Teaching yourself to play the guitar is a worthy and rewarding pastime, but practice does not make perfect, especially if you have no guidance. Here are some tips for learning guitar on your own that will make your self-taught journey easier!
Learn Technique And Form
YouTube and other platforms are excellent resources for learning guitar basics. Work on instilling proper technique and form so you can build a solid foundation before trying to master your favorite song. Follow content creators that focus on the foundations of guitar and practice, practice, practice.
Learn Scales And Chords
Scales and chords are the foundation of music, so mastering these will ensure you can easily play nearly any song quickly. Download or print out chord charts and practice them daily.
Learn To Read Music
Reading music is an invaluable skill for any budding musician. Sheet music has been used for hundreds of years, and the formula is pretty straightforward. Ask a friend who reads music or pick up a book. This skill allows you access to a world of music.
Tablature Is Your Friend
Tabs or tablature is a shorthand method that musicians use to annotate music and share it freely online. Learning tablature is more accessible than learning to read sheet music. Generally, a person can learn to read tablature in an afternoon.
Callous Up
The more you practice, the better. You will quickly build up callouses that will make playing so much easier. They may not be attractive to most but should be considered your badge of honor, proof of dedication to your music.
Flamenco, Jazz, and Classical
Though these genres may not be your preference, the techniques used can take your guitar playing to the next level. These genres are technical in nature and require rigorous practice to master. The practice will be well worth the time you put into it, allowing you to improvise effortlessly and adapt to jamming out with any musician you meet.
Practice Regularly
You may not have hours and hours to dedicate to practice, but 30 minutes a day can improve your skills immeasurably. Don’t try to cram in 6 hours of practice on the weekend. Instead, take it day by day. Carve out time at the beginning or end of your day, schedule it in, and get to it!
Work That Pinky
Your pinky finger is a powerhouse when it comes to guitar. Mediocre musicians will ignore their pinky, but stellar musicians know that working the pinky harder than the rest will offer you more versatility.
Be Good To Your Hands
Put the guitar down before you overexert your hands. If your hands begin to cramp, joints start to swell, or your callouses crack, it’s time for a break. Use moisturizer regularly, keep cracked hands clean, and give them time to heal a bit. Taking care of your hands will ensure you can continue to play for decades to come.