10 Must-Know Tips for Starting Your Guitar-Playing Journey

Ready to play the guitar? Those who are planning on learning how to play will want to make sure they do it right from the start. The beginning of the journey sets up the person for success or failure, so be sure to do the following to get a good start and learn how to play. 

Find the Right Guitar

It’s crucial to find the right guitar. Consider the type of music, where practice will happen, guitar preferences, and more. Take a few minutes to browse Charvel electric guitars to see if they’re a good option. 

Make Sure the Guitar is Tuned

Before each playing session, take the time to make sure the guitar is tuned. A basic tuner is inexpensive but will be vital to keep the guitar tuned and ready to play at any time. Be sure to learn how to use the tuner to make sure the guitar is always tuned properly. 

Learn to Hold the Guitar

It’s not necessary to hold the guitar so tight that it becomes painful. Instead, invest in a strap, even if playing while sitting, and hold the guitar gently. Make sure the guitar is in the right position to make it easier to play. 

Be Ready for Calluses

The skin on fingers will start to harden as someone learns to play the guitar. Though this can be a little bit painful in the beginning, the calluses make it easier to hold down the strings and strum in the long run. Take care of any pain or other issues and take breaks as needed to be able to continue playing the guitar. 

Take Lessons

It is a good idea for beginners to take lessons so they can learn how to play the guitar. In-person lessons are best, as there is immediate feedback available from the instructor. If this is not possible, though, online lessons can be an excellent alternative. 

Practice While Sitting and Standing

It’s a good idea to practice playing while sitting and standing. Adjust the strap to help hold the guitar while standing to make it easier to play. Since there are differences in how the guitar is held while sitting or standing, it is recommended to practice both, even if the player has a preference. 

Practice Not Looking at Hands

It takes time, but practice being able to play chords without looking at the hands. Beginners will look at their hands more often at first, but this should be phased out over time as the person learns how to seamlessly switch between chords or strings. 

Use a Metronome

Try using a metronome to get the beat right and ensure it is steady while practicing. If the player will play with others, they will need to be able to follow along with the other musicians in the group, so this can help them practice the song properly. 

Play With Friends

Have fun and play with friends. There is a lot to learn from playing with others, including how to make sure everyone stays on beat and how to follow along with others. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun to get together and play songs. 

Do Hand Exercises

Don’t forget to do hand exercises. This helps build up strength, which means it’s possible to practice or play longer without feeling fatigued. Try a range of different exercises to see what works best. 

Make sure you do all of the things mentioned here to become a better player and be able to play the music you enjoy. It won’t be long before you start to get a lot better at playing, as long as you keep practicing.