I am feeling generous today so I’m going to give you a free guitar lesson by writing this blog on how to play the guitar. You will benefit from this whether you are trying to learn Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, or Classical Guitar. While each of these types of guitars have a different function in music, each has the same tuning therefore making them all ok to learn basic guitar playing skills on.
Being a guitar player doesn’t mean you have to be the best. Technically speaking, there can only be one BEST player so I think it’s better to not worry about that and just focus on things that are within our control like how much you practice guitar. Being the best is an idealistic fantasy that very few will come close to reaching. I want all guitar students to be the best they can be, but it shouldn’t be your focus or even cross your mind. The guitar lessons that I’m going to give here will be more of a primer lesson that will help undo preconceptions and mindless tendencies about guitar and guitar instruction.
Lesson 1:Choose a Guitar
Find a guitar that fits your budget and make sure it’s comfortable to hold. If the guitar is new be certain to ask the store to setup and calibrate your new instrument. If it is used then seek a professional guitar technician to setup and calibrate the guitar for you. Don’t fall into the trap of just trying to find a beautiful LOOKING guitar. Let’s instead focus on making the guitar SOUND beautiful. You can reward yourself with a new guitar after learning to play at a certain level.
Lesson 2: Forget about being a guitar player
We all know that it’s impossible to stop your mind from thinking what it wants. We can however choose which thoughts we want to follow. Concentrate on being a guitar student and let the guitar player just happen. In other words, let go of what you will eventually become by keeping your mind and your attitude towards being a student of guitar.
Lesson 3: Don’t teach yourself
Nobody is really self-taught and everyone is self-taught all at the same time. How can this be? Well, if you don’t have a guitar teacher, then it is generally said that you are self-taught. Not having a teacher doesn’t mean you are self-taught. Anyone who has listened to music has essentially taken music lessons. A “self-taught” musician has also most likely read a book on music during their process of “self-teaching”.
It’s possible that somebody somewhere, that never heard a single tune, taught him or herself to play but it’s pretty unlikely for that to happen today. If you do have a guitar teacher then it is you that must decide to take action and practice. A guitar teacher can give you things to practice but they cannot make you better without you going through the motions and practicing with persistence.
Lesson 4: Find a Guitar Teacher for Guitar Classes or Private Guitar Lessons
Group guitar class can be a fun way to get started. Private lessons are obviously more about the individual. Don’t over think this because you can try one and if you’re not pleased then try another. Your guitar teacher should give you the correct “dosage” of guitar instruction to keep you occupied throughout the week. This is only possible if you can accurately communicate to your guitar instructor how much you are willing/able to practice each week. Your teacher should challenge you and praise you with the proper balance. You want a guitar teacher who will keep you interested but not flood you with information.
Lesson 5: Enjoy the process. Enjoy the journey
Nothing is worth doing if you’re not going to enjoy it. Some people learn guitar as stress relief. That can only happen if you enjoy each step. Don’t worry about the destination. You will get there when you’re there. Enjoy the simplest of lessons and watch your guitar playing blossom before your eyes.
Grosse Pointe Music Academy
17012 Mack Ave.
Grosse Pointe Park, MI
48230
313.458.7723
Canton Campus
5880 N. Canton Center Rd. Suite 425
Canton, MI
48187
734.418.0640
Congratulations on your new location! You guys are doing great things!