Over many years of teaching beginner guitar students, I have learned that there are a few concepts and tricks that are most helpful for those at the start their new musical journey.
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- Reach a point daily where your fingertips and hand are a little bit sore (this goes away shortly – your hands just need to get used to the new motions!) – this is how you’ll know if you practiced enough.
- Spend time switching between two chords and slowly playing each string until you can consistently make every note sound.
- If you have trouble switching chords, play along with a recording — strumming on every beat “1.”
- You may have to do some less enjoyable things to improve, but always make time for what motivates you, too.
- The single most important thing you can do is MEMORIZE songs.
- Learn to play a simple melody with one finger. I promise it won’t kill you, and it will make you better.
- Repetition is key to learning guitar. Turn trouble spots into exercises and play for five minutes straight.
- If you want to go fast, you have to start out slow. That’s so important, I’m going to say it again: IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, YOU HAVE TO START SLOWLY!
- The most important skill you need to have to succeed at guitar is patience.
- Do something a little bit difficult every day. Over time, you’ll find you enjoy this more than you would think.
What do you think? Do you have any tips or questions? Please leave a comment below.
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Wes Freeman is private guitar lesson teacher in the Atlanta metro area of Georgia. He teaches lessons primarily in the cities of Lilburn, Snellville, Marietta, Decatur, and Brookhaven. Learn more about taking lessons with Wes on his Lessons page.
Wes Freeman Music 