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How to Play Electric Guitar

If you've always wanted to learn how to play electric guitar, but didn't know where to start, you might be surprised at how easy it can be.

You may have already decided that the electric guitar is the way you want to go, as opposed to an acoustic guitar. If not, just be aware that the electric guitar requires an amplifier to be heard, so there can be a little more of an investment of the front end.

Here is a quick list of things you will need to play electric guitar:

1. Guitar - (Duh!) Take some time to shop around. Visit your local music store, and look around online. There are some nice package deals out there for under $200.

2. Amplifier - Amps, like guitars, come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. If you're just starting out, shoot for getting an amp in a package deal (as described above) until you know that you are going to stick with it.

3. Cable - You will need a decent cable to plug from the guitar to the amp. Again, package deals usually include these.

4. Tuner - A good digital tuner is a must and they are inexpensive, often under $20 or less. They can also be found in many package deals.

5. Gig Bag
- Nylon gig bags are a great investment when you are traveling with your guitar to take lessons or jam with some friends.

6. Picks - Although guitar picks come in various shapes and thicknesses, start out with a standard shape medium pick. These provide enough flexibility for strumming, but also are rigid enough for single not picking.

7. Lessons - Grab a book, sign up at the local music store, or enroll in an online program - but save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the beginning by getting some kind of lessons under your belt.

Learn your first chord

Here is a great first chord to get started on. It's the "E" major chord, and because most guitars are tuned to E standard, this is a good one to learn early in the game:

E--------0------
B--------0------
G--------1------
D--------2------
A--------2------
E--------0------

Now you've got your gear checklist, and your first chord - so jump on in there!

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