Learning to play the guitar is an incredibly rewarding journey. Congratulations on taking the first step towards making music! There are countless joys and benefits to playing guitar, from personal enjoyment to connecting with others through music. You’ve come to the right place to discover how to begin learning guitar effectively and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to frustration.
This guide is designed to provide you with the essential tools and knowledge you need to start playing guitar and experience those joys right away. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can progress. Let’s explore what you need to know to make the most of your learning journey.
A young person excitedly holding an acoustic guitar, ready to learn how to play.
Things to Know Before You Start
It’s natural to be excited when starting guitar. You envision yourself playing your favorite songs and having a blast making music like your guitar heroes. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about learning guitar. It’s not always as effortless as seasoned players make it seem.
Learning guitar takes time and consistent effort. When you see a virtuoso guitarist perform, you’re witnessing the result of countless hours of dedicated practice. Don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow at first. Consistent practice is key.
How much time will it take to become proficient? There’s no magic number, as everyone learns at their own pace. Experience shows that regular daily practice is the most crucial factor for consistent progress. Students who commit to a daily routine, even if it’s just for short periods, consistently achieve better results.
Another important thing to understand is that playing guitar is not always easy, especially at the beginning. You’ll face challenges like coordinating your hands, developing calluses on your fingertips, and mastering rhythm. These initial hurdles can feel tough, but they are temporary. With persistence and consistent practice, these challenges will diminish, and you’ll start to feel more comfortable and confident.
Finally, it’s worth noting that many beginners quit learning guitar relatively soon after starting. There are several reasons for this:
- Some realize that learning requires work and decide it’s not for them.
- Others underestimate the time commitment and believe they don’t have enough time to dedicate to practice.
- Many beginners lack direction, try to learn haphazardly, become confused and frustrated, and give up.
Fortunately, this guide is designed to address these common pitfalls. The goal is to provide you with a clear, straightforward path to start learning guitar, minimize frustration, and maximize your enjoyment and progress!
A beginner guitarist facing initial challenges but with determination in their eyes.
Choosing Your Learning Path
Success in the early stages of learning guitar hinges on making some key decisions about how you will learn. Don’t worry, these decisions aren’t complicated, and the right choices will set you on the most effective path for your individual needs and circumstances.
The first major decision is choosing your learning method. You’ll need guidance to get started, and fortunately, there are numerous resources available. Selecting the method that best suits your learning style and preferences is crucial. Here are some of the most effective resources for beginner guitarists:
Free Online Resources: Videos and Blog Posts
The most accessible and popular option today is utilizing free online resources. Platforms like YouTube and countless guitar websites offer thousands of lessons and tutorials covering a vast range of topics.
Free resources can be an excellent starting point, especially if you’re unsure if guitar is the right instrument for you. There’s a wealth of valuable information available at no cost. However, there are also significant drawbacks to relying solely on free content.
One major challenge is the potential for overwhelm and frustration due to the sheer volume of available content. When using free resources, you essentially become your own guide. While you have the freedom to choose what you learn, this lack of structure can be detrimental.
Learning guitar is like building a house; it requires a solid foundation. You need to master fundamental skills and concepts before moving on to more advanced techniques. This is a primary reason why many beginners get stuck: they attempt to learn complex skills without the necessary foundational knowledge.
Another downside of free resources is the temptation to jump around between topics and teachers. Without a structured curriculum, it’s easy to miss crucial foundational elements or develop bad habits. You might unknowingly skip over essential techniques, leading to frustration and plateaus later on.
So, how can you maximize the benefits of free online guitar resources?
A key tip is to stick with one teacher or source as much as possible. If you find a video or blog post that resonates with your learning style, explore more content from the same creator. If their approach seems comprehensive and aligned with your goals, commit to learning from their materials. Their teaching method might provide the structured foundation you need to progress effectively.
Avoid jumping between too many different teachers or styles early on. Conflicting approaches and inconsistent instruction can lead to confusion and hinder your progress. If your chosen teacher’s resources seem limited, invest time in finding another comprehensive and structured path.
If you utilize free resources, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Engage with the content creators or community through comments sections on videos or blog posts. Many instructors and fellow learners are happy to answer questions. If you consistently struggle to find answers or support, it might be time to explore a more structured learning method.
Guitar Lesson Books and DVDs
Guitar lesson books have a long history and were once the primary resource for aspiring guitarists. Books can be incredibly valuable, and many experienced players have learned significantly from them. More recently, DVDs became popular, offering visual instruction. Some learners benefit greatly from seeing techniques demonstrated.
However, a significant limitation of books and DVDs is the lack of interaction and personalized feedback. If you encounter difficulties understanding a concept or technique, there’s typically no direct way to ask questions or receive clarification from the instructor.
In-Person Private Lessons
One-on-one private lessons have been the traditional method for learning guitar for generations. You receive the undivided attention of an instructor, and ideally, your teacher has a well-structured method to guide your progress.
Unfortunately, the quality of guitar teachers can vary widely. Some instructors are highly effective and can greatly accelerate your learning, while others may lack experience or a structured approach, potentially hindering your progress. It’s crucial to research and find a qualified and reputable instructor.
Private lessons can also be expensive, which may be a barrier for some beginners.
Small Group Lessons
Group lessons have become increasingly popular, offering several advantages. Group lessons are generally more affordable than private lessons. Additionally, learning alongside other beginners can reduce pressure and create a supportive learning environment for some students. Not being the sole focus of attention throughout the lesson can be more comfortable and conducive to learning for certain individuals.
Small group sizes tend to be most effective. Large groups can be distracting, and you might not receive the individualized attention needed to get your questions answered adequately.
Online Lesson Sites
Over the past decade, online guitar lesson platforms have proliferated, offering a compelling blend of video instruction and structured learning paths. These sites often provide a well-designed curriculum that takes you from beginner to advanced levels.
Online platforms combine the benefits of video lessons with elements of personalized interaction. You can typically watch video lessons repeatedly at your own pace. Many platforms also offer features to contact instructors, submit videos of your playing for feedback, or participate in online communities. Online lesson sites are generally very affordable and can be an excellent value for learners seeking structured guidance and comprehensive resources.
Once you’ve considered these learning paths and chosen the one that best suits you, the next step is to get your hands on a guitar, if you haven’t already.
Getting Your Guitar Ready
The next crucial decision is choosing the type of guitar you want to learn on. The two primary categories are:
- Acoustic Guitars
- Electric Guitars
Acoustic guitars are easily recognizable by their hollow body and soundhole beneath the strings. They are excellent for strumming chords and playing songs unplugged.
Because of their hollow construction, acoustic guitars naturally amplify their sound. This makes them convenient for practicing anywhere without needing additional equipment. They’re also ideal for playing in smaller, acoustic settings.
The primary downside of starting with an acoustic guitar is that the strings are typically thicker gauge, making them harder to press down, especially for beginners. You’ll need to develop finger strength and calluses on your fingertips. Some beginners opt for nylon-string acoustic guitars (classical guitars). Nylon strings are significantly easier to press down than steel strings, making them gentler on beginner fingers.
Electric guitars, in contrast, are usually constructed from solid wood bodies. They do not amplify sound on their own. An electric guitar played without amplification would be very quiet.
New electric guitar players generally purchase a small practice amplifier. When you plug an electric guitar into an amp, the sound is amplified through the speaker, and you can control the volume and tone using the amplifier’s controls. Electric guitars often have thinner gauge strings than steel-string acoustics, making them potentially easier on beginner fingers initially.
Both acoustic and electric guitars come in various sizes. Choosing the right size guitar is important for comfort and playability.
Guitars are commonly available in 1/2, 3/4, and full sizes.
1/2 and 3/4 size guitars are primarily designed for children and younger learners. Players typically outgrow these smaller sizes around age 11 or 12, transitioning to full-size guitars.
Full-size guitars also vary in body styles, neck profiles, and scale lengths. There are guitars with thicker or thinner bodies, wider or narrower necks, and different overall dimensions. Visiting a local guitar store is highly recommended. Try out various guitars to find a size and style that feels comfortable in your hands and against your body.
Once you have your new guitar, ensure it is properly set up. This is a critical step often overlooked by beginners. Many beginner guitars are not optimally adjusted at the factory.
Guitars have adjustable components that significantly impact playability. A proper setup can make a guitar much easier to play by optimizing string height (action), neck relief, and intonation. If you know someone with guitar knowledge, ask for their help in assessing and adjusting your guitar’s setup.
If you don’t know anyone experienced with guitar setup, take your guitar to a local music store and ask if they can perform a setup. Investing in a professional setup early on is highly beneficial, as it will prevent you from struggling with an unnecessarily difficult-to-play instrument.
The strings that come standard on a new guitar might also be too heavy gauge for a beginner. Heavy gauge strings require significant finger strength to press down comfortably.
Guitar strings are available in various gauges (thicknesses). For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with light gauge strings. Light gauge strings are much easier on the fingertips and require less pressure to fret notes and chords. You can always transition to heavier gauges later as your finger strength develops.
String sets are typically named based on the gauge of the thinnest string (the high E string). For example, light gauge acoustic strings might be labeled as “11s,” indicating that the high E string is .011 inches in diameter (measured in thousandths of an inch). Light gauge electric strings are often “9s,” with the high E string being .009 inches.
If you’re unsure about the string gauge on your new guitar, take it to a local music store and ask them to check. If the strings are heavy gauge, purchasing a set of light gauge strings and having them installed is a simple and worthwhile upgrade.
Setting Up Your Practice Routine
The next essential decision to make before diving into learning guitar is:
When Will You Practice?
Consistent practice is paramount for progress on guitar. If you struggle to find time for practice, learning will be significantly more challenging.
Creating a regular practice routine is crucial. Many guitar method books, including those used by instructors, include a practice schedule page. This is a valuable tool for planning and tracking your practice time.
Identify times in your daily schedule that you can dedicate to guitar practice. If you typically watch TV or play video games at a certain time, consider repurposing some of that time for guitar lessons and practice. Some people prefer practicing in the morning, others later in the day. The specific time doesn’t matter as much as establishing a consistent daily schedule.
It’s generally more effective to practice in shorter, daily sessions rather than infrequent, long practice sessions. Think of it like studying for a test. Cramming the night before might help you pass the test, but you’ll likely forget the information soon after. In contrast, consistent daily practice commits information to long-term memory. Repetition reinforces learning, making techniques and concepts more ingrained and readily accessible. This leads to more enjoyable and confident playing, as you don’t have to constantly struggle to recall what you’ve learned.
Find Your Space
The final decision to make before starting guitar is:
Where Will You Practice?
When starting, many beginners feel more comfortable practicing in a private space, away from distractions and potential judgment. Practicing in your bedroom or a quiet room allows you to focus, experiment, and have fun without feeling self-conscious.
Conversely, some learners may prefer practicing in a more communal area of the house, where others are present. The ideal practice space is subjective and depends on your personal preferences and comfort level.
Regardless of your chosen location, ensure it’s a comfortable and conducive environment for practice.
Consider using a guitar stand or wall hanger to keep your guitar readily accessible and visible. Storing your guitar in its case makes it easy to forget about practicing. Having your guitar on display serves as a visual reminder and makes it more likely that you’ll pick it up and play. Plus, guitars are visually appealing instruments and can add to the ambiance of a room.
To summarize, these are the four key decisions to make as a beginner guitarist before embarking on your learning journey:
- Choose your learning method: Free online resources, books/DVDs, private lessons, group lessons, or online lesson sites.
- Decide on your guitar type: Acoustic or electric, purchase one, and ensure it’s properly set up.
- Determine your practice schedule: Plan when you will practice each day.
- Select your practice space: Identify a comfortable and distraction-free practice area.
Once you’ve made these decisions, you’re ready to begin! Get your guitar, sign up for lessons if you’ve chosen that path, set up your practice space, and dedicate time to start playing.
Start practicing and enjoy the journey!
Conclusion
Learning guitar requires guidance and support, especially in the beginning. That’s perfectly normal and acceptable. Numerous resources are available to help you. The key is to follow a structured path that keeps you progressing steadily and minimizes frustration. It’s tempting to jump ahead and try to play advanced techniques prematurely. Resist that urge and stick to your learning plan. With consistent practice and a focused approach, it won’t be long before you’re making real music and enjoying the incredible rewards of playing guitar.
Any Questions?
If you are a beginner and have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Leave a comment below or visit the contact page at www.playguitarpodcast.com/contact. I’m happy to help guide you in the right direction.
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