Things That I Know

Teaching yourself to play the guitar could be considered a never ending process. As long as there are songs to be learned or written, there is more guitar playing to learn. But learning just how to play the instrument is something you can teach yourself, and make yourself quite competent in in a fairly short time.

When I say a fairly short time, I do not mean you’ll be good by next week. But you can play some things you recognize in that time. But it requires dedication to teach yourself how to play the guitar well.

In order to learn how to play the guitar, we’ll start with the basics, all the way back at step one.

First, what kind of guitar do you want to play. In general, you need to learn the basics for any style, but there are enough differences that the learning process will change. Do you want to play the acoustic, electric or classical guitar? While you can learn to play on any of them, they are all different instruments. For instance, the strings are different on each guitar, changing the level of playability accordingly. Acoustic guitars mostly are steel stringed, classical are nylon, and electric are also usually steel-based. The way they are made however, makes each one more or less “playable”. A first-time guitar user may have an easier time pushing down the strings on an electric guitar than an acoustic because of the strings.

Generally, classical guitars are used for classical music or similar types. Spanish music is often classical based. It has a softer tone to it and is played with the fingers, rather than a pick. Acoustic guitars can be played either finger-style or with a pick. It can be used for both rythym and for solos. Electric guitars are played with a pick and require additional equipment to be played. They are plugged into an amplifier and can be played much louder than acoustic guitars. Electric guitars can also be used for rythym or soloing, but are far better than the others for basic solos.

I’m sure some people will disagree with the basics of what I just wrote, but I’m just trying to give you a basic idea. There are plenty of expert classical guitarists that can out-solo electric players, but I’m only trying to speak in general terms. If you just want to learn how to play the basics, I’d recommend an acoustic guitar, then progress towards the style you like best after you have a foundation. I say this because I think the acoustic is the toughest to play. Not in theory, but physically. You need to push the strings much harder than on an electric, which makes moving to an electric guitar later seem much easier.

Making your choice of what kind of guitar you want to play is a purely personal choice. The first guitar I ever played was a cheap acoustic guitar. I didn’t find out until later on, that it was not a good guitar. But in retrospect, I’m glad I didn’t know, because being so tough to play has made all guitars I’ve picked up since feel like solid gold. My advice is to pick a guitar you like, one you’ll want to pick up everyday, regardless of it’s style. Pick something in your price range that you like, and you’ll be happy.

Once you have a guitar, you’re ready to start playing it. Be patient, and take baby steps, and next thing you know, you’ll be pretty good.

Now, it’s time for lessons in playing.

Tags: Guitar, Teach Yourself

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