Acoustic or Electric?

Probably the most important consideration, when choosing what type of guitar to learn on, is what type of music will be played on the instrument. If you’re a fan of rock music, and want to learn to play rock guitar, starting on electric guitar is a logical choice. If, however, you’re a fan of acoustic music, and want to learn to strum your favorite songs, an acoustic guitar is probably best for you. The importance of the above philosophy can’t be stressed enough. If you get stuck with the wrong type of guitar, you’re going to have much less motivation to pick it up and play it regularly.

Note to parents: this same principle applies when picking out a guitar for your child. Try to realistically assess what they’dlike best, as opposed to what you’dlike them to play. Their progress will be noticably better when playing a guitar they like.

Ease of Learning

Depending on your personality type, this might either play a major factor in deciding which guitar to start on, or might be irrelevant. Some people find if they don’t see results quickly, they get discouraged, and lose interest in playing guitar altogether. If you think you (or the person you’re buying for) are one of those people, an electric guitar is probably the instrument to start on. Electric guitars have smaller bodies, smaller necks, and it’s much easier to press down the strings. Essentially, you can start playing the *basics* of guitar much more quickly and easily on an electric guitar, than you can on an acoustic. Having said that, there are a few knobs and buttons on an electric guitar that can complicate using it somewhat.

Budget Considerations

Understandably, paying a whole lot for a first guitar isn’t very desirable, especially if you’re not even sure if playing guitar is something you (or whomever you’re buying for) will stick with. For this reason, acoustic guitars are more often the choice for a first instrument, since they tend to be slightly less expensive. Electric guitars require the purchase of an amplifier, and a guitar cable, so they can end up costing a little more. If you want to learn on an electric guitar, but budget is a serious issue, many guitar stores offer starter electric guitar/amp packages at very reasonable prices.

Making the Decision

Now I’ve given you some things to consider, it’s time for you to decide which type of guitar is best suited for you, or for whomever you’re buying for. Let’s summarize – if the person in question frustrates easily, or listens to and wants to play “hard rock” music, definitely think electric guitar. If, however, the person in question wants to learn songs to sing along to, and can handle a slightly steeper learning curve, then an acoustic guitar might be in order.
Once you’ve made a decision, take a look at the following page for a few recommendations on specific guitars to buy.

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What You Need To Know To Learn How To Learn And Master The Guitar

Guitar Basics

Knowing most of the basics about a guitar will make learning how to play the guitar easier; the basic parts are the headstock, the nut, the neck, the body, the sound hole, the bridge, the strings and the keys. Most of these parts are pretty self explanatory; the strings run from the bridge over the sound hole, up the neck, are secured by the nut, and attached to the tuning keys to achieve the desired sounds.

The next difference is between the types of guitar, there are several, however most novice guitar players would only be concerned with the two very basic types, the acoustic and electric. Which someone would decide to learn guitar songs on, would depend on which type of music that person wanted to play; if the kind of music a person likes is played with mainly an electric guitar, the logical choice would be an electric guitar, or the same would be true with an acoustic.

Learning Guitar Songs: Pieces of a Song

Just like the guitars themselves, learning guitar songs, requires one to learn at least the very basic parts of a song; there are two ways to read music from a song, in the form of sheet music and in the form of tablature. Something a beginning guitar player can expect to learn is the three chords G, C, and D first. These are some of the most frequently used chords in learning guitar songs; and in formal lessons these are usually the first chords taught.

Trying Out a Few Songs

When someone is first learning chords and their way around a guitar, learning guitar songs can seem impossible; but once a player has mastered the three basic chords mentioned above there are actually several songs that exclusively use these chords, especially from the 1960′s or 1970′s. Trying to play songs can keep a new player interested in the instrument, although beginners likely won’t be able to change chords fast enough to make it sound quite right, just being able to get down the general idea can instill confidence in a student.

Practice

The old saying practice makes perfect holds true with any instrument; for the guitar, besides remembering the position of the chords, one must also practice strumming, rhythm, changing chords, and how to recognize the correct sounds the guitars are supposed to make. Achieving a strumming rhythm is just as important as learning the chords, when learning to play guitar songs.

Choosing a Method of Instruction

A person makes the best teacher, they would be experienced and able to give constructive criticism, and be an active participant in the guitar song learning process. A close second for learning guitar songs are DVD instructional programs, these allow the student to watch and listen as if there were an actual instructor present. Also the DVD systems, allow the person learn at their own pace.

The next best method of learning is through a CD system; these systems may not have video instruction, but will often have good illustrations that are simple to follow. The least constructive, yet still somewhat effective method of learning is over the internet; learning over the internet is virtually the same as CDs, with the exception of an online teacher may have a forum, and some music or video clips, as a point of reference. The major downfall to learning guitar songs over the internet is that one must practice in front of their computer.

Grabbing the Essentials and Details of Playing Guitar

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Grabbing the Essentials and Details of Playing Guitar

Do You Want To Learn And Master Guitar?

By: Elizabeth Davis

New to guitar?  This article will help you to develop better guitar playing skills.

Obtain a Good Teacher!  There is no replacement for a skilled guitar teacher.  You can purchase all the books and videos you want, but to really be a skilled guitarist, it is crucial to study from a professional.  A qualified guitar teacher has the experience and wisdom needed to teach you how to master the guitar.  Books, videos, and the Internet, lack information and advice.  A good teacher will correct your mistakes if you are doing something not right to free you from bad habits or techniques, and will furthermore encourage you when you are doing a fine job.

Do not be discouraged!  The initial time playing any instrument can be overwhelming, and you could tell yourself that this is merely too hard to continue.  We all have to study from step one, and everybody has been in the same boat! Everything takes practice, and it is a requirement to be uncomplaining with yourself.  Give yourself a pep talk everyday, saying these words aloud “I can do this, and it will be simple for me.”  The motivation, and words of encouragement to yourself will hurry up the process to make things alot easier for everything in life that you wish for, or try to accomplish.

Practice everyday!  You will become more familiar with your instrument after you take the time to practice everyday.  This will get so simple for you over time with your devotion to learn.  Try to free up at least 20 minutes of time each day to practice your guitar.  Find a time and place where you will not be interrupted.  Disruption can prevent your concentration and snap a good rhythm.  Warm hands, and stretch fingers before playing. Ask your teacher for the best practice exercises that are correct for your style of play.  Create a calendar of helpful practice sessions.
The duration of your practice is not necessarily the most crucial.  The quality of the practice is what really counts and matters the most!   Make sure your teacher is giving a well rounded method, since this helps to obtain the most out of your practice sessions.

Slow Down!  Many brand new guitarists rush through a song in the beginning, trying to play exactly like the radio. 
Before touching anything accurately, you should learn to take things gradually, and be able to play well at a much slower rate.  You can at that time increase the tempo as you progress.

Watch your posture!  Playing the guitar must not be very agonizing and uncomfortable.  If you notice yourself with various aches and pains in the shoulders, neck, back, etc, you probably are not in a helpful position to play. Ask your  teacher to show the best ways, and next do your best to stick to it.  Ask your teacher to correct you after the correct posture fails.

Get a metronome!  A very valuable part of playing the guitar, is the skill to keep good timing.  A tool that will help you to be better with this is called a metronome.  You can buy this at any guitar shop.  When working with a metronome, it is best to start at a slow tempo in the very beginning when you are initially learning how to play. 

Change the strings!  The type of guitar strings that you apply determines the sound quality that your guitar produces. How often do you replace the strings really depends on how often you play.  Professional guitarists can change their strings previous to every gig.  Others who do not play so often, can replace the strings every 2 months or so.  Once again, it really depends on how often you play, and how well you care for your guitar.  Do not wait until your strings break before you change them, and you must replace all channels all together.

Trying new things!  If you are feeling uninspired in the way you are performing, why not try something recent and uncommon?  If you have learned a specific song on the electric guitar, why not try the same song on an acoustic guitar?  If you only play your guitar with a pick, exercise your fingers this next time.  Maybe you solely enjoy playing blues guitar, so why not try a little jazz or classical?

I hope these guitar tips were helpful!  Most importantly, never give up, and be proud of the accomplishments that you have acquired!  Persistence is the key with and in everything!  If you really maintain a sincere desire to learn and to keep on with your practices, you will be amazed at all the beautiful music that you have learned!

 

 

About the Author

Author Elizabeth Davis

http://simurl.Com/easy-video-guitar

I am hoping you have found this article informative and useful.

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Do you want to learn Guitar?

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Guitar Lesson – What It Means to Be Well-Rounded As a Musician

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Guitar Lesson – What It Means to Be Well-Rounded As a Musician

Guitar Lesson – The Well-Rounded Musician

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Guitar Lesson — The Well-Rounded Musician

How To Learn And Master the Guitar Fast, Easy and Efficiently

There are tons of websites designed to offer a great amount of resources and teach you how to Learn And Master the Guitar. Learning guitar is pretty easy, and the guitar is considered one of the most popular instruments for the reason. Also, an acoustic guitar is one of the cheapest instruments, and you can take it with you wherever you go. However, learning the guitar and mastering it are two completely different things.

Not everybody is gifted with the art of music, and not everybody can play by ear. Some can sing or dance with music, but only a few can actually learn to play guitar without investing serious dedication and lessons.

Many professional guitarists admit that they have to give it their all to perfectly master the art of playing the guitar. It took them a lot of determination and patience to learn. So before you invest in online guitar lessons, set up lessons with a guitar teacher, or buy a learn guitar course on DVD you really, really need to make sure that you are dedicated to learning to play guitar, that you will invest the time that is necessary to practice and begin as early as possible. What better time to start than now?

Below are some of the basic steps on how to ease your way through guitar playing.

Step 1. Decide on what type of guitar to play with. There are basically two types – acoustic and electric. Many players argue an acoustic guitar is better to learn on than the electric guitar, although the electric is easier to play.

Step 2. Be equipped with the right references and learning materials. A good learn guitar course can make all the difference whether you give up because the practice lessons are boring, or have fun learning to play guitar. Having someone around who can play guitar and show you some tips and tricks would be better than being alone. Or, you can also visit online guitar forums like JamPlay.com to meet others who are learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. If you’re lucky enough to pull someone along the way of learning, you can also let him or her tune your guitar or teach you how to properly tune a guitar. He or she could also comment on your playing.

Step 3. Memorize the important basic chords. Not just mentally, but physically. It is not only important that your mind remembers each note and fret but it is also essential that your fingers and hands create proper communication in between notes to maintain equilibrium and efficiency.

If you’re starting to develop blisters on the tips of your fingers, take it easy and remind yourself that in time, blisters can form calluses that can make you play better without the pain of pressing on the strings.

Step 4. Practice. Make it a daily habit. If possible, close the door and turn of the phone. Never leave your guitar just lying around and idle for more than a day or two. Always play. Never give up on your endearment for you will reap what you sow, don’t give up just yet. Focus. Hard times are for beginners.

Only when you practice regularly, you will enhance your skills fast and have fun while you learn and master guitar.

What Is Guitar Action?

The term ‘action’ refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. It is the way a guitar is adjusted and how well it plays, relative to the style of music that is being played. The action on an instrument played by an aggressive strummer or flatpicker will vary greatly from that for a jazz player or fingerpicker.

Acoustic guitar have generally a higher action than electric guitars. An action that is too high is hard on your hands and will cause the guitar to play sharp. When it is set to low, it’s easier too easy to play, but causing the strings to rattle and buzz against the frets.

Action adjustments are made to improve the feel of the instrument, decrease pressure on your fingertips which can be severe when the action is too high, avoid buzzing and generally just get the best sound out of an instrument. Most instruments are set-up at the factory with higher action then necessary. This is because it is easier to drop the action than it is to raise it. Adjusting the action can be a costly undertaking. Raising action can require replacement of the nut, saddle and neck rod (since nylon string guitars rarely have adjustable neck rods, this step would be eliminated), while cutting them both lower can be done by resetting the neck. Often an inexperienced repairperson will plane down a bridge in order to lower action which not recommended as it can result in the loss of both volume and tone.

Depending on the abilities of the instrument and the needs of the player adjustments can be made to improve the instruments action and increase the comfort of playing. If you feel that you would like to adjust your action, take your guitar to a repair shop and play in front of the repair guy so he can observe your playing style so he can set it right for you.

Learn To Play Guitar Fast And Easy

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Acoustic Or Electric – Which Guitar Is Easier To Learn And Master?

You decided you want to learn guitar and now you wonder: is it better to learn on an acoustic or electric guitar? Despite what many would lead you to believe, it is a little more complicated than “acoustic is best”, or “electric is best”.

To find an answer for this question yourself, let’s begin by learning a little bit about both electric and acoustic guitars, and what makes them different.

Let’s start with acoustic guitars, because most professional musicians agree that starting to learn on a decent acoustic guitar is the way to go:

• An acoustic guitar is a lesser investment
• Acoustic lets you hear the ‘true’ notes. It helps you learn the music faster and you will be able to play be ear quicker
• You can’t ‘cheat’ with sloppy technique masked by distortion, as an acoustic guitar requires that you learn the techniques properly for it to sound right
• You may learn some acoustic-style fingerpicking that you won’t learn on an electric guitar
• While you are learning you wont drive you your family and neighbors mad as it’s not so loud
• You don’t depend on amplifier, cables, adjusts, controls and picks, so you can grab your guitar anytime and take it everywhere, which means you probably will practice more and get better sooner

Learn And Master An Acoustic Guitar Is Harder But You’ll Train Your Ear Better

It is in fact harder to learn  an acoustic guitar as it provides more of a challenge to a beginner. An acoustic has generally a much thicker neck, and a higher action (meaning the actual distance between acoustic guitar strings to the acoustic guitar fingerboard is greater than the distance between electric guitar strings and the electric guitar fingerboard). The strings are generally thicker. This means you have to press your fingers down further with an acoustic as opposed to an electric, but that at the same time helps you building strength and dexterity in both hands and you will build your calluses on your fingers faster.

Learning Electric Guitar May Sound Cooler When You Want To Play In A Band

You may think that some music played on an acoustic guitar doesn’t sound as cool as when played with an electric guitar. Electric guitars are fun to play after you’ve learned, but the notes sound different with the electric and it will take you a while to transfer strumming and fingerstyle techniques from the acoustic to the ‘feel’ of an electric guitar . On the acoustic you hear bare bones notes so when you go to play an electric, the notes make more sense and are more recognizable.

If you start out with learning electric guitar, you will be much slower getting used to play an acoustic guitar, because after playing electric you still need more strength for an acoustic, and you don’t develop a number of techniques for obtaining certain sounds that you discover right on the acoustic.

As Long As It Has Six Strings…

Bottom line is – whether you start with an acoustic or electric doesn’t really matter, as long as it has 6 strings – there is no difference between acoustic and electric outside the obvious of the mechanics, and the above mentioned characteristics – they are played in the exact same way.

Remember, the most important is that you keep practicing  in order to learn and master your guitar!

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