A guitar is a musical instrument with strings that can be played through strumming; either with fingers or using a pick (a plectrum used to pluck a guitar). Playing guitar is one of the most popular hobbies worldwide, likely because it is one of the easiest instruments to learn. Not only that, but one can play many different types music on a guitar, anything from pop to jazz to country. Even classical. Learning the guitar can be done solo or with friends, entirely at your own pace. There is no pressure at all. If you are someone who is interested in learning to play the guitar here are a few notes to help you get started.
Playing Position
Playing the guitar requires a proper playing position. Having the proper playing position not only makes technique easier but can help you avoid pesky backaches related to playing. There are two common positions for holding the guitar, sitting or standing. Under the sitting position, there’s the classical position and casual position. The classical position simply means that one sits with the guitar resting on the left leg while in the casual position it is rested on the right leg.
For the standing position, simply place the guitar’s strap over the shoulder while standing, using the left hand to support the guitar’s neck while resting the right hand over the guitar’s bridge. The ease that one feels in the position he or she chooses greatly helps to learn guitar fast.
Hand Position
Hand position also plays an important role in how fast you can learn to play the guitar. It is essential that the wrists and hands are relaxed as tensions could cause injuries. Never press the thumb onto the back of the guitar neck, this cause strain to the wrist and thumb. Use left hand fingers to press down the strings on the fret board (fretting) while using the right hand to strum the strings at the bridge end of the guitar. When using a pick, position it between the thumb and index finger.
Tuning
Learn guitar fast by getting good sound quality out of the guitar, by having it properly tuned. This means that each string is in tune with another string on the guitar. Start by making sure that the sixth string E (the lowest sounding and thickest string) is in tune, followed by A, D, G, B then E (highest sounding and thinnest string.) This is considered as the standard in tuning and the most popular tuning method for a six-string guitar. There are also "guitar tuners" for sale in the market today designed to help guitarists, mostly beginners, tune their guitars. As one becomes a pro at tuning, one may also try alternative tunings to achieve a unique chord voicing that add up color into the rhythm.
Chords and Scales
After tuning, start playing chords and scales. Chords are notes, three or more, that are played together simultaneously. A chord involves playing multiple strings or strumming at the same time. Using different chords makes riffs that can be used in creating songs. Scales, on the other hand, are a group of musical notes collected in ascending or descending order that are played one after the other. Play chords several times, moving from one chord to another.
With a little time and practice, before you know it you’ll be a guitarist!
