Being all alone as a beginning guitar player can be challenging. That means that you do not have anyone to give you all the tips needed to become a successful guitarist. It also implies that you cannot take advantage of the road through your musical process that a teacher may give. That is where we come in! Our tips are more focused on beginners who are striving to learn efficiently and swiftly. Below is a checklist of guitar basics that every guitarist should understand and stick to throughout the path to greatness.
Read Standard Music Notation
It is prudent for every guitarist to learn how to read music. It is not as complicated as it appears. Nonetheless, it makes the rest of your personal guitar learning experience faster and easier. The notation simply gives directions on how to play a piece of music. Without it, it is similar to attempting to set up a piece of furniture without reading the instructions. Learning how to play the guitar without notations will be tougher and time-consuming.
Have the right Picks
Nothing is as confusing as having a sheer volume of pick shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and materials to choose from at a music store. After some time playing your guitar, you may find yourself trying out several picks to accommodate your progressed playing styles. Nevertheless, plastic picks are a popular choice for the flexibility and grip they offer. It is often recommended that it is better to select a standard size and shape as a good starting point. As far as thickness is concerned, it would be better to opt for a pick of medium thickness. Thick picks guarantee a solid grip without being too overwhelming to hold.
Learn Pentatonic Scales
Standard music education would have every beginner learn major scales in the beginning. However, pentatonic scales are generally far more instantly beneficial for a guitarist than major scales. Just like everything in the process of learning guitar, it is not advisable to attempt mastering all of it right away. Begin by using a basic box pattern rooted in the sixth string. Gradually add in subsequent patterns when you are confident you have perfected the one you are learning.
Obtain a Tuner
With a tuner, you will easily be able to tune your guitar far more quickly and accurately. The most common tuners are an electronic tuner, chromatic tuner, clip-on tuners or pitch pipe. A chromatic tuner allows you to tune in any key. On the other hand, clip-on tuners attach to the headstock of the guitar and tune through the vibration of your strings. That is an excellent choice for beginners because they are portable, visible, and easy to use.
Get a perfect Strap
A strap is a necessity for stabilizing your instrument, especially if you intend to play while standing up. You will encounter a vast variety of straps in the market. However, comfort should be the ultimate priority as a beginner. Selecting a strap that is at least 2 inches in width, with additional padding will help to prevent shoulder and neck pain.