You have just returned from the store after doing your research, or are you the proud recipient of a treasured gift.
You unpack your new guitar with fierce anticipation. Light shines on the highly polished surface. Your new amplifier and new cables are ready to go.
They sit there.
Now what?
First, here’s what NOT to do: Worry … Panic … Feel overwhelmed.
The bad news is that nobody is born knowing how to play the guitar.
The good news is that many others have led the way.
The practical tips in this article will help you get started on the right foot. Think of them as “pre” lessons for beginners.
Step 1: Buy a music theory book.
Musicians don’t like to admit it, but it’s hard to play well if you don’t understand the underlying concepts of music. You can probably get by, possibly for a long time, without knowing music theory. But you don’t want to “get by.” You want to enjoy the instrument. You want to understand how to play a melody, improvise a solo, or substitute an easier chord for a difficult chord. It’s not difficult, just study a little music theory every week.
My favorite theory book is “Practical Theory – Complete” by Sandy Feldstein. Although not specifically for guitar, this consolidated version of his multi-volume set is filled with well-paced material, clear explanations, and exercises to check your understanding (answers are at the end of the book). Work from start to finish or use the detailed table of contents to jump directly to a specific topic. It is a bargain for around $ 10.
Step 2: Buy two or more guitar instruction books with DVD.
The best guitar instruction books for beginners include a DVD. The book will provide traditional written instructions, reference charts, a glossary, and more. A well-made DVD should include demos, instructions, tuning aid, plus simple drum and backing tracks to play.
Fender has two very good instruction books with DVDs, one for acoustic guitar (“Fender Introduces: Introduction to Acoustic Guitar – Beginner’s Guide”) and one for Electric Guitar (“Fender Presents: Introduction to Electric Guitar – Beginner’s Guide “). They are practically interchangeable, so choose just one. Each contains step-by-step instructions for learning tuning methods, essential chords, scales, practical tips, plucking and strumming techniques, basic instrument care, and more. The DVD contains over three hours of material to help illustrate the material in the book, plus backing tracks for the exercises, an animated fingerboard, and visual aids for things like finger placement, strumming, muting, and much more.
Books and DVDs won’t replace a good instructor, nor will they teach you an in-depth guitar method, but they are a great way to start.
Step 3: Buy a couple of simple songbooks.
There are a million of them out there. Buy ones with songs that are familiar to you and that only have a few chords per song. Most include chord charts to jog your memory. Don’t worry too much if some songs have complex-looking chords – come back to them later, simplify the chord by playing just the first three strings, or have someone show you how to change the key with a capo.
Here are some recommendations: Steve Trovato and Jerome Arnold’s “Country Licks For Guitar” includes guitar licks from country guitar masters: Chet Atkins, Jimmy Bryant, James Burton, Albert Lee, Scotty Moore, plus … a CD (included) contains both normal and slow speed backing tracks. The “Instant Guitar Fakebook”, edited by Peter Pickow, contains over 150 songs, plus photo / chord diagrams. The songs include the melody line in music and tablature, with lyrics. Have fun with “Front Porch Songs,” a collection of cheesy songs, stories and jokes compiled by Wayne Erbsen. “The Greater Guitar White Pages” by Warner Brothers, is a huge collection of songs spanning various years and styles, from “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter” by Herman’s Hermits, to “Photograph” and Smash by Def Leppard. . “All Star” by Mouth.
Step 4: Find a way to learn from others.
I started in a classroom, where your mistakes are mixed in a concert of mistakes. It is not intimidating at all.
Of course, individual lessons are the best way to learn while avoiding bad habits … assuming you find the right instructor. Ask around and don’t be afraid to change if you are not learning and having fun.
Playing with friends is a great way to start playing. You will be encouraged to practice and will surely understand the occasional missing chord or puzzled look thrown at you.
Since you are reading this, you are part of the online community. There are several guitar sites on the Internet. I highly recommend the community oriented http://www.guitarnoise.com for guitarists of all skill levels to teach and share. My own site, start-playing-guitar.com is aimed at guitarists who are absolute beginners, even those who are just starting to play with others. Both sites are regularly updated. Take a few minutes to look at each one.
Step 5: Practice every day.
It can be difficult, especially when you’re just starting out, but it’s the only way you’ll improve. At the very least, work on some of your favorite material every day.
Step 6:Have fun!
This is the most important part, enjoying your new guitar!
Mary Poppins said that “a tablespoon of sugar helps the drug go down.”
Snow White’s seven dwarfs made their working day easier by advising them to “whistle while you work.”
So: Play with others … Turn up the volume for real when you’re alone … Get a simple drum machine to go along with … Learn a very simple song and play it with all it’s worth … Whatever!
A lifetime of learning and enjoyment awaits you. Now it begins!