my tips for anyone wanting to start playing the guitar - for what it's worth
my background: I have been playing the guitar for over 20 years and in that time have given up loads of times before finally one day falling in love with it and from that my journey became a pleasure not a pain
I've played with bands (only in jam sessions though) and I am self-taught but have regretted not taking lessons when I first started out
the purists among you might think my thinking is controversial but anyhoo...
FIRSTlywhy do you want to learn?is it to play in a band?if so then there's a LOT of hard work and years of practice ahead
then you've got to ask yourself whether you're happy playing covers (other artist's music and songs) because that's going to be hard but in a way easier than writing your own as all the tabs are there for you to learn from
to form your own band or be a solo artist?if so then there's a LOT of hard work and years of practice ahead
and then you need creativity as song writing/music writing is a much harder path but a more rewarding one creatively
to play to your family and friends?if so then there's a LOT of hard work and years of practice ahead
but you have to ask yourself how many times are you going to be able to do this and then you'll really need to learn to sing as people aren't going to sit around and listen to you playing the instrumental versions of Wonderwall, Yellow, One, Hotel California etc they'll want to hear the songs
to play by yourself in your bedroom along to your songs?if so then there's a LOT of hard work and years of practice ahead - but only you will hear how good/bad you are and you'll have to ask yourself is that rewarding enough for all the time you'll have to commit to learning
to make your own music/songs to upload to youtube/social media/free streaming sites like soundloud?if so then there's a LOT of hard work and years of practice ahead - and then be prepared for people to criticise your music
and what are you going to do with your music? sell it? offer it for free? is that rewarding enough?
and then what level of guitarist are you aiming to be?do you want to be as good as Hendrix/McCartney/Gilmour etc?i can tell you now that you won't be. So set your bar quite low and be realistic and then you can relax and learn the guitar knowing that each day you'll get better but realistically if Hendrix is a 10 then most guitarists - even really good ones - never really get past being a 4
do you need to know music theory and will you have to learn scales and read music before you can start playing?no. most learners are put off playing the guitar by having to do all this first and learning to play should be fun. my advice is to learn a few chords and learn a few songs and then if you want to progress further then it's up to you to pursue those avenues
so are those avenues worth pursing then?fucking hell yes, and they will make you a better guitarist and 'things' will start to fall into place BUT you CAN learn to play songs without that knowledge so it is up to you
should you take guitar lessons?only when you are ready to as it can depend on the teacher and it can depend on your confidence and commitment - you CAN learn to play from youtube videos but you can't get that personal one to one that a teacher can bring and that instant answer to your questions
I'd rather a learner enjoyed the introduction to playing the guitar rather than get bored with theory, finger exercises, guitar terminology, different tunings, strumming patterns, string weight, difficult chords etc - they can come at a later date when you're ready to progress
SECONDLYwhat guitar should you by?you can get away with buying one you just like the look of or you favourite guitarist plays - nothing wrong with that - BUT going to a music shop to choose is the better way as the weight of the guitar, the feel of the neck, listening to the tonality (both of acoustic and electric guitars) and simply your own gut instinct will tell you if it's the right guitar for you
And don't be afraid of having to play in front of the assistant or people in the shop as the assistants are used to people who can't play and they actually prefer someone who is having a go rather than a show-off - and people walking around the shop couldn't really give 2 fucks either
if you need to then just say to the assistant that you feel nervous or you are a learner BUT you'll still need to hold the guitar and strum a few chords
if buying an electric guitar or an electro acoustic then I would hold off buying an amp because you're going to sound rubbish and so playing through an amp, you're going to sound like rubbish at loud volume - and then if you buy a cheap amp then you're going to sound even more rubbish
buy a good pair of headphones and a multi-pedal and then progress to an amp when you're more competent and confident - of course if you're making a band then you'll need an amp to jam along with your buddies to but if you're playing by yourself then there's no need to at such an early stage
how much should you pay for a guitar?pay as much as you can because you will be paying for better quality BUT don't worry about buying a Strat for £3000 when you're just starting out, get a decent starter guitar which can range from £200 upwards - less if in a sale - of course try and pay as much as you can but don't sell your house for something that you may decide is not for you
I would be wary of buying second hand as a beginner because it could have wear and faults that put you off from playing it - if it does play properly!
and buying a cheap shitty guitar will sound cheap and shitty and you will sound cheap and shitty and it will put you off learning
a little bit of adviceyou HAVE to keep the guitar tuned and you HAVE to practice A LOT
half an hour a day ain't gonna be enough if you want to progress - a minimum of 1-2 hours a day, and I mean a minimum, would benefit you massively
of course we can't all fit that amount of practice in but try your best to as it'll do you no end of good and you'll get a feel for your guitar and playing it and treating it like a friend NOT like a chore - you want to love your guitar like you love your favourite child and enjoy picking it up to play with it
last thingAgain - you HAVE to keep the guitar tuned and you HAVE to practice A LOT
