Learn The Basics Of The Guitar
Learn the basics of the guitar with David Joel in Philadelphia
It may not be as exciting as playing your first solo or strumming the chords to your favorite song. But little things like learning the names of your strings and the different parts of your guitar can help you build greater familiarity with your instrument.
Here are just a few guitar basics and why you should learn them.
How to set up a guitar
Keeping your guitar in good working condition is essential to better playing and developing your ear. Learn how to use a guitar tuner and be sure your strings are properly tuned. Learn how to replace a string in case one breaks during a practice session. Understand the different parts of your instrument and how those little things impact the sound of your guitar.
How to remember guitar string order and names
Learning the names of strings and the order in which they appear on your guitar can help you to identify tones and notes, as well as transfer that knowledge to more advanced practices, such as reading tablature. Get tips and tricks for remembering guitar string order and their names from your guitar instructor. He or she certainly has some ideas to help.
How to hold a guitar pick
Holding a pick correctly can help you to create a much more pleasing sound. Understanding more about the different sounds achieved with picks of varying thickness (or thinness) can also help you to hear how the right pick can impact the tone of your guitar. Holding a pick is one of the fundamental basics you will learn when you take guitar lessons. It’s not only crucial to your playing, holding it correctly will also keep pain in your hand and arm away.
How to play notes on your guitar
One of the earliest things you’ll learn as a beginner guitarist is learning where to place your fingers on the fretboard to be sure that note clearly rings out. Hearing notes clearly is key to identifying notes and learning how to play guitar. In the beginning your fingers are going to ache and you will undoubtably get callused, but it will all become second hand the more you practice.
How to strum like a pro
Little things like keeping your wrist loose while strumming can not only help you to achieve a more fluid style of playing, but it can also help to decrease pain or tightness after a practice session. This is another important lesson that your instructor will teach you going forward.
Guitar chords 101
Learning to play guitar chords are one of the fundamental building blocks of a guitar education. Even if you’re not able to play a guitar solo (yet!), beginner guitarists can easily learn a few simple chords and strum along to their favorite songs as a rhythm player.