Guitar Exercises for Beginners

The first challenge most beginners face when learning to play guitar is developing an exercise plan that will improve their playing ability. Instead, most new players will learn a few basic songs, strum them for friends, and then grow bored by a lack of direction and an inability to improve their technique.

To move beyond the ability to strum basic folk songs, beginners need an exercise routine that will allow them to play more complicated songs and express their own ideas with their guitar.

So what should you practice if you are a beginner?

First, learn to pick the strings on both the up- and down-strokes. This is known as alternate picking. If you learn some basic scales first, you can practice these scales at the same time as you practice your alternate picking. Such an exercise will allow you to increase your picking technique at the same time as you are committing scales to memory. Just be sure to alternate picking on the up- or down-stroke for each note in the scale. Also, if you are playing a scale pattern that requires picking three notes before moving to the next string, challenge yourself by also playing some patterns that require picking two or four notes per string. For example, practice a major or minor scale with a three-note pattern, followed by a blues scale that uses a two-note pattern. This variation in your exercise routine will quickly improve your ability to play your favorite guitar solos.

Another favorite beginner exercise is percussive strumming. This is a great way for beginners to develop interesting strumming techniques. To perform this exercise, lay your fret hand (usually the left, unless you are left handed) across the strings to mute them. Then, use your right hand to play percussive sounds across the muted strings. Your guitar will make a drum-like sound. Try to create interesting strumming patterns by varying the beats per measure and playing on the up- or down-strokes. Try to match the rhythmic patterns you hear in your favorite songs.

Beginners should also complement their guitar exercises with theory. Learn how scales combine to form chord triads. Also study the techniques used for various forms of music, such as jazz, blues, country, or rock. By learning techniques from each, you will vastly improve your ability to adapt, improvise and create interesting music on your guitar.

All beginners should complement their exercise routine with learning their favorite songs. However, don't fall into the trap of learning songs that require the same simple chord combinations and strumming patterns. You will only improve your guitar playing by challenging yourself. Pick songs that inspire you, but also challenge you to move beyond your current abilities.

As a beginner, you should take advantage of tablature. Tablature is a simplified form of guitar notation that depicts the strings as a simple line drawing. Numbers written on each line represent the fret that you hold down to play each note in the song. Do not use tablature as a crutch; you should also learn to read traditional music notation. But as a beginner, you will find it more encouraging to learn some songs quickly by practicing from tablature.

Your exercise routine should also include playing with friends. Many beginners are intimidated to join others because they doubt their skills. However, the best way to improve your timing and ability to improvise is to perform with others from the very beginning. You will also be inspired by this interaction, and will be motivated to keep playing your guitar.