People often hesitate to learn guitar because they worry it will be hard to pick up. However, once they know the techniques, they are thrilled they put the time and effort in. What beginner techniques should every person learn if they want to master this instrument?
The First Steps
Before a person can play the guitar, they must get an instrument. They may opt for an acoustic guitar or an electric model, but it must feel comfortable when they hold it. Always try several models to find one that fits best in the hands.
When a guitar has been selected, the focus turns to learning hand positioning. People cannot play the guitar if their hands aren’t positioned correctly. The fingers must be on the frets properly, or they will be uncomfortable and strained.
Practice is essential if a person wants to master the ESP electric guitar or any guitar. They must play consistently, even for only a few minutes every day. Doing so builds muscle memory and skills.
Begin with easy songs. While it’s tempting to jump in and try to play a favorite song by a guitar master, doing so can leave the person feeling discouraged. Choose an easy song and learn it to build confidence and remain motivated. Simple chords are a good place to begin before moving to more complex pieces.
When first starting, the focus should be on technique. Learn the basics to avoid bad habits that will make playing harder. Building skills and mastering techniques takes time, so people need to practice regularly to see progress. Where should they start?
The Basics
Before a person can learn to play the guitar, they must know how to hold it properly and tune the strings. Once the instrument is tuned, they learn to read chord charts to begin playing. As they learn the chords and master strumming, their skills improve. They will be playing songs in a short time.
Fingerpicking is the next skill a person should learn on the guitar. These techniques add depth to music and create complex melodies. Once a person can fingerpick, they can try different styles and techniques. Alternate and sweep picking are two a musician might want to try.
Skill Building
Once a person masters the basics, it’s time to move to more complex skills. Scales should be practiced regularly, starting with basic major and minor scales before moving to pentatonic and blues scales. Every guitarist will want to learn arpeggios to improve their fingerpicking skills and ability to play complex chords.
Finger Dexterity
Guitarists also need to work on finger dexterity. Regular practice remains the best way to improve in this area, and they should also start a session with warm-up exercises. These exercises prepare the fingers for playing by loosening them. Scales will help stretch the fingers and improve coordination, but beginners should also play slowly and deliberately. Doing so enhances accuracy and precision. Speed will come with time and regular practice.
As skills progress, add finger independence exercises. They help strengthen individual fingers and allow them to work independently. Alternate picking is an excellent way to improve speed and precision. Practicing chords will minimize pauses, and string skipping helps the fingers handle more complex patterns. A metronome helps develop a sense of timing while allowing the musician to play a steady beat. Continue practicing these skills, and finger dexterity will improve over time.
Very few people can pick up a guitar and begin playing complex songs immediately. Most people must spend countless hours practicing to develop their skills. Those who put in the time and commitment will have a hobby they can enjoy for a lifetime. Learn more today about the basics of guitar playing, and you can do the same.