Beginner’s Guide To Playing A Guitar

Beginner's Guide To Playing A Guitar | Elevate

Beginner’s Guide To Playing A Guitar: An Overview

In this article we will cover everything you need to know about playing guitar, guitar basics, strumming technique and chord progression:

  • Getting Started With Playing A Guitar
  • How To Begin Playing A Guitar
  • How To Buy Your First Guitar
  • Beginner Guitar Lessons – Knowing the Basics
  • Learn Beginner Bass Guitar
  • Learn Electric Guitar Basics
  • Learn Blues Guitar Styles
  • Learn Blues Rhythm Guitar
  • Electric Guitar VS Acoustic Guitar
  • Explore Chord Basics – A Major, C Major, D Major, G Major, E Minor
  • Top Guitar Tips For Beginners
  • The Best Online Guitar Courses

Getting Started With Playing A Guitar

It is possible for everyone to learn how to play the guitar – from classical, bass style, electric, and blues to heavy metal – or anything in between. After you master a few basic concepts as a beginner guitar player, picking up the guitar is much more natural compared to playing any other musical instrument. Learning how to learn to play is also something you can do for yourself. When you master your own song on the guitar, it gives you a great deal of confidence. There are a few stages you will go through during the process of learning and mastering the guitar. 

Getting Started With Playing A Guitar | Elevate
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The more you master guitar strumming techniques and sharpen muscle memory, eventually improving your guitar skills, from simple chords to holding your guitar correctly, you let the music and melody take centre stage. 

As you start your journey to learn the guitar, we’ll guide you through it all: buying a guitar, setting up the guitar, how to play guitar chords, minor chords, major chords and even playing your own song. Elevate beginner guitar lessons cover everything from tuning the guitar to strumming your first chords to playing your first solos. Continue reading to know how to begin learning how to play the guitar. Enjoy your time playing!

Find out how easy it is to start playing guitar, and learning about music composition and songs with these online music courses from Elevate. If you’re a guitar beginner, you can learn to play your first guitar style in just a few clicks!

how to play guitar chords | Elevate
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How To Begin Playing A Guitar 

Here are some of the things a beginner might need to get started playing the guitar. To start, decide which guitar is right for you. Guitar for beginners can be challenging if they don’t choose the right instrument. It is important to feel comfortable if you are going to practice. Before you make a decision, do some research and check out some of the best guitars for beginners.

Start simple, learn the guitar basics first. It will be easier for you to learn the rest of the guitar once you nail the basic guitar skills. If your guitar is out of tune, you can play your guitar chords perfectly, but it will sound terrible. Before you start playing your guitar, make sure you tune it with a tuner. Beginners may find it helpful to use a guitar tuner at first.

Begin with learning how to play guitar chords. It will take you some time to learn some simple guitar chords before you can learn how to play your own song. Beginner guitar lessons introduce you to the basics of playing the guitar while exposing you to different melodies and harmony.

Set up a practice routine for your guitar. As a beginner, if you incorporate guitar practice into your routine, it is more likely that you will learn the basics of playing the guitar quickly. Learn guitar easily with a practice plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. 

Exercises that stretch your hands will definitely benefit your playing. Start by making a fist and holding it for 60 seconds, then releasing it and spreading your fingers wide. Make sure you repeat the process with both hands at least four times. For increased hand strength and muscle memory, perform this exercise throughout the day.

Start taking online guitar lessons. If you’re starting to play for the first time or if you have little experience, this might be the perfect time for brushing up on your guitar-playing skills. But if you’re serious about improving, you’ve got to find a course that suits your style and pace.

Start taking online guitar lessons | Elevate
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Get comfortable with guitar chord changes and chord progression. Writing your own songs will become easier once you understand how chords relate to one another. 

You can start by learning one of your favourite songs. It is only by playing a song that you can determine how good you are at playing the guitar. Learning how to play a new song perfectly without making any errors gives beginner guitarists such a great sense of accomplishment!

Find a guitar-learning platform for consistent guitar lessons. With the rise of online learning, it is easier than ever to learn guitar in the comfort of your own home. Want to take guitar lessons online? Play guitar in a matter of weeks. Here are some courses that will make your guitar learning experience enjoyable, easy and interesting.

How to play the Bass Guitar | Elevate
Choosing the right bass guitar can be challenging when you first begin.

How To Buy Your First Guitar  

If you don’t know what to look for when buying your first guitar, this can be a difficult experience! Your guitar learning journey will be more successful if you choose the right tool! Here are a few tips and tricks that will guide you through the process of making your first guitar purchase. 

To start off, decide if you want an acoustic or electric guitar or classical guitar. It is also a good idea to start off by attempting to determine the types of musical styles or genres most appealing to you. Classical guitars with nylon strings are required if you wish to play classical music. You should choose a steel-string acoustic guitar if you plan to play folk or fingerstyle. Electric guitars are best for rock music or a hard-rock sound. For beginner guitarists, acoustic guitars are a great choice due to their simplicity and lack of special equipment. 

How To Buy Your First Guitar | Elevate
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Because classical guitars are relatively inexpensive and easy to play, they’re popular with beginners, especially younger ones. Classical guitars are perfect for fingerpicking, which is a better alternative for starters. Compared to a steel-string guitar, classical guitars are less flashier. Steel-string guitars are known for their sharp, crisp, and loud sound, a music lover’s favourite. 

Get the right size of guitar that fits your requirement. Before you make a significant investment, prepare the budget and the style of the guitar. Lastly, you should always do your homework and look into options. Avoid buying a guitar only because it looks good. Shop at your local music store or online from an established music company.

Get the right size of guitar that fits you | Elevate
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Beginner Guitar Lessons – Knowing the Basics  

Would you like to learn how to play the guitar? Are you thinking about taking online guitar courses? Let’s look at some courses that are suitable for beginners and discuss why they may be useful for learning guitar online.

If you’re just getting started, choosing an online guitar course can be overwhelming and confusing since there are so many options available. Elevate online music courses allow you to find the perfect guitar lesson for you. The courses are designed to help you develop good playing and performance skills, and deepen your understanding of guitar theory and practice.  

Cables are essential for making the connection between plugging your bass into an amplifier possible. With the live courses taught by world-class musicians, you can develop your sound and build your confidence as you learn all aspects of music and sound theory with fundamental technical guitar tips. Whatever course you choose, from the Ace Guitar Academy to the Blues Rhythm Guitar, Blues Guitar Styles, as well as the Essential Blues Guitar Expert Track, the Elevate program will enhance your learning by providing comprehensive materials, tools and resources, giving you a deeper understanding of the guitar and how it works.

The music courses at Elevate are well-rounded and extensive. You can sharpen your skills in a wide range of areas, from songwriting to music business and production. You can compose your own solo work, collaborate on music compositions, and build an impressive music and sound portfolio that shows your musical journey and growth.

music courses at Elevate | Elevate
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Beginner Bass Guitar 

Taking the beginner bass guitar course will help you become an excellent bass guitar player. In the immersive and interactive course, you can learn the basics of bass guitar with the help of music industry insiders. A live interactive masterclass with downloadable course materials and resources with lifetime access and expert tips. 

You will learn how to read, understand, and compose your own bass lines through videos, tasks, and simple guides. A beginner guitarist gets everything he needs to know in the comprehensive 7 modules that provide flexibility and self-direction. A certificate of completion is awarded upon successful completion of the course.

Learn everything you need to know about the bass guitar, from the basics to the methods, techniques, and tips that will help you formulate your very own personal musical playing style and sound. 

formulate your very own personal musical playing style | Elevate
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Electric Guitar Basics

Want to take your very first electric guitar lesson from a seasoned pro? Elevate’s electric guitar course is the perfect place to learn the instrument. Become an expert in electric guitar through the engaging course taught by Ace, the acclaimed guitarist of the British rock band, Skunk Anansie. There is no better way to learn how to play the electric guitar than on the same level as the legendary electric guitar player, Ace, whose career spans over 20 years with 5 million albums sold. You’ll also gain an understanding of the electric guitar and its role in contemporary music along with essential theories and chords.

In this 6 module course, you’ll go from not knowing how to pick up your electric guitar, to enjoying playing it. The course will teach you the tabs, basic chords and scales, as well as the skilful execution of masterful bending, rolling and hammer-ons. From mastering the basics like posture and how to hold the guitar properly, students learn a variety of guitar skills. In just a few weeks you can gain an understanding of what it takes to master an electric guitar so you can play with finesse and confidence.

Get lifetime access to live masterclasses that include HD video tutorials, industry tips and tricks, and downloadable lesson guides. Work through all the guitar essentials — including theory, reading tabs, and playing chords — in your own time.

Blues Guitar Styles

Have you ever wanted to play like Muddy Waters or Freddie King? With the Blues Guitar Style course, you will learn what it means to play the guitar in the style of some of the greatest blues musicians of all time. Learn six iconic blues guitar styles and key techniques from expert guitarist Justin Sandercoe in our flexible, online blues guitar course. 

You’ll cover influences like jazz and rock, blend skills, curls to bends techniques, sound plus knowledge in order to become proficient at playing blues music. The course was created by Justin Sandercoe, an Australian guitar teacher that has inspired millions of guitar players with thousands of online guitar lessons over the past 20 years.

If you’re a guitarist looking to broaden your skills or try something new, you’ve come to the right place. Throughout the Blues Guitar Styles course, you will go through 6 intense modules covering unique blues styles such as Texas Blues and British Blues. There is no deadline for completing the course. You are free to move through the course at your own pace. 

By the end of this 6-module course, you’ll have practical knowledge, authentic skills and sound like a seasoned blues guitar player. Learn from videos, notations, readings, and backing tracks. Plus, find out what language, history, and techniques have shaped the blues guitar styles through the ages. 

Try this online blues guitar course to hone your technique further.

Blues Rhythm Guitar

If you prefer speed and versatility, playing bass with a pick might be your preferred choice. You can Become a master of the timeless blues rhythm guitar style and hone your guitar skills one chord at a time. Develop your own sound or put all of your knowledge into practice to prepare for a career in music.

If you prefer speed and versatility, playing bass with a pick might be your preferred choice. You can Blues has an iconic sound because of its structures, terms, and vocabulary. Get an understanding of turnarounds, fretting techniques, chord progressions, and riffs while learning about a variety of forms of the blues rhythm and style. Click here to view the course. Get a good grasp of the blues guitar and gain confidence in your abilities. With Elevate, you can get jamming, one by one, at your own pace. 

The 6 Blues Rhythm Guitar modules are divided into digestible lessons that take you from basic structure to advanced techniques as well as playing professionally in a band. In this course, you will find step-by-step instructions spread over 31 lessons. Each is made up of a series of lessons that you can play through on your own schedule. 

Elevate online guitar courses teach you the fundamentals of blues rhythm guitar and take a deep dive into this timeless style. After completing each module, you’ll have mastered some of the key roles of a blues guitarist and developed an authentic blues sound. Designed for aspiring blues guitarists, the module-by-module course will help you build your confidence and sound authentic.

Elevate online guitar courses | Elevate
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Electric Guitar VS Acoustic Guitar 

It is a known fact that the electric guitar can be played more easily than an acoustic guitar. There is less of a learning curve with electric guitars. Compared to acoustic guitars, electric guitars are a lot smaller, so you are more likely to feel comfortable learning on one. Strings on electric guitars are lighter and more comfortable than those on acoustic guitars. 

Electric and acoustic guitars have been used to learn music all over the world, but acoustic guitars are most commonly used to learn. If you start with acoustic, you will be able to refine your finger strength, and muscle memory, plus develop the discipline to learn chords for songs that include strumming. This makes the acoustic guitar a popular choice for beginner guitar lessons.

Explore Chord Basics – A Major, C Major, D Major, G Major, E Minor Chord

Beginner lessons in guitar skills should focus primarily on hands-on experience, along with some theory knowledge. Playing chords step-by-step is an essential part of learning how to play the guitar. Knowing certain chord progressions can enable you to use your fingers more dexterously, and understand harmony better.  

In order to excel as a good guitarist, you need to learn how to transition between chords. After mastering chord progressions, you will find there are countless progressions to practice, which is great since there is always something new to learn at every step. The E Minor chord can be followed by the C Major chord, for example. Roman numerals are often used to indicate chord progressions on chord diagrams.  

To become a well-versed guitarist, you must develop the ability to transition between chords as well. Having a better understanding of chord progressions will also make it easier for you to move around the fretboard. Great guitarists are very familiar with harmony and variation. 

In the following paragraphs, we will cover some minor chord and major chord methods helpful for a guitar player. The basic chord progressions on a chord diagram can be confusing for a beginner unfamiliar with them. We’re going over some simple chords and notes meant for beginner lessons.

C Major

The most popular guitar chord is the C major chord, which is no surprise. In the chord, you’ll find your basic C, E, and G notes combined harmoniously. To achieve the chord, align your second and third fingers in a slanted pattern. Initially, your fingers may feel tight, but as time passes, the C major chord will get easier to achieve.

A Major

A major is a good chord for beginners, as the entire chord can be found on the second fret, so you can keep your other fingers free to play other chords. It’s as simple as placing the tip of your first finger on the fourth string, your second finger on the third string, and your third finger on the second string. It’s all on the second fret.

G Major  

There is something a little challenging about the G major chord, and it can be difficult to progress quickly to other chords after you play it. Strumming requires your first finger to touch the fourth string at the 2nd fret, your 2nd finger touching the fifth string at the thirst fret, and your 3rd finger touching the first string at the 3rd fret, all at once.

D Major

A triangular shape distinguishes D major from other major chords. On the second fret, hold down E and G with your first two fingers, then hold down the B string with your third finger. Light-hearted tunes like these are known for their spirit of optimism and warmth.

E Major

The E major chord requires that all strings be played simultaneously. The first finger should be placed on the first fret of the third string, while the second finger should be placed on the second fret of the fifth string. A third finger should be placed on the second fret of the fourth string. Put them all down in a line and strum them together. Make sure you hit them all at once!

E Minor

The E Minor chord uses all the strings on the guitar. The sound you create when you strum all the way through will sound rich and full. Play the E minor by putting your 2nd finger at the 2nd fret of the 5th string and your 3rd finger at the 2nd fret of the 4th string. Make sure you play all six strings together. The E minor is easy to learn, regardless of your level of experience. 

These chords are not just easy to play, they also played a significant part in many iconic and memorable lyrics, songs and compositions. With immersive and live online classes, you can learn to play any chord in a matter of minutes.

Top Guitar Tips For Beginners

As a beginner guitar player, the best way to learn how to play and immerse yourself in learning guitar is by asking other guitarists about their experiences and learning journeys. But here are some quick tips to get you started.

  • Playing a guitar can be confusing at first, so take it slow. It is common for first-timers to try to play chords as quickly as possible
  • Don’t overspend on a flashy guitar. Invest in an affordable guitar as a starting point 
  • Tune your guitar and learn how to use it
  • Develop your chord-playing skills by learning to play difficult chords 
  • Take time to learn how to hold the guitar correctly
  • Make sure you stand up and practice the guitar
  • Get familiar with palm muting through practice
  • Use a metronome to keep track of your tempo, rhythm and timing 
  • Make sure that the guitar strings are thin, to make sure you put less strain on your fingers
  • Learn from other guitarists and play with them
 Top Guitar Tips For Beginners | Elevate
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The Best Online Guitar Courses

Basic guitar techniques can be learned at any age, and learning guitar requires a lifetime of commitment. The chords on your guitar may seem confusing at first, but don’t get discouraged. Before you begin, you should learn how to read chord charts. When you commit to beginner lessons and put in the work, your muscle memory and hand placement will develop with practice. When it comes to learning guitar for beginners, it’s best to start somewhere. Play guitar with Elevate!

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