How to Get Started Playing the Guitar

Learning to play a musical instrument isn’t just a feat that you can feel proud of; it also gives people a way to tap into their creative side, relax and engage in an extremely rewarding hobby. If you’ve always wanted to learn the guitar, there’s no time like the present, as there are plenty of resources and tips that will help beginners just like you. So, before you talk yourself out of the process, here’s a look at how you can get started playing the guitar. Remember, getting started is half the battle.

Sign Up for Lessons

There is nothing wrong with teaching yourself to play the guitar, and many of the greats will attest to that being their learning mode. But if you’ve got the means, signing up for lessons can give you a solid foundation to build upon. Even if you just learn the basics, it can act as the launching point and give you the confidence to keep learning on your own.

Look around for local instructors or check with your local music shop to see if they offer lessons. Sometimes you can get a better deal if you purchase a package of a few lessons rather than paying as you go.

Watch Tutorials Online

Whether you’ve signed up for lessons or not, watching tutorials online should also be a part of your process. Tutorials can teach you the chords, proper hand and finger placement, and guide you through the basics. Be sure to check out a few different tutorials as you may not connect with each person’s video style. Apps are another option and can be simpler to navigate than browser-based tutorials.

Pick a Few Easy Songs to Learn

Often, people focus on mastering the chords and scales, but without learning songs, it’s hard to perfect your skills. Try picking out a few easy songs that you can focus on. There is a natural progression that happens when you’re playing a song rather than just practicing chords.

Some of the easier songs to learn to play include:

• Honky Tonk Women, The Rolling Stones
• Wonderwall, Oasis
• Bad Moon Rising, Creedence Clearwater Revival
• He Didn’t Have to Be, Brad Paisley
• 7 Years, Lukas Graham
• Something to Talk About, Bonnie Rait
• Here Comes the Sun, The Beatles

Picking Out the Right Guitar

Probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when getting started is which guitar to buy. Because the hobby is new for you, it may be wise to look into used guitars for sale and take advantage of better pricing. You’ll be able to look at top-of-the-line models that make learning the guitar a pleasure, all while saving money. Moving forward you may choose to stick with used guitars, especially when you find ones that are in great condition.

Classical guitars are typically best for those just starting. They tend to be a little easier to play. If you’re looking at electric guitars, Fender is a solid brand to choose from and is well-respected by musicians.

Remember, learning to play the guitar is something that is in your control. You make the choice, and you can make it happen with some hard work and lots of practice.