you can create beautiful compositions, improvise, and even better understand the music you're playing.

Scales help you:

• Improve Dexterity: Practicing scales enhances your finger dexterity and hand coordination.

• Develop Your Ear: Scales train your ear to recognize musical intervals and relationships.

• Enhance Creativity: They serve as a source of inspiration for songwriting and improvisation.

The major scale is the fundamental scale in Western music.

It's the 'happy' scale.

The minor scale, known for its more melancholic and bluesy sound, is a must for any guitarist.

The pentatonic scale is a version of the major and minor scales consisting of five notes.

This, and the blues scale, are the go-to scales for all modern genres.

The blues scale is a minor scale with an extra 'blue' note added.

This scale give your playing that quintessential ‘Blues’ sound.

Understanding these scales will open all guitar doors for you!

Fingerpicking and more!

For a different sound and a touch of elegance, fingerstyle playing is a technique that can transform your guitar into a versatile instrument that can tackle classical pieces, folk tunes, and more.

Taking Care of Your Instrument

Your guitar is not just an instrument; it's your partner in the musical journey.

To keep it in top shape and ensure it continues to produce beautiful sounds, a bit of cleaning and care will go a long way:

• Cleaning - Wiping down your guitar with a clean, dry cloth after playing will help remove dust, sweat, and grime. Cleaning the fretboard and polishing the body can maintain its luster.

• String Changing - Strings wear out over time and need to be replaced. It’s easy and every guitarist needs to know this skill. Learn the proper technique for changing strings and how to tune your guitar effectively. This will take you far!

• Advanced Maintenance - From adjusting the truss rod, to setting the intonation, and hacks like ‘penciling the nut’ are all a bit advanced and not needed to know. But you’ll likely run into other guitarists talking about these things. It’s always best to have your guitar set-up by a professional.

Play Guitar! But First, Practice

The Art of Guitar Practice

As the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect."

But it's not just about the hours you put in; it's about how you practice.

Structured practice routines are the key to making the most of your time and reaching your guitar playing goals.

Structured practice helps you make steady progress, prevents burnout, and builds a strong foundation. Here are some tips for effective practice:

• Set Specific Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each practice session.

• Warm-Up: Start with exercises to limber up your fingers and improve your technique.

• Focus on Weak Points: Identify your weaknesses and work on them systematically.

• Use a Metronome: Improve your timing and rhythm by practicing with a metronome.

• Vary Your Practice: Mix scales, chords, and songs to keep it interesting.

• Consistency is Key: Regular, shorter practice sessions are more effective than occasional marathons.

Setting achievable goals is vital to your guitar journey.

Goals provide direction and motivation, and they help you measure your progress.

How to Set Guitar Goals

1. Be Specific: Define your goals clearly. Instead of saying, "I want to be a better guitarist," say, "I want to learn to play 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin."

2. Break It Down: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Learning a song might involve mastering specific chords, riffs, or solos.

3. Set Deadlines: Create a timeline for your goals. A deadline adds urgency and keeps you accountable.

4. Measure Progress: Regularly assess your progress to ensure you're on track. Adjust your goals if needed.

Playing your favorite songs is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a guitarist.

Learning some songs with simple chords and not bogging yourself down in the technical and theoretical aspects of learning to play guitar is a great way to see results quickly!

Here are some tips on how to approach learning and playing songs on the guitar.

1. Start with Easier Songs: Begin with songs that have simple chord progressions and strumming patterns. This will boost your confidence.

2. Use Tabs and Chord Charts: Tabs (tablature) and chord charts are valuable tools for learning songs. They provide a visual representation of where to place your fingers on the fretboard.

3. Learn by Ear: Developing your ear is crucial. Try to figure out melodies and chords by listening to songs. This skill will help you play any song you like.

4. Break It Down: Break the song into sections and tackle one part at a time – intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and so on.

Guitar communities offer a sense of belonging, support, and the opportunity to learn from others who share your passion.

In order to keep momentum up and discouragement down, join some online guitar forums and start speaking with other guitar enthusiasts.

You’ll quickly find that you’re not alone in your journey no matter how old you are or what skill level you’re at.

Play Guitar Like A Pro

Congratulations on making the decision to embark on a musical adventure with your guitar!

Playing this instrument is not just a hobby; it's a journey filled with discovery, creativity, and a deep connection with music.

As we wrap up our guide on playing the guitar, we want to leave you with a few words of encouragement and wisdom.

Every guitarist, from absolute beginners to legendary virtuosos, started where you are right now – with a guitar in hand and a passion for playing.

Embrace the learning process; enjoy the small victories, and don't be discouraged by challenges.

The joy of discovering new chords, playing your first song, or mastering a challenging technique is what makes this journey so rewarding.

FAQ

1. Is it correct to say “play a guitar? ”Yes, it's correct to say "play a guitar." When you play a guitar, you're referring to the act of making music by plucking or strumming the strings on the instrument. It's a common way to describe the action of creating sound with a guitar.

2. How can I teach myself to play guitar? You can teach yourself to play guitar by using online resources. Start with the basics, learn chords and scales, practice regularly, and gradually progress to more advanced techniques. Self-discipline and dedication are key to successful self-teaching.

3. How long does it take to learn playing guitar? The time it takes to learn to play guitar varies depending on your goals and dedication. Basic proficiency can be achieved in a few months with consistent practice. However, becoming an advanced player can take several years of regular practice and learning.

4. How can I play guitar online? You can play guitar online by accessing lessons and tutorials on websites and platforms dedicated to guitar education. Numerous online resources offer step-by-step lessons, video tutorials, interactive apps, and virtual instructors to guide your learning process.

5. Is it possible to learn guitar online for free? Yes, it's possible to learn guitar online for free. Many websites and YouTube channels offer free lessons and tutorials like Guitar Tricks. While paid courses often provide more structured learning, there are plenty of quality free resources available.

6. Is it better to learn guitar online or in person? Whether it's better to learn guitar online or in person depends on your learning style, goals, and preferences. In-person lessons offer direct feedback and interaction with an instructor, while online learning provides flexibility, affordability, and a wealth of resources.

7. How many hours does it take to become a good guitarist? The number of hours it takes to become a good guitarist varies widely based on individual factors like talent, practice consistency, and goals. Regular practice and focused learning will lead to improvement.

8. Is it harder for adults to learn guitar? Learning guitar as an adult can be different from learning as a child, but it's not necessarily harder. Adults may have better focus and discipline. While there might be some physical limitations, adults can still make significant progress and become skilled guitarists with dedication and practice.

9. Is 60 too old to learn guitar? No! It's never too late to start learning and enjoying the guitar. Many people of all ages take up guitar playing as a hobby or even pursue it professionally in their later years. It's a wonderful and fulfilling endeavor at any age.