How to Play the Guitar
Everyone must have dreamed that you are standing on a stage with a microphone and a guitar, and the spotlights are all on you like a superstar. When you sweep down the guitar, the sound echoes around the concert. But, we usually get cold feet because we think learning guitar is really difficult. However, if you catch the main points, learning guitar is not as difficult as you imagine. Here are three main parts of learning guitar from scratch.
To begin with, get to know your guitar and music theory because they are the basis of everything. Before you start to play a song, you need to be familiar with your guitar. From knowing the names ofguitar elements, strings order, to holding a guitar and pick, and tuning. Then, you can start to learn some basic music theories. For instance, diatonic scale, or how to read the tablature. These can not only help you communicate with others more effectively but can be applied to many other things, like finding chords on higher frets.
Next, memorize some basic chords by learning your favorite song. It is really monotonous to memorize the chords one by one, so learning from songs that you like is really helpful. Many songs are only composed by 4 chords, and you can find some recommended songs on the internet, choose one and start your journal! Look up for those chords in the beginning, and then keep practicing, until you can switch the chords fluently and fast without watching the fretboard. Besides, you might feel frustrated when you first meet bar chords which is a type of chord pressing down multiple strings across a single fret by one finger. Bar chords do need practice, but there are some tips to make you play more easily. First, place your thumb halfway down the neck. Second, rotate your index finger and use the bony part to press the strings. Third, place your index finger close to the fret. Bar chords are really difficult, but if you conquer them, you can basically play each chord by changing the position. If you are fully equipped with some basic chords, it’s time to learn the rhythms to connect those separate chords into your favorite song!
Lastly, learn different types of rhythm. You can practice the basic pattern of that rhythm on one chord. Here are some points for strumming. First, follow a steady beat. You can use a metronome to help you if needed. Then, make your downstrokes and upstrokes clear. Third, keeping a loose wrist can make the sound more flexible. Then you can practice this together while you are memorizing chords from songs, and then change along with the feeling of the song when you are familiar enough with the rhythm. Slow soul, folk rock, and bossa nova are common rhythms. If you can recognize what kind of rhythm is it in the beginning, it will help you learn songs more effectively.
Although these three steps are fundamental, they can pave the way for your future learning. Learning guitar is like building a house. Music theory is the foundation, the chords are bricks, and the rhythms are cement. With a firm foundation, the bricks can be laid well, and the cement can help you build up a higher building. However, aside from these three steps, it’s important to keep practicing.Only through practice can you evolve from shrill, muffled, and flat sound into sonorous and clear music!