Do You Want to Play Guitar Songs?
July 31, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Prior to making any attempt to play guitar songs, you need to make sure your guitar is tuned correctly. If your guitar is not tuned as it should be you will soon discover that the song you are trying to play will sound absolutely nothing like it should. On top of this, you need to know how to read guitar tabs before you can play guitar songs too.
Of course, learning to play guitar songs, is about training your ear when you hear a song as well as being able to read guitar tabs. First of all, you should listen to the song you wish to play on your guitar. It’s advisable to stick with simple songs, using three simple chords to begin with when you are still at the novice stage of guitar playing.
At the time of listening to the song, concentrate on the rhythm and timing of the chords and strums you hear being played. Then, after you have heard the song a few times you can try to go along with the song by reading the guitar tab at the time it is playing. Carry out this procedure a couple of times and make a mental note of the rhythm and timing.
Now is the time to pick up your own guitar and strum along with the song gently. As long as you do not play your guitar too loudly, you will still be able to hear the song you are attempting to copy and know you are doing it right.
When you fully understand the timing and style of the strumming, you can begin to play the songs on your own, without the song being played in the background. If you forget what you are supposed to be playing, you can always go back a step and listen to the song again before having another try at playing it on your own.
Make sure you work on one song at a time by practicing it on your guitar over and over again until you can sing the song at the same time as playing it. When you have mastered your first song, then you can introduce new songs to your practice sessions.
It’s a good idea to video yourself playing if you have access to the equipment needed to do this. When you have finished recording, you can take a look at the video and this will be a great help as far as improving your technique is concerned.
All that is needed to learn to play guitar songs is passion and patience. It is not difficult and if you don’t get it right at first don’t beat yourself up about it. Most importantly, don’t allow yourself to become frustrated as this will only lead to more mistakes being made. Simply put down the guitar for a short while, busy yourself doing something else and return to the guitar playing a little later on in the day.
Are You Ready to Play Guitar for the First Time?
July 15, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Well, maybe you’ve dabbled with it here and there, but haven’t actually played a cool tune. You know, “Hot-Cross-Buns” or something similar, but not any major music hits. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you enjoy, the guitar is great for any category.
If you want to start a career in the guitar world or maybe as a hobby, it takes patience, dedication, and commitment. Plus, you’ll also have to account for the physical effects as well.
Have you ever held a hammer or something else for too long only to find out it develops calluses? Well, guitar players get them from strumming the strings. Just like someone who types, a guitar player can have his or her hands cramp up because they’re not used to the strenuous activity. Heck, even your shoulders will get sore along the way.
It doesn’t matter who your idol is at playing the guitar, everyone started at the beginning. They had to deal with everything you’re going to have to deal with each time you play.
When you first learn how to play the guitar, it’s important to understand the tuning process. If you can’t figure this out, then your going to hear sounds that are as bad as Mike Ditka’s singing “Take Me Out to The Ball Game” at Wrigley Field (it was horrendous). You have the lower E string, the A string, the D string, the G string, and the B string. These are arranged from the bottom of the guitar to the top. Then of course you have the high E string, which should be tuned last.
Now, you can manually tune your guitar, or you can pay a music store to do it for you. Obviously this will depend on your preference so we’ll leave the decision in your hands. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you can spend a lot of money having it done for you. Then again, they may do it for free. Just ask, and they’ll tell you. We still recommend doing it yourself so you get a better understanding of the sounds it will make for you.
After you’ve properly tuned everything, learn to read the guitar tabs. You can find tutorials for this all around the Internet, and to be honest, most of them are accurate. Just place your fingers on each string, then strum the guitar using the other hand. It’s going to take some practice, so don’t think you’ll be a master after one evening. Just make sure you start out playing easier chords because it will help in the long run. The simple ones are C, G, and A.
Okay you’re ready! That’s all it takes to know how to play the guitar. Add in as much practice as possible and you have yourself a new hobby. Before long we may see you coming out with your own new CD!
5 Steps to Learning Guitar
July 13, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Are you having problems getting started playing the Guitar?
Do you never seem to master the basics of playing your guitar?
Want to be able to play the guitar so you can impress your friends and colleagues?
This article will reveal the five essentials steps to getting started playing your guitar.
Sitting Position.
In order for you to feel relaxed when sitting playing your guitar you need to adopt the correct sitting position. Take your guitar and ensure the guitar body is supported by your leg. Ensure you are sat at the edge of your chair and your back is straight but relaxed. Your guitar should be leaned back towards you slightly. Just doing this alone will be the start to make playing your guitar easier.
Standing Position.
When standing playing the guitar you need to ensure it’s held securely and your body is relaxed. Take you guitar and put the strap over your shoulder. The strap should be adjusted 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. These quick steps will ensure you are relaxed and have free control of the guitar.
Hand Position.
In order not to cause strain on your wrist or thumb which could cause injury the hand position is vital. The wrist and hands should always be in a relaxed state to prevent strain. The thumb should never be placed too low on the neck. The fingers should be placed on the fret board making sure you do not need to stretch to play any on the strings.
Fretting.
To ensure you press the strings on the fret board correctly here are some essential tips. Make sure you cut your fingernails as short nails are a must. Only the tips of your fingers should be used to press the strings. Ensure all strings sound clear and are not muted or buzzing.
Holding the Pick.
The pick needs to be held in the correct way which is between the thumb and index fingers. If you are not holding the pick correctly you will not make the correct sound when playing the guitar.
You’ll be soon playing the guitar on a regular basis. Playing the guitar in front of a crowd is not a pipe dream or only for those who are natural music players. Use these strategies and very soon you could be playing in your own band.
Can You Really Handle Learning to Play Guitar?
January 21, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
One of the most beautiful instruments is the guitar. There is no doubt that it is attractive to many. It doesn’t matter what type of music may be playing, usually the guitar is one of the critical instruments.
In many bands the lead singer is able to play guitar. If you are interested in learning to play guitar, you’re not the only one. There are many people who have already learned and many others that want to learn and who will learn the guitar in the future as well.
There are a few things that will be required from you if you really are interested in learning to play guitar. If you are not able to deal with the next facts, then don’t even try to learn to play. It will be a waste of your money as well as your time. Read more
What You Need to Know To Learn To Play Guitar Easily
January 21, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
In reality, there is no way to instantly learn how to play the guitar. There are definitely methods that you can use that will cut down the learning curve. You can’t expect to be able to pick up a guitar and be a master it within one day.
Learning to play the guitar doesn’t take only one day of practice. The most famous guitarists didn’t learn their skills in just one day. They put a lot of time into practice and disciplined themselves to be patient.
In fact, most of the famous guitarists had been playing guitar for years before they made it big. Even when you get very good at playing guitar, there will always be something new to learn.
You should know the parts of the guitar and their functions. Then, you can start playing the easy chords. Don’t try to be too overzealous and try to learn the power chords or the sharp and minor chords.
Practice one chord at a time. But be sure that before practicing the next chord, you have already mastered the previous chord. Each chord should be played properly with proper hand placement on the strings. If it doesn’t sound good then you are not doing it right. Read more
What You Need to Know Before You Learn to Play Acoustic Guitar
January 21, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The most traditional type of guitar is the acoustic guitar. In fact, its brother the electric guitar wasn’t invented until the 1930’s. The acoustic guitar, as we know it, has been in existence since around 1779.
Close relatives to the acoustic guitar such as the oud and the lute have been in existence for thousands of years. If you want to learn to play acoustic guitar you’ll be in good company.
The most used type of guitar is the acoustic guitar. It has been used in unplugged sessions by musicians for decades.
It doesn’t produce a loud sound like the electric guitar, because it is not amplified. In the right hands, an acoustic guitar is a very powerful and emotion provoking instrument.
Learning to play the acoustic guitar is not that hard. First you must choose the right acoustic guitar that you will use to learn how to play. It should have the right size and weight for you.
You shouldn’t try to use someone else’s acoustic guitar when you learn to play acoustic guitar either. The size and weight may not be right for you. You need to buy your own acoustic guitar. Read more
Are You Ready to Learn How to Play the Guitar?
January 21, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Probably the most versatile instrument that has ever been made is the guitar. It can be used in different genres of music; from alternative rock to country music. Most lead singers in bands are also a guitar player.
If you want to learn how to play the guitar, it will take some patience, dedication, and commitment on your part. You will also have to get used to some physical effects from playing the guitar as well.
For example, you will develop calluses on your fingers, from strumming the strings. Your hands may cramp a little bit when you start learning the different chords, because they’re not used to being in those positions. Your shoulders may get sore and tired too.
Remember, no matter whom your guitar idol is, they too had to start somewhere. They experienced the same finger calluses hand and shoulder soreness that you do. The old saying “No pain, no gain” is pretty relevant to when you first learn how to play the guitar. Read more
How to Play Lead Guitar
January 21, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
A lead Guitarist is generally the one who plays the Solos, Riffs, and Fills. The Solos are sometimes accompanied by the band and normally mark the climax of the song.
While, the Riffs are generally the intro into the song, and often repeat. The Fills are the parts of music played between the lead singers sections.
The role of the Lead guitarist changed when Rock and Metal made its way into music, it was now more diverse and out of this world.
However, the original role of the Lead Guitarist has not changed and they still provide melody as opposed to the rhythm guitar, bass, and drums.
The styles of each Lead Guitarist are different from the sound of their instruments, the effects they have on others and the music itself, to there own playing style.
If they have succeeded well in these then you will often find yourself in the company of a great player. One thing all great lead guitarist have in common is that they are also know to be true listeners of music and the notes being played. Read more