Guitar For Dummies

The guitar is a great instrument. It's fairly portable, relatively inexpensive, easy enough to learn the basics   It is suggested that new guitarists begin at lesson one, spending at least one week learning the exercises and songs in that lesson before moving on. Learning to relax while playing guitar will help immeasurably, so be sure to have fun!

Unfortunately, before you begin playing, you'll really need to tune your guitar. The problem is, it is, at first, a relatively difficult task, one that becomes much easier over time.You can find online tuner or various tuner applications.


Holding a Guitar

Now, that we know about the basic parts of a guitar, it's time to get our hands dirty, and start learning to play it. Get yourself an armless chair, and take a seat. You should be sitting comfortably, with your back against the back of the chair. Slouching significantly is a no-no; you'll not only end up with a sore back, you'll develop bad habits on the guitar.

Now, pick up your guitar, and hold it so the back of the body of the instrument comes in contact with your stomach/chest, and the bottom of the neck runs parallel to the floor. The thickest string on the guitar should be the closest to your face, while the thinnest should be closest to the floor. If this isn't the case, turn the guitar the in other direction. Typically, a right-handed person will hold the guitar so the headstock points to the left, whereas a left-handed person will hold the guitar so the headstock points to the right. (NOTE: to play the guitar as a lefty would, you will need a left-handed guitar.)

Playing Basic Chords Playing a chord involves using your pick to strike at least two notes (often more) on the guitar simultaneously. Some of the chords are: G chordTake your second finger, and put it on the third fret of the sixth string. Next, take your first finger, and put it on the second fret of the fifth string. Lastly, put your third finger on the third fret of the first string. Make sure all of your fingers are curled, and are not touching any strings they're not supposed to. Now, using your pick, strike all six strings.You ca use your hands too to strum. C chordThe second chord we'll learn, the C major chord (often called a "C chord"), is no more difficult than the first G major chord. Place your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Now, put your second finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Finally, put your first finger on the first fret of the second string. Watch your pick or your fingers and strum the strings. D chord  For D major chord place your first finger on the second fret of the third string. Then, put your third finger on the third fret of the second string. Lastly, place your second finger on the second fret of the first string. Similarly you can play other basic chords like:      The other things you need to know are: Practice Practice makes man perfect.A big part of learning to play the guitar (and any instrument) is finger memory – motor skills. Your fingers need to know what to do without your brain needing to tell them. And that comes just one way – practice. Learn Basic SkillsPlaying guitar involves a combination of basic skills. Take time to learn those skills, and learn them properly. Learn to listen Listening is a highly under-rated skill. More than just about anything else it will help you become a great player.Listen to others playing, both live and on albums. What sort of guitar are they playing? Are they strumming, picking, or playing single notes? What sort of tone are they achieving, and how?Carefully listen to yourself as you practice. Have fun Remember why you are learning the guitar. You are learning it for your own enjoyment, so remember to have fun!