Learn To Play Guitar

Learning to play guitar is one of the best things to happen to me. Everyone has a story about how they started out. If you stick with it you'll see how challenging and fun it really is.

So how do you get started. I suspect a large percentage of guitar players are self taught. You probably already have an idea of the style you want to learn.

If you're completely new to the guitar you may want to start out taking lessons from a teacher at the local music store. A good teacher will help you with proper positioning of the guitar, how to make chords and some tricks that will help you get started. I think the biggest advantages is that if you're paying good money for lessons you will be more likely to practice. Sounds strange but some people quite before they can position their fingers to make chords. I think that was the biggest hurdle for me and people I've talked to. Once you know a few chords and can make the changes between those chords you are well on your way. Your fingers sort of have a memory of their own and before you know it you make changes without thinking. After a bit you develop that muscle memory. The fact is it takes practice to get to that point.

So now you know a few chords and feel confident making the changes where do you go from here?

This is where the journey begins. The Internet is filled with millions of pages of free guitar lessons. Go to YouTube and start searching guitar lessons. You will find lots of folks willing to share their knowledge.

If you're looking for a little more structure consider purchasing  a CD, DVD or downloading a lesson. You don't have to spend  a lot of money. I'm amazed at how guys are more than willing to drop $20 in a bar and have nothing to show for it the next day. You can get some great DVD guitar lessons for that kind of money and actually accomplish something. I'll write more about this in a future post. If you are new to guitar playing I suggest you learn the basic chords and get comfortable making the changes. I have a free interactive guitar fretboard chart that can show you chords. Find a DVD, CD or downloadable lesson for the style you are interested in playing and start playing. You have to have the passion to play.Enjoy your accomplishments.

Remember, "It's not how well you play....it's how much you enjoy playing."
Mel Bay said that and I believe playing guitar is all about having fun.