Learning guitar is quite hard. But don’t be too disappointed if you think the learning process will be challenging. Don’t let your mind sabotage you from learning guitar — remember, there’s no rush. Once you get better, you’ll get to play your favorite songs.
Before you even start playing, there are things you need to know. Here are the most critical ones!
Is Learning Guitar Hard?
Learning guitar is hard work, but it’s not any harder than learning an instrument in general. Learning to play the guitar is a process that involves gaining coordination and dexterity with your finger. An excellent place to start is with the anatomy of the guitar. You can then improve further by developing the ability to reach new heights of talent by practicing new techniques and chords you usually avoid for fear of failure.
Learning guitar can be challenging, but if you stick with it and follow some of our tips, you’ll be playing your first song in no time!
1. Guitar Anatomy and Terminology
If you’re interested in guitar, you should learn more about it.
But first, learning the principles of the guitar’s anatomy is beneficial if you want to try and play.
Some necessary elements include the
- saddle,
- frets,
- sound hole, and
- tuning pegs.
Although the system of guitar tablature, which is the musical notation indicating the instrument fingering, is simple to comprehend, don’t stop there. To grasp the notes, you must begin by understanding the rhythm.
Tip: If you love listening to acoustic music, you should begin learning to play the guitar and envision yourself performing those tunes!
2. Hard to Learn at First
It might seem obvious, but learning to play the guitar is difficult but gets much easier as you practice. Simply outlined, improving your skills will take time, but consistent efforts will pay off. It’s not rocket science!
Because beginners push their hands and fingers to execute complex tasks that don’t come naturally, learning to play the guitar can be challenging.
As you play more, your picking hand will become acquainted with the frets, and you’ll be capable of playing more confidently.
The feeling of being able to play your first song is a lifelong memory. The sound of the plucked string and the mobility of the instrument makes you fall in love with the guitar.
As you can see, musicians may exhibit their originality and love of music via playing the guitar, which can be a very satisfying and rewarding activity!
3. Self-Learning
You can master beginner guitar melodies in around 1-2 months if you practice for 30 minutes each day, 3-5 days per week, with a moderate concentration.
Up next, when you get more comfortable, you’ll need to spend at least 2+ hours practicing that piece until you grasp it through intense focus and proper handling each day.
As previously noted, it will be hard earlier. Still, with time, you will find that your memory, coordination, and guitar sound have become aligned.
4. Hard to Grasp Chromatic Sequence
Some students struggle to understand the Chromatic Scale, particularly the notes E-F-F#-G-Ab-A-Bb-B-C-C#-D-Eb-E.
But, whether you believe it or not, this simple process is the secret to understanding what each note on the neck is sounding.
This is helpful since we can quickly identify each note we are playing using the chromatic sequence, which consists of 12 notes on an octave.
Tip: Students can play the guitar more skillfully if they memorize this chromatic scale!
5. Guitar Checklist
Suppose you want to play an electric or acoustic model. In that case, the first item you need is a guitar and an amplifier, typically costing between $500 and $1,500.
Think about purchasing a player pack or a guitar tuner with the fender tune app. You’ll also need a strap if you wish to play the guitar while standing.
Additionally, you should get accessories such as extra guitar strings, picks, a case or gig bag, a guitar cable, a stand, a humidifier, cleaners, and tools.
You can find best-seller guitar tools on online sites such as Amazon, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Musician’s friends!
6. Private Lessons and Free Online Resources
Guitar lessons can indeed be self-taught. However, structured training is the right strategy for learning guitar.
YouTube on its own is not the best option for a beginner because it doesn’t provide linear structured training. Instead, some reliable platforms are Dolphin Street, Jammit, ShredAcademy, MusicRadar, Ultimate-Guitar, or your local music academy.
These training programs include in-person group classes that will give you a great base in guitar technique. In addition, you can enroll in any courses that catch your attention.
Guitar tuition costs anywhere from $40 to $120 per hour!
7. Improved Motor Skills by Learning to Play the Guitar
Musicians develop fine motor skills as they learn to play the guitar. It comes naturally through enjoyable picking, and fretwork students receive in classes or self-learning.
Studies have shown that playing the guitar increases brain grey matter volume, which improves memory.
Your mental skills and memory will both gain from this. In addition, this promotes agility and coordination as most of the motions depend on timing, and rhythm is an instructor of these motor functions!
8. Benefits and a Great Investment
Playing guitar is a passion for some people.
However, exceptional musicality involves more than just playing chords and licks; it also means expressing your thoughts and sentiments musically.
Studies indicate that playing the guitar
- has a relaxing impact on the mind and body and
- is linked to lower blood pressure, a slower heart rate, less depression, and anxiety.
Learning to play the guitar is a wise long-term investment for some individuals!
9. History of the Instrument “Guitarra Latina”
A guitar is a plucked stringed musical instrument believed to have originated in Spain at the beginning of the 16th century.
It is a derivative of the Guitarra Latina, a medieval instrument with a bent body and four strings.
One of the most well-known nations for guitar manufacturing is China. However, the U.S homeland of Fender and Gibson is the top nation to use this instrument.
Currently, the guitar ensembles include multiple instruments, such as a “lead” guitar for solo, the other for rhythm, and a “bass” guitar to play guitar licks.
10. Professional Guitarist and Producing an Income
Teaching others is a standard method for guitarists to make an income. It could include working as a primary school or academy guest instructor.
Additionally, a professional guitarist can also play and earn when performing in live shows, clubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Stand-in gigs and sophisticated busking can also be your regular income source once you’ve established consistency because of your portfolio and performance style!
11. Lack of Passion Leads to Quitting
Supposedly, learning to play the guitar, even the simplest chords and songs, requires a lot of time, energy, and effort.
Unfortunately, most of these students lack the passion for exerting the necessary effort.
They persevere for a few weeks despite little to no progress. Then, they request professional instructions from coaches but still have a shortfall to comprehend.
As a result, the guitar is stowed away beneath the bed, remaining there until sold or donated!
To learn more, you can also see our posts on Mandolin and Violin.
Conclusion
Playing the guitar is a hobby, an art, and an investment in your future. It will keep you busy in your free time, but it also provides salable skills which can be monetized and turned into a career.
Above all, learning guitar is worth it if you possess the necessary passion and patience. The best thing about it is that your love for playing does not fade with the years; instead, it grows as your knowledge and skill improve!