I want to learn how to play the Guitar?

Question

Hey, im keen on learning how to play the guitar,

Any advice, as much information, would be hugely appreciated,

Answer 1

Having given guitar lessons to many people, how much you get out of it or how quickly you learn entirely depends on you.

If you have a musical background (i.e. played piano, violin, etc...) you have a head start.

I've had people learn the basics enough to go on their own within 10 lessons. If you have no musical background, maybe closer to 20.

The key, and I know this is cliche, is PRACTICE. I can't tell you how much of a difference it makes when someone practices everyday vs just once in a while.

Here's another tip... it's better to practice 10 mintues EVERYDAY than an hour once a week. With guitar especially, a lot of it is muscle memory... and you can't get that from just one practice session a week.

Guitar is a relatively easy instrument to learn how to play... that's why you see so many people who can.

Don't get too expensive of a guitar to start. Most beginners won't be able to tell the difference in sound anyway.

Use light guage strings if your fingers aren't calloused enough so that it's not as painful.

Get a good chord book that has illustrations of a hand that shows how to make chords.

Good luck.

Answer 2

After passing my GCSE's a couple of years ago, i bought an electric gutiar. It was the dawning of a new age for me.
I have played it every free minute that i have since i got it.

If you are looking to do the same, buy some fairly good equipment so you dont end up buying a second set.

1) learn you major and minor chords
2) practice chords and finger shapes - technique is everything
3) begin learning music theory on your own- it helps so much and you can get much better than all the wannabe rockstars.
4) learn a couple of easy songs so you can get the timing right
5) learn a song slightly out of your league- then you'll have to keep practicing and eventually you'll get it, then you will know your improving. the one i chose was from the bluesbrothers- everybody needs sombody to love
6) when you begin, your fingers will get so sore you'll throw your gutiar down in pain. stop playing when it starts hurtin', it wont do you any good continuing.
7) enjoy it, dont turn it into a chore- play when it feels right, not because you just spent all your hard earned on it.
8) get a couple of books to teach yourself, get two different types and then you'll be covered on most aspects of it.
9) get a teacher to begin with, i did but i didn't persist with it. i have taught myself and i have got better than all of my friends. i mean not to brag, but i dont lie. a teacher will stop you from playing like a fish out of water, prevent you from getting bad habits
10) get a guitar that looks good, sounds great and makes you want to play it every time you look at it. go to guitar shops and ask for a demo of all the guitars and amps and then mix and match to get the sound you want. I hate the Marshall Amps. I dispise them. I bought a Carlsbro Stingray lead 100 from a friend. and this gives me the exact tone im looking for.

i have talked about guitars and amps because i assume this is what you are after, but the same advice goes for acoustic and classical guitars.

Dont join a band to begin with, and FOR GOD SAKE DONT PLAY SMOKE ON THE WATER OR ILL BE VERY VERY DISPLEASED.

i have given you the best advice i can think of. I'll know its good if you decide to give me 10 more points.

If you have any other questions, send me a message and i'll do my best to give you help.

Very best wishes

Answer 3

Start off by learning some simple chords. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and their minor equivelents.

This site is quite useful. http://www.guitarseek.com/chords.php3
(The image if the guitar neck is sort of upside down).

Also, ask if any of your friends play and get them to show you some simple chords. Your fingers will be sore for a few weeks as you learn to play. Don't let this put you off as your fingertips soon begin to harden and get used to holding down the strings.

Good Luck and enjoy your new hobby!

Answer 4

Go to a good guitar teacher