What is the best way to learn how to play acoustic guitar? I just recently received a guitar as a present and want to learn how to play. If you play, how did you learn how to play?
2006-08-13 13:02:23 · 8 answers · asked by jodaco01 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
I taught myself 20 years ago with an excellent book called
RHYTHM GUITAR.
These days there are many good basic teaching books that
come with a CD, so that as you attempt the chord, you can
actually hear what it should sound like.
I would recommend a book like this with the CD as well as
buying a book that has your favourite artist in EASY chords.
Beatles are usually good for this, but there are 1000's of chord
books for easy or beginners guitar. It really helps when the song
you are learning is familiar to you and one you like.
The GUITAR CASE CHORD BOOK is good to have, as it
not only shows you different ways to play the same chord [for
when you get better at playing] but it groups the chords in KEYS,
so that you can practise all the chords in a particular key.
Finally, nothing beats a lesson or 20 from a teacher...it helps with
things like proper ways to hold the guitar, which is important so
that you can phisically get to the strings you need to, as well as
giving you encouragement for those frustrating times when you
need to know why something doesnt sound right. If you have a
friend who is just one or two levels above beginner, hang out wih
them and play together...that was the one thing that improved my
playing most in the early days.
Good Luck
Jimmy
2006-08-13 13:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by Jimmy The Hand 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in my early teens when I learned. A family friend gave me lessons for a few years. It was informal and not focused on music theory which was good because I probably would have lost interest in it. On the other hand if you can stomach the dry music theory early, I think it helps in the long run. I'd probably go for about 1/4 of my time on theory and 3/4 on learning songs. It's your call. Do it because you love it and play the style that you like. It's a lot of work to be really good but if you just want to strum chords it shouldn't be too difficult. Today you have access to a lot of free info on the Internet which was not available in the dark ages where I first learned. So, I think you have an advantage there. Practice, practice and more practice because you have to establish left-right hand dexterity. It takes two hands to make a sound on guitar.
2006-08-13 15:41:05 · answer #2 · answered by timespiral 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got a book that showed the basic chords -- it was clearly illustrated and easy to follow. The book had several folk songs in it (easy to play, fun to sing) and after working through the book, I started taking my guitar along when we went to visit friends who played. The first three chords (the folk singer's friends) are C, F and G7. There are about a hundred songs you can play with just those three, and it's a fun way to start. Then you can add others, one at a time, as a new song requires them.
Folk music is mostly done with finger strumming, which also lets you single string or pick which notes you want to play. You can use a pick (a small, flat piece of celluloid) to get a louder sound) if you wish.
Have fun!
2006-08-13 13:07:56 · answer #3 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like you I received a guitar as a gift when I was 15, I bought a book and began to try to learn. I failed miserably. 15 years later I again decided to try to learn, this time I took lessons. I'm not a great guitarist, I've gone about as far as my talent will take me. Take lessons and try to sit in with other guys that play, that will help hone what you learn. Practice and good luck.
2006-08-13 13:08:04 · answer #4 · answered by mad_mav70 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
learn chords, learn how to strum, try playing some easy songs first, you have to build up the strengh and toughness in your fingers, so you can play longer. It won't hurt after a long.
I play a bit, don't have a gituar right now, my uncle helped to teach me.
2006-08-13 13:06:48 · answer #5 · answered by doc_jhholliday 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
learn your chords, so far the G, C, D, A and E chords I find are the easiest, then try Em (E minor; m=minor), Dm, and Am are easy too. Also easy are D7, A7, and B7. The most dificult so far are B and F chords, and hardest to remember are all the sharp and flat chords.
2006-08-13 13:08:14 · answer #6 · answered by Topher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's exactly like learning the electric guitar.....only different.
2006-08-13 13:05:13 · answer #7 · answered by newt_peabody 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i dont know but i really want to learn....i already have a knowing of how to play (cause i can play ukulele) but i dont know any chords or anything special
2006-08-13 13:05:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋