A while ago we posted an article explaining how to play guitar, and some extra little things to help get you started.
This article aims to expand on that, as you probably have a lot of free time on your hands right now, so there’s no better time to pick up a new skill!
Practice makes perfect
Its one of those old phrases that many people often overlook and ignore, but when it comes to learning an instrument, especially guitar, it couldn’t be more true. I’ve played guitar for around 12 years now, and I still remember how to play songs from 12 years ago, because I played them enough. You need to repeat patterns and chords so they stick in your head, because muscle memory is a huge part of playing guitar.
You’ve got to be patient when it comes to learning the guitar too, but as soon as you’ve practiced enough, it should just click.
Research what you’re doing
If you’re struggling to understand a technique or a chord, research it and get some insight into what it means and why you’re doing it. You don’t want to be blindly putting your fingers places on the guitar without knowing why. Added insight into how scales work, how the overall guitar works, and just how music “works” in general is almost essential. If you think of learning guitar like building a house, these things are like the foundation.
Don’t think too much
Thinking TOO much about what you and your hands are doing isn’t good. It should feel natural, and if you feel yourself getting irate because you can’t do something, put the guitar down and take a break. Once you resume later you’ll be more calm, and trust me you’ll surprise yourself with how much better it’ll feel attempting what you were previously attempting. Many times I’ve left what I was learning for a few hours and came back to find out I did in fact know what I was doing, I was just getting irritated earlier, and overthinking what I was doing.
That just about wraps up the tips this time! If these guides are helpful please let us know, because we enjoy making them!
