Have you ever wanted to be a great guitar player? Few people have the ability to play without taking lessons. That is why you need to learn throughout your journey of becoming a great guitar player. Continue reading for some helpful tips you can use to become a better player.

Take some time to master the basics. Waking comes before running. You might want to play a favorite song of yours, but the foundation you build is important. Start with finger positions. Make it a point to practice scales and chords. Be certain to master them prior to starting anything new.

Do not feel like you have to learn everything all at once. Gradually improve from day to day. Set some practice time aside each day, and eventually you’ll see your proficiency improve.

Look to see if there are guitar teachers near you. You can learn to play the guitar on your own, but you can also benefit from learning from a teacher. Good teachers will help improve your style and technique. This also gives you the chance to get your questions answered.

No matter how obvious it may seem, remember to purchase the guitar if you hope to learn to play. Lacking a guitar makes routine practice impossible. It’s important to have your guitar properly tuned, or it will sound incorrect.

Enjoy yourself when you practice the guitar. This is an elective activity. Try not to make the learning process feel like work. If you do this, you are likely to become bored, or you may grow to dislike it and give up altogether. Play songs that you actually want to play.

Your fingertips will get sore with constant practice. Try starting with a guitar with nylon strings or an electric guitar if it’s too painful. Beginners often experience pain when using guitars with steel strings. You can ease the pain in your fingertips by soaking them in rubbing alcohol. Don’t follow old wive’s tales that tell you to use dangerous liquids, such as turpentine.

Try using a metronome. It can be difficult to keep time without one. Metronomes keep you on beat. You will be able to play the guitar without any help when you practice.

Whether you love rock or country, simple songs are the best place to start. Instead of tackling harder songs and trying to pull of cool licks, go with something easier. Although nursery rhymes seem childish, you will learn more quickly with single-note melodies.

Learn how to play songs in different keys. The same song sounds different in varying keys, and you will learn chords more easily. You’ll understand music better because of it. This is one thing that will help you grow as a musician.

Do finger strengthening exercises. Some chords require complicated handwork that only becomes possible if you understand how to control the strings using your fingers. Make certain you do some hand strengthening exercises to increase your prowess.

The above tips are helpful, but only when they are practiced. Practicing is essential if you want to be an accomplished guitarist. Use what you have learned, and you will see your skills grow in leaps and bounds.

By Laura