Have you always wanted to learn guitar but just don’t know where to start? Well, the great news is that there are more resources out there now than ever before. As someone just starting out, the dozens of options of instruments, classes, gadgets, and tutorials will baffle you.
If you are learning guitar as an adult, we have broken down the basic steps below. Follow this simple guide and you will be strumming away in no time.
To conserve your time and effort, it’s always a great idea to first get clear on what you want to learn and your instrument of choice. Investing time in research before you start learning any type of guitar will help you plan out the best road map for you.
So grab a pencil, before you grab a guitar pick, and work these out:
Your first guitar is an important milestone. The type of music you dream of playing will influence your choice of guitar. Are you a fan of the soothing country blues or rock and roll?
Consider how much you want to spend on your first set of strings, how heavy the instrument will be, and how it feels in your lap while practicing. Metal versus nylon strings is another major choice.
Your guitar is not the only piece of equipment you’ll need. Consider investing in gadgets that can help elevate your practice sessions. The Pulse Vibrating Metronome will guide you through many rookie mistakes and help you master those hard licks faster.
Lap feel and finger playability may seem like minor details. But if you’re not 100% comfortable with your hardware, it’ll definitely make you less likely to practice with consistency.
Bridge, tempo, tuner, triad: these all sound like fancy words and can sometimes seem intimidating. Now that you have your hardware sorted, time to get down to business. Start by scheduling time to learn the industry jargon to comprehend better the terms guitarists use.
Here are some other useful basics to master at the beginning of learning guitar:
So you’ve got your guitar, your practice schedule is all mapped out, and you’re acing those guitar classes. You’re ready to jam out the Redemption Song now, right? Wrong! It’s best to start with baby steps and master simpler songs first.
Not only will that help build your confidence, but it will also give you time to perfect your timing and rhythm and find your own unique playing style.
Set yourself up for long-term success by setting up a comfortable practice nook in a quiet corner. Put up a few frames that inspire you to pick your instrument up, and always keep your guitar out on full display. Opt for a practice routine you can maintain long-term.
While beginner’s luck is undoubtedly a thing, it’s no substitute for practice, time, and training. Make sure you practice in class and after to master your art. The Metronome app by Soundbrenner is a tremendous free resource every guitarist must-have. It’ll have you jamming out wherever inspiration strikes you; no set-up is necessary!
Last but definitely not least, we know that guitar strings can make your fingers sore in the initial days, but keep practicing! Here are a couple of great ways to keep learning: this study found visualizing to be a very effective practice strategy. And consider these pointers on creating great practice habits for beginners.
Learning a new musical skill can be both exciting and frustrating. Always remember what inspired you to start, and that will surely level up your motivation. Remember, anything worth doing is worth doing right!
Soundbrenner is a company dedicated to helping musicians stay focused on what truly matters: their music. By creating innovative devices, such as Soundbrenner Pulse and Core, our goal is to deliver the best possible practice experience for musicians. Click here to find out more.
Got a question about Soundbrenner wearables? Reach out to us at [email protected], we’re happy to help!
