Guitar Playing through the Blues Easy Play Method
The acoustic guitar is an excellent instrument with a fine musical tradition. Whether your interests range from classical, blues to rock, learning to play guitar can serve to enrich not only your life, but that of those around you. If you’re interested in learning to play but don’t quite know how to begin, here are a few tips that will have you strumming successfully in no time.
Before you begin learning, you must first select a good guitar. Many resources are available to help you choose the best for your situation. In general, while you certainly shouldn’t choose a top-of-the-line instrument right away, the least expensive option can be painful to play, uncomfortable to hold and a hassle to keep tuned and in good shape. Playing the guitar should be a joy, and you won’t continue learning if it becomes physically painful or more about tuning and restringing than about making music.
Next, decide what and how you wish to learn to play guitar. Practicing the acoustic guitar should be a fun process, so you should choose a path that is aligned with your musical interests. If you enjoy rock, but your materials or instructor enjoys classical, then the material simply won’t speak to you. Live instruction is usually the best option for those who can both afford lessons and spare the time to commute to them. In-person direction is incredibly helpful when learning chord formations, finding the optimal position in which to sit or stand, and the many other details which new players must learn. If you choose this route, interview your instructors before purchasing lessons from them, choosing one with similar musical tastes and with whom you have good rapport.
Online or video instruction is another popular option for those who either cannot afford regular lessons or who do not have them available for other reasons. The static, two-dimensional books of the past are quickly being replaced by detailed animations, video, and audio materials that can be played back more slowly to encourage quality practice. As with in-person instruction, select courses with musical influences similar to your own. Also, nothing prevents you from adopting a hybrid approach, working both with an instructor and with online materials. This will not only offer multiple perspectives, but will let you choose your path more freely or follow it at a different pace.
In the beginning, focus on achieving tangible results quickly. In your vocabulary as a musician, songs are your words and, as such, you should strive to learn the basic chords and a few simple songs. Not only will doing so give you a quick rush of accomplishment that will more rapidly fuel future successes, but learning chords and songs will help you to take your craft to others.
Speaking of taking your craft to others, networking with other musicians is incredibly powerful. If you thought that the thrill of learning your first song was intense, that felt during your first jam session is even more so. Though your skills may be modest, you are certain to find a welcome spot in most groups of musicians. Guitarists are usually a helpful group, eager to work with new players.
If you’re eager to learn to play guitar, following the above advice will have you on a solid path to success in no time.
Playing Guitar made Easy:
Griff Hamlin Blues Guitar