If you’re new to playing guitar, you might be wondering what you should learn first. There are many aspects of playing guitar, from chords and scales to strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques. But what should you focus on first? Here are some essential skills and techniques to learn as a beginner guitarist:
Proper technique
Before you start playing chords and songs, it’s important to learn proper technique. This means learning how to hold the guitar, how to position your hands and fingers on the fretboard, and how to strum or pick the strings. Proper technique not only helps you play more efficiently and effectively, but it also helps prevent injuries such as strained wrists or fingers.
Open chords
Open chords are the foundation of many popular songs, from “Wonderwall” by Oasis to “Country Roads” by John Denver. They are called “open” chords because they use open strings, meaning the strings are played without any fingers fretting them. Some common open chords to start with include G, C, D, A, and E. Learning these chords will allow you to play many popular songs and help you develop the muscle memory and finger strength necessary for more advanced chords.
Basic strumming patterns
Once you’ve learned some basic chords, it’s time to practice strumming. Strumming is the motion of brushing or plucking the strings with your fingers or a pick. You can practice strumming patterns that match the rhythm of the song you’re playing. Start with simple patterns, such as downstrokes or upstrokes, and gradually build up to more complex patterns. Some songs with simple strumming patterns include “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan and “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison.
Reading guitar tabs
Guitar tabs are a shorthand way of writing out how to play a song on guitar. They use numbers to represent the frets you should play on each string. Learning how to read guitar tabs will allow you to play many popular songs without having to read traditional sheet music. There are many websites and apps available that provide guitar tabs for songs.
Fingerpicking
Fingerpicking is a technique where you use your fingers to pluck the strings instead of using a pick. It can create a more intricate and delicate sound than strumming. Some popular fingerpicking songs include “Blackbird” by The Beatles and “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas. Learning fingerpicking techniques will expand your playing abilities and allow you to play a wider range of songs.
Power chords
Power chords are two-note chords that are commonly used in rock and punk music. They are played with the root note and the fifth note of a chord, and they are often played with distortion or overdrive to create a heavy, crunchy sound. Some popular songs that use power chords include “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple and “Basket Case” by Green Day. Learning power chords will allow you to play more aggressive and hard-hitting songs.
Music theory basics
Learning some basic music theory can be helpful for understanding how songs are constructed and how chords and scales work together. Some concepts to start with include the major and minor scales, chord progressions, and basic music notation. While you don’t need to become an expert in music theory, having a basic understanding can enhance your playing and songwriting abilities.
Basic rhythm and timing
Playing guitar involves more than just playing the right notes. It also requires good rhythm and timing. This means being able to keep a steady beat and play in time with other musicians. Practicing with a metronome or drum machine can help improve your rhythm and timing skills.
Ear training
Ear training involves developing your ability to identify and replicate musical sounds by ear. It can help you learn songs more quickly and accurately, as well as develop your own sense of musical style. You can practice ear training by listening to songs and trying to play them by ear, or by practicing interval recognition and chord identification exercises.
Music software and recording
Finally, learning how to use music software and recording tools can be helpful for both practicing and recording your own music. There are many free or affordable software options available, such as GarageBand or Audacity, that allow you to record and edit your playing. This can be useful for listening back to your progress and identifying areas for improvement, as well as for creating your own music.
While there are many skills and techniques to learn as a guitarist, these ten are a great place to start for beginners. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and have fun exploring the world of guitar playing. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be playing your favorite songs and writing your own music in no time.