The guitar is one of the most common musical instruments but it's also one of the hardest to play. But if you are patient enough and you regularly set aside time to practice, you can learn how to play the instrument in a short period of time. You should also keep in mind that there are various types of guitars. Majority of music teachers recommend that you start with a standard acoustic guitar before you set your eyes on more difficult types like bass and electric guitars. To help you get started on the right foot, below are practical tips for playing the guitar. Learning to strum or pluck the instrument would be easier if you follow these tips.
1) Learn and memorize the different guitar chords. You can't proceed if you don't master the basic and advanced chords because these make up the very foundation of guitar-playing. It's advisable that you start slow. Try to learn two or three chords in every session. If you keep up this pace every time you practice, it's just a matter of time before you familiarize yourself with all the basic and advanced chords. There are dozens of instruction books out there that teaches you how to play these chords. Try to get one or two of these books to serve as your reference point.
2) Always use correct fingering. This is one of the most important tips for playing the guitar. If you know how to place your fingers on the right tab or fret, it will be easier for you to transition from one chord to another. Always remember that having quick fingers is important in playing the guitar because most songs out there require you to be able to keep up with the tempo. Of course, you are always free to employ ways of fingering that you find more convenient. But if you are just a beginner, it's best that you stick to the standard rules of fingering.
3) Get a mentor. This is by far the most practical way to learn how to play the guitar. The mentor doesn't have to be a professional guitar player. As long as he knows how to play all the basic and advanced chords, he has what it takes to provide you valuable lessons. What's great about a one-on-one learning session is that your mentor will correct you whenever you make a mistake. You learn as you go.
4) Take advantage of the resources available online. There are tons of articles, guides, tutorials, and videos online that you can use to learn more about guitar-playing. YouTube alone has hundreds of videos teaching viewers everything from guitar plucking and strumming to string adjustment. These resources can be very valuable in teaching you new techniques on how to play the guitar.
These practical tips for playing the guitar are not that difficult to follow. If you really want to learn how to play the instrument, you have to put in a lot of time into your practice sessions. Just pick up your guitar whenever you have the time. The more you play, the better you become in playing the instrument.