How to Start Playing the Guitar

So, you envision yourself on a stage, while listening to the radio, playing your heart and soul to the masses. Then you open your eyes and wish you had that kind of talent. Is it possible? Read on to follow the lead of widely respected, guitar playing legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eddie Van Halen and Randy. At the very least, you could gain enough skill to please someone you are interested in and impress them with your ability to play.

Start playing now

Those guitar ripping solos you hear on Mtv are from people started becoming acquainted with their guitars as soon as they could get their hands on one. There are many guitarists, like Eric Clapton, that did not start playing until their teens or later in life. The point is to start playing as early as you can. Stop making excuses, there is no reason to wait.

Everyone starts out playing badly and then get better. Seriously, babies have to learn to roll over and balance on their knees and arms. Then they start crawling. Then they start walking. Soon, those babies grow up and start getting into trouble. This is how you must think of your training. Crawl, walk, and then cause some trouble.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Eddie Van Halen used to walk around his house with the guitar strapped on and unplugged, practicing incessantly; he would sit on his bed for hours playing while other people went partying. It is all about dedication and discipline. How serious are you about learning to play the guitar?

Be precise

Just because you are starting does not give you an excuse to be sloppy. Do it slowly and concentrate. You will be amazed at the results. If you know someone who is an excellent guitar player, walk up to them with the guitar strapped on and ask them if your finger placement for a particular chord or technique is correct. Most people, who already know how to play, would have no problem helping. Besides, if you do not already have an instructor, this is an easy way to get one.

Some techniques worth learning:

· Harmonics and pinch harmonics

· Palm muting

· Right hand tapping

· Hammer ons/pull offs.

· Major and minor scales

· Pentatonic major and minor keys.

Understand chord theory

Learn as many chords and inversions as you can. Become familiar with how they sound and why you use them. Knowing the notes and sounds of these chords can make your soloing more interesting. Some of the greatest rock guitar solos are actually very jazz-influenced using chords and inversions

Play with emotion

You can use the guitar for freedom of expression. You can feel the music in your blood, and make other people feel it, too. Remember, music is meant to move people physically or emotionally. Believe you can become a breath-taking guitarist and you will become brilliant.