So you want to learn the art of the acoustic guitar? Learning to play the guitar is, like many other skills, a matter of practice. With the right attention and a few simple resources, you can learn to strum the strings of your guitar like a pro.
Pick the right guitar. Your guitar should be the right size (not too big) and should be set correctly for your skill level. A guitar with a good setting has strings that are not difficult to press down, so it won't hurt your fingers when you play.
Step2
Hold your guitar comfortably. Be able to use your left hand on the strings and your right hand to pluck or pick the strings.
Step3
Learn the scales. Get comfortable with the fingering of do, re, mi and so forth.
Step4
Look at chord patterns. Each chord has its own fingering. Practice putting all of your fingers in the right place for each chord and then strumming all of the strings to play that chord.
Step5
Play chord sequences. Most of your favorite songs have a series of chords. Learn how to play these along to the rhythm of the song, and you're all set to sing along!
Step6
Draw a fretboard diagram. This will help you identify each note and where it is on the fretboard.
Step7
Use your practice book to follow along with written music until you can play whole compositions. You can also use the book to find notes if you don't know where they are on the fretboard.
Tips & Warnings
Don't give up! If it seems too complicated, go back to single-note playing and keep memorizing where notes are on your fretboard.
Don't get discouraged if your guitar is physically difficult to play. If the strings are really too hard on your fingers, you can get a "flamenco-type" guitar to start with. Its plastic strings are easier for a beginner to play.
Make sure your fingers aren't brushing any strings you are not pressing down on. This "mutes" the string so it won't make any sound. Practice will give you better fingering style.
Watch out for blisters! The strings of your acoustic guitar can cause blisters on the tips of your fingers on your left hand. It's okay; they'll eventually become callouses. But take a break until your fingers feel good enough to play again.
on 9/18/2007
Wrong. From "hold your guitar comfortably" to "learn the scales"??? Chords are the first ones to be learned, as rhythm guitar is 1000 times easier to learn than solo guitar. So, start off with chords until your fingers (and fingertips!) have some control over the strings.
Comments
Cafa said
on 9/18/2007 Wrong. From "hold your guitar comfortably" to "learn the scales"??? Chords are the first ones to be learned, as rhythm guitar is 1000 times easier to learn than solo guitar. So, start off with chords until your fingers (and fingertips!) have some control over the strings.
prasadcnair said
on 9/10/2007 Much thanks..!! It's helpful..
Diablo2 said
on 9/8/2007 Very accurate and helpful. Thanks!