Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Many people have at some point in their lives, but don’t know where to start. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry! We’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll answer 11 common questions about beginning guitar. Keep reading to learn more!
Can I Teach Myself to Play Guitar?
It’s possible to teach yourself to play, but it will take time, patience, and a lot of practice. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start by learning the basic chords. A chord is simply two or more notes played together. There are many instructional books and online resources that can help you learn chords.
- Once you’ve mastered a few chords, start practicing simple songs. Again, there are plenty of instructional materials available to help you learn songs. Start with simple songs that use only a few chords and work your way up to more complex tunes.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning something new. The important thing is to keep practicing and strive to improve with each attempt.
- Be patient. Learning to play the guitar takes time and effort. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see immediate results; Rome wasn’t built in a day!
With some dedication and perseverance, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time. Sign up for guitar lessons if you want to learn the essentials – and check out the video below to find out more of the benefits of taking guitar lessons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tKEkV7bB1E
Common Questions About Beginning Guitar Lessons
Thinking about taking guitar lessons? It’s one of the most popular instruments for beginners! While it’s pretty easy to pick up the guitar and start plucking, if you really want to master the chords and songs you hear from your favorite artists, working with an experienced guitar teacher is important. Here, Brooklyn guitar teacher Amit P. discusses 11 of the most common questions new guitar players have before starting lessons…
1. “Am I too young or too old to start learning how to play the guitar?”
Progress in music is all about determination. As long as you have your heart in it, age is never a problem. I’ve taught students who were 6 years old and students who were 50+ – they all rocked! It’s always the right time to start playing.
2. “Do I have to practice 5 hours a day for the rest of my life?”
Well, in a perfect world all of my students are free of school/work/social life and they are practicing 10 hours a day. However, if you take lessons on a regular basis and practice your material an hour a day, you’re on the right track. Most of the concepts we cover in the lessons are practiced through a song that incorporates the material, which makes “practicing” a very natural process. For example, if you want to learn how to play with a guitar slide, we can play Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Scar Tissue”.
3. “Should I start by playing classical guitar or electric?”
Anything works, just remember it’s important to get used to your instrument. Younger students often have a hard time with the weight of an electric guitar; others might have trouble with the size of a classical guitar. At the end of the day, you grow accustomed to your instrument and not the other way around. The more time you will spend with your guitar, the more comfortable you will feel.
4. “I only play rock/metal/jazz/polka, why do I need to study other musical styles?”
Let’s be clear here: music is music is music. Exposing yourself to new music keeps your muse and brain hungry and constantly developing. That’s how great new music is created!
5. “Is it true that guitar players can’t read music?”
Nope, reading notes is extremely easy. Written music enables us to: (a) preserve music that was never recorded, (b) play any written piece whether it was written for 5 cellos and a trumpet or a piano, and (c) better understand the music we make and come across. It is just as important (and easy) as learning how to read.
6. “How can I be the best guitarist I can be? Do I need expensive gear?”
All you need is your instrument, patience, and maybe a metronome as well. It’s all about practice. Playing guitar pays back the time you’ve invested in it; it’s that simple. The more you play and practice, the better you get. Having great teachers is a tremendous help along the way, but the key ingredient here is you – *It’s all in your hands.*
7. “What type of guitar should a beginner use?”
When it comes to learning to play the guitar, one of the most important decisions a beginner can make is choosing the right instrument. With so many different types of guitars on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start.
For beginners, we recommend starting with an acoustic guitar.
Acoustic guitars are relatively affordable and easy to find, and they don’t require any special equipment or setup. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be used for a variety of styles, from folk to rock. If you’re serious about learning to play the guitar, an acoustic is a great place to start.
8. “What size guitar should I get for a beginner?”
Acoustic guitars come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny parlor guitars to massive jumbo models.
When you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose a guitar that is comfortable for you to play. If you’re a small person, or if you have small hands, you may want to consider a smaller guitar such as a concert or grand auditorium model. If you’re taller or have larger hands, you may prefer a dreadnought or jumbo acoustic.
Ultimately, the best way to decide what size guitar is right for you is to go to a music store and try out different models. Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson for help in choosing the best guitar for your needs.
9. “What are some beginning guitar chords to master?”
If you are just starting to learn guitar, there are a few chords that you should master first. These include the basic major and minor chords, as well as a few others that are commonly used in popular songs.
For major chords, you will need to learn the C, G, and D chords.
For minor chords, you will need to learn the A, E, and D chords. In addition to these basic chords, you should also learn how to play an F chord and a Bb chord. These two chords are used often in pop music, and they are relatively easy to learn.
With a little practice, you should be able to master all of these chords in no time.
10. “Are there beginning guitar songs I’ll learn?”
There are a few things to consider when choosing beginner guitar songs.
One, it’s important to select songs that are within your skill level. Trying to learn a song that’s too difficult can be frustrating and may cause you to give up on playing guitar altogether.
Also, you should choose songs that you actually enjoy listening to. Learning a song that you’re not interested in will make the process much less enjoyable.
Lastly, it’s helpful to choose songs that have simple chord progressions. This will make it easier to learn the basics of guitar playing.
With these things in mind, let’s take a look at some popular beginner guitar songs. One such song is “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. This song has a relatively slow tempo and consists of simple chords like G, C, and D.
Another popular choice for beginners is “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. This song is slightly faster than “I Walk the Line” but still uses basic chords. If you’re looking for a challenge, you could try learning “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. While this song is notoriously difficult, it’s also one of the most iconic guitar tracks of all time.
11. “Will I need to buy any beginning guitar books or other resources?”
There is no shortage of guitar books and other resources available on the market today. However, it is important to remember that every guitar player is different and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning the instrument.
With that said, there are some general guidelines that can be helpful for beginners.
If you are just starting out, it might be a good idea to purchase a beginner’s guitar instructional book or online course. These can provide a solid foundation in the basics of guitar playing.
In addition, there are many YouTube videos and other free resources available online that can be helpful for beginners.
Ultimately, the best way to learn is through trial and error, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Before Beginning Guitar Lessons, Take Time to Set Some Goals
If you’re ready to start learning guitar, we’ve got some tips for you.
First of all, do your research and find a guitar instructor or course that fits your skill level and interests. Don’t be afraid to ask around for recommendations – friends and family are a great resource when it comes to finding quality instruction.
Once you’ve found the right teacher, commit to practicing regularly (even if it’s just 10 minutes per day at first) and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight. With practice and patience, you will develop the skills needed to play guitar like a pro!
Of course, it’s also important to take the time to set some solid guitar goals. Without goals, you won’t have a clear idea of what direction you want to take in your guitar lessons.
Consider these tips today and sign up for lessons – the sky is the limit once you start playing this amazing instrument.
Amit P. teaches bass guitar, songwriting, and guitar lessons in Brooklyn, NY. He has been teaching for 15 years and he joined the TakeLessons team in August 2013. Amit specializes in teaching many genres of music, from country to metal. Learn more about Amit or search for a teacher near you!
You might also like…
–The Secret to Playing Guitar
–10 Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners This Summer [Infographic]
–Why Your Lead Guitar Technique May Be Boring Your Audience
Photo by David Masters
Megan L.