How to learn guitar for beginners

Have you always wanted to learn guitar, but just don't know where to start? Well, the great news is that there are more resources out there now than ever before. As someone just starting out, the dozens of options of instruments, classes, gadgets, and tutorials will baffle you.

If you are learning guitar as an adult, we have broken down the basic steps below. Follow this simple guide, and you will be strumming away in no time.

Your 5-step guide on how to learn guitar for beginners

1. Research

To conserve your time and effort, it’s always a great idea to first get clear on what you want to learn and your instrument of choice. Investing time in research before you start learning any type of guitar will help you plan out the best road map for you. 

So grab a pencil, before you grab a guitar pick, and work these out:

• What type of music do you want to learn, and what kind of guitar will be most suitable for it?
• Which are the best choices available in your vicinity for purchasing, learning, and mending your instrument/replacement strings/picks?
• What resources will you need to learn and practice your instrument? Include both free and charged classes and tutorials in this list. Even friends that are experienced guitarists can be excellent sources to learn.
• Are there any local groups you can practice with during and after learning? Some local spots you can play at?
• Are there any residential laws against practicing at certain times you should be aware of? How can you work around them?

2. Get yourself a six-stringer

Your first guitar is an important milestone. The type of music you dream of playing will influence your choice of guitar. Are you a fan of the soothing country blues or rock and roll?

Consider how much you want to spend on your first set of strings, how heavy the instrument will be, and how it feels in your lap while practicing. Metal versus nylon strings is another major choice. 

Your guitar is not the only piece of equipment you’ll need. Consider investing in gadgets that can help elevate your practice sessions. The Pulse Vibrating Metronome will guide you through many rookie mistakes and help you master those hard licks faster.

Lap feel and finger playability may seem like minor details. But if you’re not 100% comfortable with your hardware, it'll definitely make you less likely to practice with consistency.

3. Strengthen your foundation

Bridge, tempo, tuner, triad: these all sound like fancy words and can sometimes seem intimidating. Now that you have your hardware sorted, time to get down to business. Start by scheduling time to learn the industry jargon to comprehend better the terms guitarists use.

Here are some other useful basics to master at the start of your journey to learn guitar:

• Setting up and tuning your equipment correctly.
• String names and order.
• Mastering the different notes.
• Different guitar picks and what each one is best for.
• How to position your guitar and hold the pick.

4. Set yourself up for success

So you've got your guitar, your practice schedule is all mapped out, and you're acing those guitar classes. You’re ready to jam out the Redemption Song now, right? Wrong! It’s best to start with baby steps and master simpler songs first.

Not only will that help build your confidence, but it will also give you time to perfect your timing and rhythm and find your own unique playing style.

Set yourself up for long-term success by setting up a comfortable practice nook in a quiet corner. Put up a few frames that inspire you to pick your instrument up, and always keep your guitar out on full display. Opt for a practice routine you can maintain long-term.

5. Practice

While beginner's luck is undoubtedly a thing, it’s no substitute for practice, time, and training. Make sure you practice in class and after to master your art. The Metronome app by Soundbrenner is a tremendous free resource, every guitarist must-have. It’ll have you jamming out wherever inspiration strikes you; no set-up is necessary!

Last but definitely not least, we know that guitar strings can make your fingers sore in the initial days, but keep practicing! Here are a couple of great ways to keep learning: this study found visualizing to be a very effective practice strategy. And consider these pointers on creating great practice habits for beginners.

Inspired to start?

Learning a new musical skill can be both exciting and frustrating. Always remember what inspired you to start, and that will surely level up your motivation. Remember, anything worth doing is worth doing right!

Thanks for reading our article “How to learn guitar for beginners”, hope you have a wonderful day and keep practicing!