My Top Tips on Guitar for Beginners
It’s really hard when you are at the beginning of something to imagine yourself not being a beginner and to comprehend how much you are going to learn. In this blog, I wanted to tell you about the top things I wish I would have known when I was starting guitar so you don’t make the same mistakes I did!
My Grand Pacific Taylor is just perfect!
It’s really hard when you are at the beginning of something to imagine yourself not being a beginner and to comprehend how much you are going to learn. I distinctly remember sitting in the attic at my house trying to learn barre chords (!). At the time, I was looking at my bright pink pointer finger and was like I cannot imagine EVER getting these effing barre chords to not sound awful and muted ( we have all been here though right?). I think it’s really important to have people spurring you on and making sure you don’t lose hope in the beginning of your guitar journey because it’s a time that you don’t love the sound of yourself playing, but you don’t know how to sound better. It’s also a time of curiosity and also (typically) being kinder to yourself.
Watch my YouTube video of what I wish I would have known starting guitar here!
In this blog, I wanted to share with you what I wish I would have known/ thought of/ taken more seriously when I was first starting guitar so hopefully you can feel better about your improvement with guitar and stay inspired!
Tip #1: Be Positive About Your Progress
I put this at the very top of the list because I think it’s most important! I don’t love when I am looking for advice on something and it’s super vague like this… but really if you can make the thoughts in your head positive about your practice time and progress, it will make you want to spend more time with your guitar and therefore get better. One way I do this is if I’m frustrated or can’t get something down, I’ll go back to playing a song that’s just pure fun and makes me pumped (AKA classic rock for me!). Also, not reviewing my progress too much and focusing more on creativity, rather than specific accomplishments. When I compare myself to other people’s progress, I tend to get more in my head about things, If this is a problem for you (I learned this technique lately) try working backward and thinking about everything that person has given up, and every detail that got them where they are. It’s easy to think that other guitar players might have a talent/magic dust that you don’t have, and then you don’t take into consideration the time you aren’t seeing that they put into practice. Working through exactly what they had to do to get there makes things feel more logical, and can help you be motivated that if you take those steps, you can get there too!
Tip #2: Sign Up For Group Lessons
Here were some of my first group lessons students! We had so much fun!
A lot of people say they don’t prefer group lesson and I have no clue why! They are the perfect test band scenario to get you out of the house and playing with other people. You can mess up and not feel like you are throwing off a band, and learn tips from peers who are more on your level or maybe just a step ahead. Also, helping other people might help the knowledge/ concepts sink in better for you.
Tip #3: Work On Your Bends
Bends took me a second. For them to sound good, you really have to get them up to an exact note. If you know all the theory in the world but have sloppy bends, it’s really going to mess up the emotion of your playing. Practice playing up to an exact note, and getting that muscle memory strong right off the bat!
Tip #4: Don’t Get overly Focused On Theory and “Rules”
It’s easy to think if only you knew more scales, then you would be better at guitar, but you can do SO much without knowing everything. So many great songs and licks are simple but hold a lot of emotion, have cool timing, or maybe use an interesting or creative technique. Obviously, theory is great and can be super helpful, but in the beginning as a guitarist, it may be more beneficial to practice having flow in the notes you are comfortable with.
Keeping your guitar out where you will see it everyday is a great way to set yourself up to remember to practice!
Tip #5: Pay Attention to Your Technique
As a beginner guitarist, you are in luck because you can start your technique off strong and it sets you up for the rest of your guitar career! Try to get your fingers bubbled around the fretboard, have clean right-hand technique, and have good timing!
Get lessons and tips on my YouTube!
Tip #6: Learn About Tone
I never thought tone was THAT important until I started playing out more. Your tone can really set the whole vibe of your guitar playing and determine who exact you get a part of a certain song. You can play really simple chords and licks and if you have awesome tone, they will sound great! Tone is something that is difficult for me because everything can sound different with one small change. If you are not a “gear nerd,” get someone you trust to help you set up your pedal board/ choose your gear.
If this article was for you, I hope you embrace the excitement of learning something totally new, and that you also learn more about yourself and what inspires you!
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5 Guitar Lies to Stop Telling Yourself
When I got accepted to Belmont, I was SO excited to get started playing guitar and serve people with a passion I had been cultivating since I was a kid. After only a few months though, I developed a little intimidation and put off really “getting out there” because it scared me so much.
When I got accepted to Belmont, I was SO excited to get started playing guitar and serve people with a passion I had been cultivating since I was a kid. After only a few months though, I developed a little intimidation and put off really “getting out there” because it scared me so much. I have always heard the things we love deeply and hold close to us are the hardest to be risky with.
After school, I temporarily lost sight of my music dreams and felt that little nagging feeling of God pulling me back toward using music as a way to bring joy to others and encouragement. I know some of you are there with me thinking about your love for music and what you can do with it so I wanted to break down 5 lies that are easy to tell yourself that can kill your passion for playing:
1) It's Too Late for You
For some reason, I have spoken to a lot of people who used to love playing guitar and gave it up because they believed their chance had passed them by. When I was younger my dad used to say I should play music over sports because you can keep playing for as long as your mind and most of your fingers work. He just turned 60 last year and I have yet to see another guitarist shred and engage the crowd like he does!
2) You Aren't Naturally Talented at Guitar
I deeply believe 95% of playing guitar is hard work and practice. You can't compare yourself to anyone because you don't know how much time they set aside to practice or how they might practice differently. Music is so individual and communicates to everyone differently so you really can't compare yourself to others. So be ok with being where you are and if you find something that's too hard for you, be thankful because that's what will stretch you to be better!-
3) It's Too Competitive
This is especially easy to say in Nashville (guitar players are a dime a dozen!). I always try to think though that a) You don't have to be the best to add value (credit to Christy Wright on this one) B) it's more about having fun and connecting with people than being the best and beating the competition, and C) music would be way more boring if only the same best guitarists played on everything. Never forget that you have something unique to bring to the table!
I don't know about you guys, but when I was young, starting a band mostly meant having a band photo shoot...
4) You Don't Have Time
TBH practicing can be really hard for me when I have a lot going on. It's helped me put my amp in the living room where I am bound to see it and start playing and inviting musical friends over to play- playing with people always gives it a purpose!
5) You Have Decided You Don't Want to be a Professional Musician
You don't have to do music full time for playing guitar to bring joy into your life. Some people quit playing completely if they aren't able to survive on music alone, but It can be amazing to use your guitar playing as a way to serve family and friends, express some creativity and make a little side money while doing it!
So go make the EP you’ve always wanted to create, get a band together or learn how to play! It’s easy to feel like you are “not good enough” at your talent, but the truth is there is no such thing as good enough and there is plenty of room left for you to affect someone’s life with the music you write or play.
If any of these lies have left you feeling burnt out or are scaring you from getting back into music, I encourage you just to start somewhere! I would love to hear how you've gotten back into music/ gotten past your any guitar fears that were holding you back!
