You've seen them on TV, at concerts, in the movies: guitar players busting out awesome riffs, dynamic chord structures, and amazingly melodious lead lines -- and making it look easy. Watching a master guitarist at work is nothing short of inspiring. Most people are content to sit back and resonate. But, some of us are compelled to try to emulate these guys. If you are like me, you are driven to learn as much as you can about this icon of pop culture.
I don't care what anybody says, learning to play the guitar (or any musical instrument, for that matter) is not like walking and talking. In fact, there are several hurdles that the serious beginner must overcome in order to proceed to master his instrument. I want to discuss these hurdles and to encourage each and every one of you to overcome the feelings of frustration that you will undoubtedly experience and to diligently pursue the goal of learning to play the guitar.
Let's say that you have a guitar. You're sitting there, looking at one another, and you are wondering where to start, what to do next. You pick up your guitar and, painstakingly, form a chord that you saw in a book or online. You strum the guitar and all you get is an awful thumping sound. You, my friend, have reached the first hurdle. There is nothing more frustrating than giving something your best shot and not achieving the desired results. Most people would stop right there. You, however, are filled with determination and resolve. You know that the frustrations will be fleeting and satisfaction is only a few practice sessions away. Believe me, I know how you feel. I've been there.
To jump this hurdle, you have to do two things. You need to learn how to tune your guitar. You, the serious guitar player, need to learn how to tune your guitar the old-fashioned way and there are several sites that will show you how. For now, though, click here [http://www.joe-guitar.blogspot.com] and use the little tuner to tune your axe.
Next, go online and find a lesson that will teach you correct posture and fingering. The key to success is to remember to arch your fingers and to press the strings down with the tips of your fingers only. I know that, at first, this is easier said than done. Do not be dismayed. With perseverance, you shall overcome. It is at this point that you will encounter another hurdle that must be surpassed. Specifically, sore fingers. After a few tries, your fingertips will be raw and painful. I repeat, do not be discouraged. Take a break and come back when they feel better. Each time you come back, the skin will become a little tougher and, eventually, you will develop little fretboard calluses on the tips of your fingers.
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