5 Essential Guitar Playing Tips
Guaranteed To Give You A Head Start!
Are you having problems getting started playing the guitar?
Do the basics feel more like the ballistics?
Do you want to sound more like Eric Clapton than El Kabong?
Well read on because we're going to unveil the 5 essentials guitar playing tips that if you master will make playing the guitar much, much easier!
Sitting Position
It's going to sound obvious, but you need to feel relaxed when sitting playing your guitar, but don't worry you don't have to be some yoga master, take your guitar and ensure the guitar body is supported by your leg. Ensure you are seated at the edge of your chair and your back is straight but relaxed, lean your guitar back towards you slightly. This simple practice will help you play your guitar easier.
Standing Position
Want to play with the panache of Eddie Van Halen, or use your teeth like Hendrix?
Well hold on there buddy, lets get the basics right first! To start you need to ensure it’s held securely and your body is relaxed. Take you guitar and put the strap over your shoulder. Adjust the strap so your guitar is positioned over your mid-body. Your left hand will be supporting the neck of the guitar and your right hand at the bridge of the guitar. If this feels wierd try swapping, does this feel more comfortable? Guess what you are probably a left hand guitar player. If this is the case we would recommend getting yourself a left handed guitar. This is because there are differences in the way a left hand guitar is set up apart from just the way it's strung.
Hand Position
Before you start pulling out incredible licks or killer arpeggios, creating the correct hand position is VITAL! This is for 2 reasons, ease of playing and avoiding too much strain or injury on your wrist or thumb. The main key to this is RELAXED! (Are your beginning to see a pattern here?) The wrist and hands should always be in a relaxed state to prevent strain. Don't place your thumb too low on the neck. Put your fingers on the fret board making sure there's no need to stretch to play any on the strings.
Fretting
Fretting seems tricky at the start but with a little bit of practice it will start to feel natural, and then comes the time to shred the guitar! Once again the following is going to sound simple but you'd be surprised how many beginners don't realise this... CUT YOUR FINGERNAILS! Short nails are a must. Only the tips of your fingers should be used to press the guitar strings, you know you are doing it right when the strings sound clear and are not muted or buzzing.
Holding the Pick.
This is the simplest! Just hold the pick
between the thumb and index fingers.
Last but MOST IMPORTANTLY ....Practice! even if it's only for 10 minutes a day, the trick here is consistency. The most difficult period of learning the guitar is at the start as your brain has to build new neuropathways (patterns). By doing a little everyday (a minimum of 20 minutes is recommended) your brain will build these a lot quicker than say 2 hours once a week. So stick with it, the rewards are well worth it good luck and happy playing!
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