Learning to play guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting for beginners. To help make the process easier, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
1. Instrument
Choose a decent guitar. Expect to pay between $300-$500 to start out. Find a reputable store with knowledgeable staff to assist in your selection. I find small privately owned local shops give great advice for first time buyers.
2. Lessons
Select the best form of lessons that will work for your schedule whether online or face to face. Do some research on available teachers in your area that may share similar musical styles that you enjoy listening to and may inspire you to play more consistently. Most schools offer a brief bio describing the educator’s history and musical philosophy. Choose wisely, but remember, if the teacher does not inspire you, there are others that will.
3. Practice guitar
Carve out 15-20 min a day at a minimum specifically to work on guitar practice. This is imperative to gain dexterity and strength in your hands. If your fingers are not strong enough to hold the strings properly to the frets, the music will never sound good.
4. Keep yourself inspired
Develop a playlist of songs that will inspire you to practice and play guitar. Being prepared with multiple songs will also help your teacher select the best songs for you to begin with and help you maintain direction to achieve success with more advanced form as you progress.
5. Community
Get out and support local music. If your goal is to perform, get out into your community and see what is available. Sign up for open mic nights, volunteer at church or recitals that may give you an opportunity to play in public. If you do not have a drive to perform, simply get out there and find some local artists that you may enjoy watching perform. Musicians love to talk to other musicians and the music community supports all artists on all levels. You will be surprised at what opportunities may arise from a simple conversation.
6. Patience
Give yourself some grace. Not every day will be easy playing guitar. You will meet challenges and may choose to not play for the day. Know that it’s okay and to be patient with yourself. You’ll only get out of playing what you put into it. It’s okay to feel frustrated occasionally, just do not give up because the end result is always worth the effort.
Learning to play guitar is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn. To make it easier, remember to choose a good guitar, find a suitable teacher, practice regularly, stay motivated, get involved in the local music community, and be patient with yourself. With dedication and perseverance, playing guitar can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
