What are the first things you need to learning when playing guitar?
2007-03-11 09:01:24 · 8 answers · asked by Q 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
The first thing I did was start getting guitar magazines that had the tablature of songs I liked (I started before the internet made getting sheet music so easy). You already know the melody and when the music changes (even if you don't know why or what is going on, you know if the music goes higher or lower). So, you will instinctively know when to change chords. Choose easy songs to start.
Get a tuner. That is very important! If you play a guitar that is out of tune, even if you are strumming the right chord progression, it won't sound right (or good).
I have been playing for many, many years and if I were to start over, I would take lessons. That is the fastest way to getting good. Make sure the instructor knows what you want out of playing (do you like rock, country, jazz, etc...) And get one who can teach that style. I've had instructors try to teach me the styles of their favorite players that I had no interest in. I dumped them.
2007-03-11 09:34:26 · answer #1 · answered by Six Stringer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd start off by reading this article on the Top 10 mistakes people make when learning guitar chords: http://www.instantguitarist.com/blog/learn-guitar-chords-top-10-mistakes/
Read them and don't make the same mistakes.
As for things you absolutely NEED to learn?
I would say:
1. Learn how to change from one chord to another without looking at the fretboard
2. Learn the basic scales (major, minor, major pentatonic, minor pentatonic)
3. Start jamming to some music
If you can get that down then you can start looking for some interesting tutorials on the internet that will teach you some more specific techniques and ideas.
If you don't already have a tutor I would thoroughly recommend finding one in your area, and make sure above anything else that you get on with your tutor, it makes learning that much easier.
Good luck!
2007-03-13 23:48:21 · answer #2 · answered by guitaristant 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long it takes to learn guitar depends on how good you want to get and how much practice you put in. How good you can get with 1-2 hours a day for a few months depends on what methods you use to practice. There are effective practice methods that will help you make the best use of your time. This course is one of the best. https://bitly.im/aMSzl It's not just about how much you play but how effectively you play that will determine how good you will get.
2016-05-17 05:39:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I taught myself about a 1.5 year ago. My advice ...
1. Learn how to tune your guitar..easiest way if your doing it by yourself is to bu a tuner
2a. learn how to strum up and down...seems easy but this will take a lil time...you'll get it
2b. learn how to play basic chords...I'd start out trying to change between chords G, C, D, A, E..you can find these online too.
3. Get used to not only strumming but also fingerpicking the chords. For instance try something like this...hold down a C chord - finger pick all the different strings in whatever rythm (note get used to fingerpicking with more than just one finger) ..and then switch to a D and finger pick all the strings in whatever rythym..and throw a strum in every now and then.
4. It will take time for you fingers to develop muscle memory...gonna feel awkward as hell at first...but be patient with it.
5. Easy song to get you started here is Johny Cash - hurt....go to www.ultimate-guitar.com and find the one with all of the stars next too it...
good luck bro
2007-03-11 09:15:26 · answer #4 · answered by LOFT1009 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Learn to read music, play chords, and do scales. Get an instructor and they'll start you off where you need to be, or buy a beginners book. Learn guitar lingo too. You can get lost easily if you don't know it.
2007-03-11 09:06:10 · answer #5 · answered by alayna h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to learn chords and make them into a song and even if it sucks keep trying because I had a song I made up that sucked and now its awesome since I've praticed it its called Broken Bridges but practice is the best thing and knowing your chords.
2007-03-11 09:11:07 · answer #6 · answered by Greenday minority goodriddance 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be hard getting used to pressing down on the strings and twisting your hand around, you'll get used to it, but one teacher told me 'if it hurts stop doing it' and practice, practice, practice!
2007-03-11 11:15:00 · answer #7 · answered by octaviolet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here's a link on ebay music where you can find them.
2007-03-15 04:49:12 · answer #8 · answered by mike m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋