Guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. It is an instrument that can be easily handled by both kids and adults. And, you can play all sorts of music in it from classic to metal and more. It’s wonder that people are looking for online tutorials on how to play guitar.
playing guitar is easier than most of the instruments. Once you learn the basics, you can easily learn to play and create your own music. If you are meaning to learn guitar, you can easily do it with an online class. Learning from a professional can help you learn it the right way. Before you learn how to play guitar, you need to know a few important things first.
Here is everything you need to know about how to play guitar:
Choose a Guitar First
This goes without saying that you need to have a guitar to play a guitar. Now, guitar comes in many forms, sizes and styles. Depending on at what stage of learning you are at, you need to choose the right one.
There are many variations of guitars, but it can be divided into basic three types for better understanding:
1. Classical Guitar (or Nylon String)
A classic guitarist similar to acoustic guitars but they are smaller in size with wider neck. They have nylon strings which produces very distinct sound. If you are beginner then a classic guitar with nylon string will be easier to handle. They are thicker and stronger making them easier for the fingertips. It is also good for kids who want to learn guitar. It has much wider space which gives more room to the fingers.
2. Acoustic Guitar (Steel String)
Acoustic guitars have steel strings and they are slightly bigger than the classic guitars. The steel strings are much stronger and the extra tension gives a more prominent sound. The sounds produced on this guitar is much better and louder than the classic guitars. This one is good for beginners who have some experience in handling guitars as the steel strings are sharp. Kids who have some experience can handle the guitar better without getting hurt.
3. Electric Guitar
Electric guitars are very popular, especially with the younger generation. They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes and electronics. Unlike classic and acoustic guitars, the electric guitars cannot work without external amplification.
Most of electric guitars don’t have cavity, usually they are all solid wood. As the name suggest, the sound the is produced by transferring the magnetic energy of the strings into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then transferred to an amplifier where the signal is tweaked to produce all sorts of sounds.
Get to know the Guitar
Now that you have chosen the guitar, it is now time to learn the basics. It is now time to identify the different parts of the guitars. This is the most important step for the beginners.
Learn about the different parts of the guitar like the strings that run between the headstock. The headstock is attached to the tuning pegs that can be rotated to tighten and loosen them. The neck of the guitar is long wooden piece with a flat and curved side.
Learn to Hold the Guitar
It is important to hold guitar the right way if you want to learn how to play guitar. Correct position is the key to getting the right results. Handling the guitar properly is important and there a few things you need to take care of:
- Sit up straight on a chair or stool. Stool is the best furniture to sit on when you are learning to play guitar. Position the guitar in such a way that the thickest strings points at the ceiling and the smallest on eat the ground.
- Make sure that the back of the guitar is flat against your stomach and chest and is resting on your legs. Cradle the guitar in your body with left hand stabilizing the neck. Hold the neck of the guitar between your thumb and forefinger by creating a V.
Make sure that your position is correct and you are holding the guitar properly so that it doesn’t slip off your hands.
Learn The Names of The String
The next thing you need to do is learn the name of the strings starting from the lowest to highest pitch. The strings go by the names E, A, D, G, B, and E. Make sure that you know the names of the strings in correct order. It is important to tune your guitar regularly so that you don’t have difficulty while playing.
Learn About Chords
The most common types of chords used are C Major, A Major, G Major, E Major, D Major. After learning the names, learn how to place your fingers on the chords. Play through ach chords and make sure that the sounds come out clean and right. Practice as much a you can to master the basics. Don’t forget to relax your fingers in between practice to protect them.
The Bottom-line
These are some of the things you need to remember when you are learning to play guitar. You can opt for online classes to learn how to play guitar from an expert teacher. You can easily learn to play guitar with a video tutorial. And, you can do it from the comfort of your home.
Shan’s School is a place where you can learn how to play guitar from the best teacher in India – Shantanu Arora. He is a Winner of Karmaveer Chakra for Music. Learn from a talented teacher and know how music can change your life.
Email us for more information – shanschoolofmusic@gmail.com