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When you first started learning the guitar, it felt like there were so many things you needed to know, you did not even know where to begin.
So, to help you, specially to beginners, I have decided to put this list of our top must-have tips for beginner guitarists.
From how to hold a guitar to the best chords and songs for beginners, this list contains everything maybe you wish someone had told you when you first started playing.
Here are my best 10 tips for learning how to play the guitar with good technique. Some of them are kind of obvious, while others are the result of long experience. I hope they help. By the way, let’s assume you’re right-handed player.
Now, get reading and remember to share this post with other beginner guitarists just like yourself!
1. Grip the guitar properly
1. Grip the guitar properly
Let’s be honest:
Gripping and holding a guitar is weird.
It’s not something our body automatically knows how to do.
Hence, its completely normal for beginner guitarists to struggle with holding and gripping the guitar properly.
But remember:
The way you hold the guitar can have a huge impact on your playing.
Therefore, it’s really important you learn to grip and hold your guitar properly from the get-go.
2. No Need For Speed
2. No Need For Speed
Don’t ever bother trying to learn how to play fast. Really, don’t do it. Good technique is about accurate fingering and hitting the right notes every time, especially when it comes to scales and playing tricky bar chords. Concentrate on precise fingering. The truth is, learn to play properly and speed will happen all by itself. The biggest obstacle to fast playing is poor technique. Learn good technique and fast fingering will be a chucked-in-for-free bonus. Always take your time and play slowly.
3. Use springboards
3. Use springboards
The fastest way to identify any note on the fretboard is Use springboards
A springboard is a shortcut. It helps you move around the fretboard at high speed.
I have a short video for you to expand on this useful guitar tip.
4. Learn these 5 Basic Open Chords
4. Learn these 5 Basic Open Chords
Master some easy chords.
Before you get stuck into learning solos or trying to wrap your head around music theory, I suggest you learn these basic open chords:
C D G E minor A minor
If you want to step things up a notch, consider learning these open chords as well:
F (open position) A E D minor
These chords will allow you to play hundreds, if not thousands of songs across many different genres.
That’s because these first 5 chords make up majority of the most important chords in the key of G.
Meanwhile, the chords F, A, E, and D minor will help introduce to other popular musical keys, like C and A major.
5. Do finger exercises
5. Do finger exercises
If you’ve ever taken a music lesson, you’re probably already familiar with finger exercises.
If not, finger exercises are basically simple exercises designed to help you improve your playing technique while also helping you build up strength and stamina in your hands.
While they’re not exactly exciting, these exercises can help you quickly train your hands to getting used to the guitar and will help you get a clean, clear sound when playing.
6. Silent rehearsing
6. Silent rehearsing
Holding your guitar and constantly swapping from one chord to another or playing scales without plucking the strings with your right hand. What you’re doing is still training your left hand to play — it’s all solid practice. Good technique is locked-in habits when you’re playing.
7. Give yourself a break and listen to music
7. Give yourself a break and listen to music
The other side of the equation is not to push yourself too hard in the beginning. When your muscles start to creak and the fingertips are stinging, take a break and relax for a while. You can easily strain something and do damage to tendons and ligaments if you ignore the danger signs that you need a rest.
8. Play with other people
8. Play with other people
Many guitar players like to hide out in a quiet room when they’re practicing.
And I get it, I did the same when I first started playing.
In fact, it wasn’t until at least a few months into learning the guitar that I finally had the courage to jam with other musicians.
However, could I go back to my early days of practicing, I would have tried to swallow this fear early.
Playing with other musicians is extremely important for learning.
Not only does it help build confidence but it also serves as a valuable learning opportunity.
Regardless of the playing ability of the other musicians you jam with, I can ensure you that you’ll always learn something by jamming with other guitarists and musicians.
9. Stop comparing yourself to others
9. Stop comparing yourself to others
I remember that whenever I heard a good guitarist play I always enjoyed listening, but I also was a bit jealous because I wasn’t just as good. I constantly got the feeling that I have to run home and practice. Ego was getting in the way, especially when I played with others.
Stop comparing yourself to others right now. Compare yourself to yourself! Listen to recordings of you playing a month before. Making recordings of yourself playing is a great way to track your progress.
There will always be better guitar players than you, even if you become the next John Petrucci. Get over it.
10. Always remember to have fun
10. Always remember to have fun
We just can’t stress this enough, the moment guitar playing becomes a chore for you, you’re doing it wrong.
No matter how desperate you may feel when not being able to play a certain riff or solo, just relax, go back a bit, and try again. Never, and I mean, never give up. Ultimately, every effort pays off!
Stay patient, practice regularly, have fun and listen to as many different bands you can. In no time, you’re gonna see amazing results!
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