So you finally got that guitar you've always wanted. Maybe Santa left one under the tree, or it came as a birthday present, or you saved up and made a trip to the local music store to pick one out.
You anxiously open the box and pull the guitar out of the case, hold it in your hands ready to get started. Now what?
Whether your goal is to start rocking with a band, writing the next hit song, or just sit around the house and play your favorite songs - here are some things you should do right away to get the most of your guitar playing experience.
1. Learn how to tune the guitar
Before you attempt your first chord, or learn the first note - you should learn how to tune the guitar. Digital electronic tuners make the process easy and are inexpensive. You should also learn how to tune the guitar "manually" by ear. This requires a little more effort, but will pay huge dividends down the road in training your ear to "hear" the notes - and also when the batteries die in your electronic tuner.
2. Learn to identify the parts of the guitar
Whether you're playing an acoustic, electric or classical guitar, you should become familiar with the various terms that identify the parts of your guitar. Especially useful are terms such as headstock, neck, fret board, bridge and tuners.
3. Learn how to hold the guitar
Proper posture, hand and arm placement are essential in making your early days on the guitar more enjoyable.
4. Learn the notes of the open strings
The standard guitar has 6 strings, and each open string corresponds to a musical note. The 6 string notes beginning with the largest string closest to you are as follows:
E A D G B E
Knowing the names of these strings is also important when learning how to tune the guitar.
5. Learn the numbers assigned to each open string
As you begin a guitar lessons program you will often see the guitar strings referred to as a number (1 through 6) instead of the letter name of the actual note. Contrary to a common misconception, when naming the strings by number you start with the high (thinnest) E string as # 1, and work up sequentially from there.
6. Learn to identify the frets
From a technical standpoint, the guitar "frets" are the wires that are imbedded into the fret board on the neck of the guitar. However, from a practical standpoint, when we discuss frets in terms of playing guitar, we are referring to the spaces "in between" those fret wires. We often assign those frets a number, and the first fret is the one at the end of the neck closest to the headstock.
7. Learn how to "fret" the guitar
In contrast to the physical parts of the guitar called the "frets", the act of "fretting" the guitar refers to the actual placement of the fingers on the fret board. In general, placing the fingers in a position just slightly behind the fret "wire" will produce to best and clearest sound.
8. Learn how to hold the pick
Although there are many schools of thought on how to hold the guitar pick, if you start out with the basic position of holding the pick between the thumb and first finger, with the pointed end of the pick facing outward - you will get a good feel for it. Eventually you will develop you own style accord to what is most comfortable for you.
9. Learn the strumming motion
There are primarily two strokes used when strumming the guitar. They are "down" strokes, and "up" strokes. Even the most complicated of stroke patterns are typically comprised of various combinations of these two strokes, so start slowly and work on becoming comfortable with them.
10. Learn how to read TAB
Tablature or TAB is a way of notating music on guitar in an easy to learn format that does not require learning how to read music.
In general, a TAB diagram illustrates the guitar with 6 horizontal lines representing the 6 strings. Numbers are placed on these lines that indicate the fret to be played, and additionally, there are various notations and symbols that indicate a variety of techniques to be used on particular notes - such as bends, slides, vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs and more.
Most music offerings nowadays include a TAB score, so learning how to read it will take you a long way.
11. Choose a guitar lessons program
Many new guitar students make the mistake of using "Google" to learn guitar and wind up jumping around from one site to another. The truth is, however, that many of these students end up quitting the guitar in frustration because they never make any real progress.
Choosing a good lessons program and sticking to in the beginning will give you a good grounding on the guitar. It's imperative to learn the basics in order to advance, and focusing on just one course of study in the early days will actually help you progress much faster and further.
12. Learn how to care for your guitar
Most guitars are made of wood and, as a result, are susceptible to changes in temperature, humidity and environment. Learn how to care for the guitars finish, how to transport your guitar, how and when to change strings, and how to maintain the mechanical components - and your guitar will reward you with years of music in return.
Whether you aspire to play rock and roll, blues, country, jazz, classical or polka on the guitar, taking the time get some of the basics under your belt will ensure a long and happy relationship between you and your guitar.
Keep on picking!
Over 40, 50, 60? For Free Video Guitar Lessons designed for Active Adults go to https://www.adultguitarlessons.com/amember/free_lessons-1225ez.php
Keith Dean is founder of http://www.AdultGuitarLessons.com and a 30 veteran of stage and studio. He toured extensively as a road musician throughout the US and Europe, was a former lead guitarist for Jason Aldean, and has shared stages with Little Big Town, Wild Rose, Winger, Confederate Railroad and more. He is a published songwriter, owned and operated a successful music store, and has instructed numerous students in guitar.
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