10
Steps to Becoming a Great Acoustic Guitar
Player
Learn To Play Acoustic
Guitars
I love playing guitar and,
although electric instruments certainly have their
place, there is just something about the
non-electric models that sets them apart for
serious music. One known fact is that acoustic
guitars are wonderful instruments and are just
plain fun to play. They can be used in almost any
style of music, and help accomplish almost any type
of musical sound desired.
Many people want to play the
acoustic guitar, but often give up during the
learning process. If you really want to play the
guitar or any instrument, it's going to take lots
of practice and perseverance. Here are 10 steps to
being a success with your newfound
hobby.
1. Learn How Acoustic
Guitars Work
When playing any instrument,
first learn how it works to make the sounds and
music. Study the names of the parts of the guitar
and the functions of each part. Learn how various
notes are blended to form chords and which chords
go together.
Also, study how music is
written and the main keys of the songs you love.
Even if you plan to play guitar by ear, you'll
still need to be able to recognize keys and chords
for songs. Or, you might desire to read classical
guitar sheet music, which will likely require
lessons.
You can learn using several
methods: 1. Hire a music teacher. 2. Learn with a
home study course. 3. Take interactive beginner
guitar lessons online.
2. Toughen Your
Fingers
Hurting fingers is one of the
main excuses new guitar players give when quitting
their lessons. Yes, it does hurt the fingers and
cause them to become very tender when you first
start playing.
But the good news is this
doesn't last very long. As you practice, you'll
notice them hurting less and less. If they are
really sore, give it a break for a day, but don't
take too many breaks from practice.
Practice makes
perfect... and much practice will cause
calluses on your fingers so they won't hurt any
longer.
3. Practice Playing
Acoustic Guitar without Looking
Sit and practice changing
chords and hand positions silently while looking
away from your hand. Try to memorize where each
chord is located and switch from chord to chord
without looking until you can play without looking
at your hands.
This will allow you to read
music or words to a song while playing without
missing a note. Hint: Though you're not actually
playing during these exercises, still press the
strings down as hard as you would while playing to
help callous your fingers.
4. Build Hand
Strength
Exercise your fret hand (the
hand that holds down the strings) daily by
squeezing a tennis ball or other similar object for
at least five minutes several times a day. This
will help build muscles in your fret hand so you
can play those difficult barre chords.
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5. Practice
Your Acoustic Guitar Playing Skills One at
a Time
You might be tempted
to learn all acoustic guitar skills at
once, but try practicing only one aspect
of playing, one chord, or one song at a
time until you master it.
If not, you'll end
up very frustrated with it
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all by trying to busy yourself with too many
things at once.
Learn a chord and learn
it well.
Then add another chord with
it and switch between the two until you master
that. Add another task only after you've mastered
the one at hand.
6. Music CD
Lifesavers
Use your favorite songs on CD
for practice. Try playing along with the songs you
like and rewind and repeat parts of the songs until
you master a particular song. It's a fun way to
learn your favorite songs if you plan to play by
ear.
7. Work on Your
Singing
Whether you plan to play with
a band, solo, or in church, you'll be more
versatile if you learn
to sing along with
your playing. You can take singing lessons through
an instructor or even online if you want to
maximize your skills.
replaced on the spur of the moment whereas many
spare picks can be stored in your guitar
case!
Hint: If you insist on
using fingers instead of guitar picks, go to your
local nail salon and have some tough fake nails
applied. I have a lead guitar player friend who
does just that. He's a guy but he always sees other
guy guitarists waiting in line at the salon. No
need to have your own fingernails in the quick.
This could set you back from playing acoustic
guitar while in a healing process.
9. Get a
Capo
-
A capo can help you switch to
other chords for singing purposes on any song even
if you only know how to play the song in one chord.
The capo shouldn't be used as a cop-out for
learning new chords - it should be used, however,
for emergencies when you need to switch keys at the
last minute.
10. Add Your Own Musical
Flavor
Don't be afraid to experiment
with your acoustic guitar playing. Add your own
style and be creative in how you play the notes and
chords. You don't have to do everything exactly as
someone else.
You've probably noticed how
ten different guitar players will play the same
chord ten different ways. That's because musical
ability is meant to stir the creative side of your
mind - so let your imagination run freely and enjoy
the music!
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More Musical Info
about Guitars
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All
About Playing Guitar by
Strumming
- If you want to play your favorite tunes
quickly you might want to start playing
accoustic guitar by strumming chords
first. Here is a quick start
guide.
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Play
Classical Guitar Music - Maybe for
Free?
- Keep your mind open because classical
acoustic guitar music is not going away.
If you are up to the challenge you'll be
greatly rewarded as a
guitarist.
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This article about
playing the acustic guitar is presented by Music
Playground where you can learn
how to read music
online.
Have some fun and learn to read music FREE by
checking out the rest of this website
today...
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