How to Get Started With Guitar

Perhaps Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana inspire you. Maybe you long to strum a tune while you sing or hope to front a band. Whatever the reason, the guitar may be the instrument for you. Getting the basic equipment, knowledge and skills is a promising way to start.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether you'd like to play an electric or acoustic guitar. Read guitar-related books, magazines or online guides and get advice from experienced guitarists to help with your decision.

2. Purchase your instrument of choice or rent one if you're still gauging your level of interest. Consider having an experienced guitarist come along to make recommendations as you choose. Once you're sure, buy additional equipment such as picks, a strap and case, extra strings, an electric tuner and a cable and amplifier if you've got an electric guitar.

3. Find an instructor in your area by asking your school music teacher, contacting local music schools or looking at business cards at a local guitar shop or music store. Observe a private or group sessions to get a sense of his teaching style, motivational skills, patience level and experience. Chat afterwards. Even the best instructor in the world won't do you any good if your personalities clash.

4. Practice several times a week. Master the basic chords and avoid becoming discouraged if you're not progressing as quickly as you'd imagined. Endure any finger soreness at the start since you'll soon develop protective calluses.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't compare yourself to famous or more experienced guitarists. You can, however, gain inspiration from their technique and performance skills.