If you are playing, you should know the hacks. Yes, it is true that nothing will replace hard work, but it’s always good to keep some tricks in hand to avoid any non-productive guitar play, to get away with usual guitar tech issues and skip some boring sessions. Most of us start to learn the guitar for fun, but where do you start? Here are some tips which you can refer if you are on the verge of beginning your guitar lessons.
Don’t spend too much:
Yes, don’t think of spending a fortune on your first guitar. Get a cheap one to start with. For your sessions try to get it borrowed from a friend or family member. If not try to get beginners acoustic guitar under $250. Start learning chords, play some songs and I would say “ Earn an expensive one!”
Pinkie turns your secret weapon in learning guitar
Yes, it is the lightest portion of your hand, but if you aim it good and start bonding with enough care it will be your best ally. You can turn this under-developed finger to a strong pinkie, which in turn help you with some top shredding skills.
Extend the life of your strings
Keep your strings neat and wipe it down always after a long session. Residues, piled up on your strings might negatively affect the quality as well as the life of your guitar’s strings.
Play along with recorded versions
Yes, this a great hack which always helps. Let it be singing or playing the guitar, listening to the recorded versions and playing along with it, always help as studio edited tracks carry perfect tones.
Out of tune? DIY!
Yes, you don’t want to run down to your neighborhood music store every time your guitar goes out of tune to learn to tune it accurately and quickly. If possible, invest in a good guitar tuner and make it a worthwhile investment. There are some cheap ways to tune it using Android or iOS apps. Once you become a pro you won’t need any of these tuners but in your beginning sessions, it’s always good to carry one.
Master the skill of holding your Pick!
Want to learn guitar, be comfortable with holding your pick first. You might think why a pick when I have my thumb. It might be easier at the start, but using a thumb is a terrible habit. If you want to be a guitarist learn to play it with a pick and your fingers. (Not the thumbs).
Practice smarter!
Yes, while learning to play the guitar, practice in a smart way. It is always tempting to practice in your comfort zone, but if you learn to practice in most stressful conditions, you can easily play anywhere. Try practicing in different moods and States of mind. If you are a pro, you never know what conditions you will have to play under. Try playing when you are least motivated, angry or tired. This is a good way of mastering the skill.
Learn the theory!
This is a big mistake most beginners make. Always learn to read music. This helps in many ways, allowing you to keep playing if you slip out of your memory, especially when you are on stage. It also gives you room for improvising!
Don’t strum too hard.
Some other big mistake beginners make is to keep strumming too hard on your instrument. Yes, there’s nothing wrong in strumming too hard for the right song, but don’t hit it hard when you need softer too.
Tip: relax your arms and keep strumming to a cheesy song. I bet you will get in the mood of relaxed and chill strumming!
Final and the most important Hack!
Never give up! It will certainly make a difference. It’s normal to start at an incredibly slow pace but don’t give up as most people do in this phase. For every instrument there is a definite learning curve and so is the same with learning guitar as well.
As my most favorite guitarist quoted,
“ If you want music to be your livelihood, then play, play, play and play! And eventually, you will get to where you want to be.” – Eddie Van Halen.
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