Picking up the guitar for the first time is thrilling but it can also feel overwhelming. There is plenty to master–from understanding chords to understanding rhythm and timing. However, here is some good news. Learning to play guitar doesn’t necessarily have to be a complicated process. Enrolling in reputed music academies that offer top-notch online guitar classes, while using the right approach and guidance, you will be able to master playing the guitar.
But before that…
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Start with the Basics
Before diving into complex songs or fingerstyle techniques, we recommend you get comfortable with the basics. The best way to learn guitar is to familiarise yourself with parts of the guitar such as understanding the fretboard, strings, and how to tune your instrument. Spend time learning how to hold the guitar and use a pick properly (if you’re using one), as this is essential for a relaxed and effective playing posture.
Your next focus should be on learning the fundamental chords such as E minor, G, C, and D at online instrument classes. These chords form the basics of several popular songs, so mastering them early on will give you a solid foundation. Start by practising each chord slowly and work on getting a clear sound without ‘buzzing’ or ‘muting’ the strings. With time, your hand strength and flexibility will improve, making it easier to switch between chords.
Learn to Play Simple Songs
Once you’ve learnt to use a few basic chords in your online guitar course, it’s time to apply them by playing simple songs. Choose songs you enjoy and that feature basic chord progressions, such as “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan or “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley. Begin by playing at a slower tempo if needed, focusing on clean transitions between chords. As you get comfortable, try playing at full speed or adding a few strumming variations to make the song feel more dynamic. Learning songs in online guitar classes is one of the best ways to practise, as it allows you to combine rhythm, timing, and chord transitions in a way that feels less like a monotonous ‘practice’ and more like actual music-making.
Take Online Guitar Classes and Tutorials
In today’s digital age, you have access to countless resources to help you learn to play the guitar. YouTube tutorial videos or music academy apps such as Artium Academy offer top-notch music education that can help you elevate your guitar-learning journey. Such academies provide valuable lessons from experienced guitarists and subject matter experts. Online instrument classes are particularly useful because students can study at their own time, place and pace. For instance, if you’re struggling with techniques such as strumming and fingerpicking, you can replay sections until you fully understand the concept. Additionally, an online guitar course offers structured learning pathways which are extremely beneficial for beginners and intermediate learners alike.
Use a Metronome for Timing
One common mistake beginner guitarists make in their online guitar classes is neglecting rhythm and timing. Learning to stay on beat is essential, and a metronome is one of the best tools to help you develop this skill. Practising with a metronome may feel challenging at first, but it forces you to keep a steady tempo, which is crucial for recording music in the future. Start by setting the metronome to a comfortable speed (60-80 BPM) and play simple strumming patterns or individual notes along the way. As you progress, gradually increase the tempo or try more complex rhythms. This will help you build a strong sense of timing, which allows you to play more fluidly and confidently in your online instrument classes.
Focus on Finger Exercises
Developing finger strength, flexibility, and coordination is the best way to learn guitar and is a key to becoming a skilled guitarist. Finger exercises might not seem like the most important part of practice, but they lay the groundwork for more complex playing down the road. If you’re wondering how to learn guitar at home, then start by following simple exercises such as ‘1, 2, 3, 4’ (where each finger is assigned a fret) that will help you work on accuracy and build muscle memory. Attempt to practise finger exercises daily for a few minutes. Pay attention to your hand placement and keep your fingers close to the fretboard to increase the speed and control. In case you’re wondering how to learn the guitar at home, then fret not, over some time, these exercises will improve your dexterity and make playing chords, scales and solos much easier.
Record Yourself and Track Your Progress
Recording your practice sessions is a fantastic way to monitor your improvement. When you listen to a recording of yourself, you will be more aware of your inconsistencies in timing or buzzing notes. Worry not if you feel self-conscious at first–hearing your progress over time is going to prove to be incredibly motivating. To track your progress, record yourself on a simple recording application while practising. Save these recordings and keep listening to them each week. Doing this will help you effectively track your progress and identify your areas of improvement. You don’t know it yet, but hearing yourself get better with each recording will give you a huge confidence boost.
Conclusion
Learning to play the guitar takes some time, patience and dedication. However, this can prove to be a deeply rewarding journey when you learn from us at Artium Academy. A place where structured learning pathways are created with courses designed by industry experts to ensure you get the most out of your learning journey. Enrolling in online guitar classes with us can provide you with the foundation you need to learn to play the guitar, both professionally and personally.
To know more about such tips and tricks related to learning the guitar Book a free trial with us.
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