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Learning Guitar – Practice Schedule

Realistically, to start improving on guitar, you’re going to need to set aside a bit of time to practice. Developing a daily routine is a good idea… planning to spend at least 15 minutes daily practicing all you’ve learned will really help. At first, your fingers will be sore, but by playing daily, they’ll toughen up, and in a short amount of time, they’ll stop hurting.

The following list should give you an idea of how to spend your practice time:

Get your guitar in tune. Make sure you’re sitting, holding the guitar, and using your pick properly. You’ll have to correct your natural bad habits at first, until it becomes second nature. Play the chromatic scale several times. Try playing it backwards. Play each of the three chords you’ve learned. Check to be sure each note is ringing. If not, find out why, and correct the problem. Try moving from one chord to another. Before switching chords, mentally picture exactly where each finger is going to move in order to play the next chord. Only then should you switch chords.

This is the key to switching chords quickly. If you’re having trouble getting your chords to ring clearly, read this feature on getting your chords to ring clearly. Try playing some, or all of the songs listed above. At first, try only to think of the songs as a way in which to practice playing chords. Don’t get discouraged. This is hard stuff at first, and you’ll probably feel like you can’t do it. You certainly can. Everyone struggles, so just put in your 15 minutes, and then don’t worry about it until the next time you play. This is supposed to be fun! That’s it for now!

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Easy Guitar Song Lesson – Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen

Learn how to play the song “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen with this free guitar lesson. Written by Freddie Mercury in 1979, this song peaked the charts at number two in the UK and number one in the USA. It is from the album “The Game” released in 1980. Read more about this song over at Wikipedia.


This song is relatively easy to play. You will need to know the following chords: D Major, Dsus4, G Major, C Major, B Flat Major (The Lesson Below uses a BFlat Major Power Chord. Marty demonstrates how to play this chord below.), A Major, E Major, F Major


A big thanks to Marty Schwartz for sharing this video lesson. Marty is an amazing guitar player and one of the best guitar instructors online. You should definitely check out his website here for more awesome lessons and resources. I can’t recommend Marty’s Website enough!



 

Learning Guitar – Lesson One – How to Hold a Pick

Hopefully, you’ve found, bought or borrowed a guitar pick. If not, you’ll need to buy yourself some. Don’t be stingy, go and pick up at least 10 of them – guitar picks are easy to lose (they often don’t cost more than 30 or 40 cents each). You can experiment with different shapes and brands, but I highly recommend medium gauge picks to start; ones that aren’t too flimsy, or too hard.
The following documentation explains how to hold, and use a pick. When reading, keep in mind that your “picking hand” is the hand which is nearest to the bridge of the guitar, when sitting in the correct position. Open your picking hand, and turn the palm to face you.Close your hand to make a very loose fist. Your thumb should remain beside your index finger.

Rotate your hand until you are looking at it’s profile, with your thumb’s knuckle facing you.With your other hand, slide your guitar pick between your thumb and index finger. The pick should be approximately located behind the knuckle of the thumb. Be sure the pointed end of the pick is pointing directly away from your fist, and is protruding by about a half an inch. Hold the pick firmly. Position your picking hand over the soundhole of your acoustic guitar, or over the body of your electric guitar. Your picking hand, with thumb knuckle still facing you, should hover over the strings. Do not rest your picking hand on the strings or body of the guitar.

Using your wrist for motion (rather than your entire arm), strike the sixth (lowest) string of your guitar in a downward motion. If the string rattles excessively, try striking the string a bit softer, or with less of the pick surface. Now, pick the sixth string in an upwards motion. Repeat the process several times. Try and minimize motion in your picking hand: one short picking stroke downwards, then one short picking stroke upwards. This process is referred to as “alternate picking”. Try the same exercise on the fifth, fourth, third, second, and first strings.

Tips: Holding the pick in this manner will invariably feel awkward at first. You will initially have to pay special attention to your picking hand whenever you play guitar. Try and create fluidity in your alternate picking. Your downstrokes should sound virtually identical to your upstrokes.

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Learning Guitar – Playing a Scale

guitar playing hand picture Now we’re getting somewhere! In order to become skillful on the guitar, we’ll need to build the muscles in our hands, and learn to stretch our fingers. Scales are a good, albeit a not very exciting way to do this. Before we start, look at the diagram above to understand how fingers on the “fretting hand” (the hand that plays notes on the neck) are commonly identified. The thumb is labeled as “T”, the index finger is the “first finger”, the middle finger is the “second finger”, and so on.

The Chromatic scale

chromatic scale for the guitar Hear the chromatic scale (mp3 format)

The above diagram may look confusing… fear not, it’s one of the most common methods of explaining notes on the guitar, and is actually quite easy to read. The above represents the neck of the guitar, when looked at head on. The first vertical line on the left of the diagram is the sixth string. The line to the right of that is the fifth string. And so on. The horizontal lines in the diagram represent the frets on the guitar… the space between the top horizontal line, and the one below it is the first fret. The space between that second horizontal line from the top and the one below it is the second fret. And so on. The “0″ above the diagram represents the open string for the string it is positioned above. Finally, the black dots are indicators that these notes should be played.

Start by using your pick to play the open sixth string. Next, take the first finger on your fretting hand (remembering to curl it), and place it on the first fret of the sixth string. Apply a significant amount of downward pressure to the string, and strike the string with your pick.

Now, take your second finger, place it on the second fret of the guitar (you can take your first finger off), and again strike the sixth string with the pick.

Now, repeat the same process on the third fret, using your third finger. And lastly, on the fourth fret, using your fourth finger. There! You’ve played all the notes on the sixth string. Now, move to the fifth string… start by playing the open string, then play frets one, two, three and four.

Repeat this process for each string, altering it only on the third string. On this third string, play only up to the third fret. When you’ve played all the way up to the first string, fourth fret, you’ve completed the exercise.

When playing a note, place your finger at the “top of fret” (the area of the fret farthest away from the headstock). This will produce a clearer sound.Try to use alternate picking while attempting this exercise. If this is overwhelming, try using only downstrokes with your pick, but learn properly once you’ve gotten used to the scale.Once you’ve finished the scale, try playing the scale backwards, by starting at the first string, fourth fret, and playing all notes in exactly the reverse order.

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Learning Guitar – Learning About the Parts of a Guitar

At the point in which the headstock meets the neck of the guitar, you’ll find the “nut”. A nut is simply a small piece of material (plastic, bone, etc.), in which small grooves are carved out to guide the strings up to the tuners.

The neck of the guitar is the area of the instrument you’ll concentrate a great deal on: you’ll put your fingers on various places on the neck, in order to create different notes.

The neck of the guitar adjoins the “body” of the instrument. The body of the guitar will vary greatly from guitar to guitar. Most acoustic and classical guitars have a hollowed out body, and a “sound hole”, designed to project the sound of the guitar. Most electric guitars have a solid body, and thus will not have a sound hole. Electric guitars will instead have “pick-ups” where the soundhole is located. These “pick-ups” are essentially small microphones, which allow the capture the sound of the ringing strings, allowing them to be amplified.

The strings of the guitar run from the tuning pegs, over the nut, down the neck, over the body, over the sound hole (or pick-ups), and are anchored at a piece of hardware attached to the body of the guitar, called a “bridge”.

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What Is The Perfect Guitar

When it comes to purchasing a guitar for yourself there are many things that you should consider. Purchasing the perfect guitar will ultimately make you a better player. However, if you choose a guitar that you are not happy with, is too big, or is not in the style that you desire, you will quickly find that you will soon lose interest in the instrument. Therefore, you should consider the following elements when you are choosing a guitar for yourself.


Important Selection Elements To Choosing A Guitar


The first thing you will want to assure is that your guitar has properly been inspected. Additionally, you will want to make sure that the guitar you are selecting is properly adjusted for proper playback. You should always question the business or individual that you are looking to purchase your guitar from. You should require that they provide you with inspection documentation and additionally, ask them what types of adjustments have been made to the guitar for easier playback.


Choosing The Proper Style Of Guitar


Another important element to consider is the style of guitar that you purchase. There are distinct differences between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar. Therefore, you need to decide which type of guitar you desire to own and play. If you are in a band you will most likely want to purchase an electric guitar, whereas if you are just wanting a guitar to play for fun you will want to consider an acoustic guitar.


Many people have selected to purchase one of each type. However, this can run very expensive. But luckily both styles of guitars are both played the same way. However, electric guitars are much more sensitive. Additionally, with an electric guitar you will have to purchase additional equipment including electric amps.


The Importance Of Guitar Sizing


You must consider your own comfort when purchasing a guitar. You need a guitar that matches your body frame and size. Additionally, you want a guitar that is easy to hold. Therefore, you should always ‘test run’ any guitar that you are choosing to purchase in order to make sure it works well with your frame. If you are purchasing a guitar for a child you will want to make sure that the guitar is small enough for them to hold and play.


If you choose a guitar that is too large or too small for your body size you will quickly discover that your performance will fail. If you are not comfortable when playing the guitar there is no hope of playing comfortably or well. This is why it is very important to purchase a properly sized guitar.


Final Thoughts On Choosing A Guitar


Apart from size and style you will also want to consider the value of the guitar that you are choosing. The old saying you get what you are paying for rings true when it comes to choosing a guitar. You may want to spend a little more money in order to choose a quality-produced guitar that you will enjoy playing for a long time.


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Learn to Play the Guitar Right From Home

You can learn to play guitar right from the comfort of your own home. Once you learn how to play the guitar, you will also understand the concept of playing other musical instruments as well.


It is not difficult to learn to play the guitar. Like any other type of lesson, you have to take it one step at a time. The first thing that at home lessons will teach you is to get familiar with the guitar, understand how to tune the guitar and then learn the basic chords. A guitar is one of the easiest instruments to play. You can pick up a used guitar and get started with your at home lessons. With an electric guitar, you are putting out more money and also need an amplifier, but with an acoustic, it’s just you and the guitar.


By learning at home, you can see if you have a knack for this instrument and then move up to other guitars. You will get to know the sounds of the guitar as you play along with CD’s and DVD lessons in an at home program.


The most important concept you have to understand when you want to learn to play guitar, or any other instrument for that matter, is that you have to practice. Good musicians are those who have a passion for music and want to learn to play. The more you practice playing the guitar, the better you will become at mastering this instrument. If you really want to learn how to play the guitar, you can do so by using a learn at home lesson package.


Learn at home lesson packages cost a fraction of what you would expect to pay for guitar lessons at a local music shop. Instead of having to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars with private lessons, you can have your own private lessons, right in the comfort of your own home, and get expert training. You only need to purchase a guitar and an at -home guitar package to learn to play guitar and you will be on your way to being a guitarist. Whether or not you are a good guitarist is up to you and the time you invest in lessons, practice and learning to master the instrument.

How to Learn to Play the Guitar the Easy Way

There are lots of people who want to get into guitar lessons simply because of the benefits that they can get from playing the guitar. Guitar is a very flexible instrument. It can be carried around with ease. It can also play different types of music. So, a person who knows how to play the guitar can play any song they like. They can even create their own song using the guitar. This is why many people would like to learn this instrument and make beautiful music.


Learning to play the guitar does not happen overnight. It may take a few weeks or months before one can actually play a whole song. Aside from this, it also requires lots of determination and patience to have one finish guitar lessons easily. Many people are having a difficult time following the lessons because they want to jump to part where they can play the instrument right away. Learning to play the guitar should be taken into a step by step procedure to make sure that the lessons will be smooth and easy.


The easiest way to learn how to play the guitar is to take it slowly and take each lesson at a time. The lesson does not start with playing the instrument right away. It should start with the basics and fundamentals. You should also start by getting to know your guitar better; know its parts and how to take care of it. This is important because you cannot use something that you do not know anything about.


Next thing to know is who you are taking lessons from. That person should know how to properly give guitar lessons in its proper procedure. Music schools can give you a guitar learning system that will help you understand the essentials of playing the guitar. You may also learn from people who already know how to play the instrument. Or you may take online lessons if you do not want to be enrolled in a music school.


Once you have started taking guitar lessons, it is important that you keep on practicing. It is also better if you have your own guitar already to give you more time to practice. You have to keep on practicing each and every lesson that you take until you can perfectly play it. You also need to know how to read chords; this is essential. You cannot play any song without knowing how to read chords. And of course, it is necessary to practice each and every chord. It is very helpful to keep in mind or memorize a song and then try to play it over and over again.


Learning to play the guitar or any other musical instrument takes a lot of time and patience from a person. It should be taken with focus and motivation to make sure that you will be successful to attain your goal in playing that instrument. Learning the guitar should be accompanied with passion and love for music to make it enjoyable.

Guitar Lessons – Where Do I Learn to Play the Guitar?

One question I often get asked is, where do I get guitar lessons?


When I started out to learn to play the guitar I had to primarily teach myself how to play and figure out where I could get guitar lessons.


However I was lucky in the fact that my dad could play and he taught me some of the basic chords to get me started and I went from there.


So what I did was listen to records of some of the guitar players and bands that I wanted to play like, and I would try to imitate what they were playing on their guitars.


Now this is not an easy way to learn to play the guitar, you can’t see what they are playing or what chords they are using. When i started you could go the music store and buy some guitar lesson books to get you started, however they were hard to understand and slow to work with.


So when I’m asked where do I get guitar lessons? Here are some of your options. You can get books from the music store, or you can take lessons at your music store,or you can hire a private teacher. However I feel one of the best ways to get started today is to learn from video lessons.


With video you will not only learn your guitar lessons but you will be able to see what your teacher is playing and how they are doing it so you can play along.


Here are some benefits of using video to learn to play the guitar.


1. Learn from home


2. Learn at you own pace


3. Actually see whats being played


4. See the finger positions of the chords


5. Hear whats being played


6. Pause the lesson


7. Replay your lessons as often as you want


8. You will become a better guitar player


9. You will learn in less time


10.You will be able to jam along with some of your favourite tunes faster than you think.


So, were do I get guitar lessons?


Well you can search the Internet for a good video training course just beware their are lot’s of poor courses that only teach the basics and are hard to learn.


Here is one high quality course that I highly recommend, they use pro guitar players and teachers,they offer free lessons, and you will learn to play the guitar the proper way form the beginning. Take a few minutes and read all about this course.


David has been playing guitar in a professional band for over 30 years, He owns his own home recording studio and recently released a new C.D. and is currently working on his next C.D. release for next year. He also spent a few years teaching guitar at his local music store.

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