So, what's the easiest way to learn guitar?
When you’re talking about one of the most popular musical instruments in the world, looking for a way to learn how to play guitar without over complicating the lessons, or making instruction harder than it needs to be, can be difficult and confusing.
Simplicity is key in learning any instrument.
It all boils down to three key elements: the right mindset, quality resources, and consistent practice.
Let's break it down, step by step, and get you strumming in no time.
The Right Mindset
To make guitar learning easy, it's crucial to have the right mindset.
Learning any instrument, including the guitar, takes time and effort.
The easiest way to learn guitar begins with the right attitude.
Here are a few tips to help ease the process:
Stay Patient
Learning the guitar is a journey, not a sprint.
Be patient with yourself and understand that progress takes time.
Don't get discouraged if you don't sound like a rockstar right away.
Set Realistic Goals
Instead of aiming to play complex solos right off the bat, start with simple, achievable goals.
This can be something as basic as learning your first few guitar chords, playing a short riff, or even learning an easy song.
Achieving these smaller goals will keep you motivated.
Practice Regularly
Consistency is the key to improvement.
Even if it's just 10-15 minutes a day, make sure you practice regularly.
It's better to practice a little bit every day than to cram all your practice into a single marathon session.
Stay Curious
Learning an instrument should be fun and exciting.
Don't be afraid to explore different music styles, techniques, and songs.
Keep your curiosity alive, and you'll enjoy the journey even more.
Quality Resources
Once you've got the right mindset, the next step in the easiest way to learn guitar is to gather the right resources.
Luckily, we're living in the digital age, where tons of resources are just a click away.
Online Guitar Lessons
The internet is packed with fantastic virtual guitar lessons like these.
Guitar Tricks is the leading online guitar lesson platform.
With 20+ years in the business, 11,000 video lessons with new lessons constantly being added, and over 4 million students taught, Guitar Tricks is your best bet for guitar lessons online.
Guitar Tricks also includes a mobile app, so you can truly learn from anywhere at anytime.
There are also numerous additional features like the Core Learning System, Custom Lesson Plans, video feedback, and so much more.
Guitar Tricks will help any guitarist at any skill level improve their craft.
Forums
There are plenty of websites and forums dedicated to guitar enthusiasts.
Websites like Ultimate Guitar offer a vast database of tabs and chords, while forums like Reddit's r/guitar are great places to seek advice and connect with fellow guitarists.
Guitar Tricks has a very lively forum which discusses all things guitar learning.
Utilizing these community forums is a great way to help you stay motivated, and it prevents discouragement since you’ll undoubtedly find someone else going through your exact struggle.
Physical Books and DVDs
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can always pick up a guitar instruction book or DVD.
Your local music store will have plenty of options.
If they don’t, they’ll know where to point you.
Private Lessons
For those who crave a personal touch, consider taking private lessons with a qualified guitar instructor.
They can tailor the lessons to your specific needs and help you progress faster.
Be wary, private instruction can be spendy, and requires a rigorous and set schedule.
However, Guitar Tricks allows you to book 1on1 live guitar lessons with their instructors. This is a great way to combine the best of both worlds and will help make your guitar learning as easy as possible.
Consistent Practice
Now that you've got the right mindset and quality resources at your disposal, it's time to put in the work.
Learning guitar is all about practice, practice, practice.
Here's how to make your practice sessions easier than ever:
Warm-Up
Just like athletes warm up before a game, it's essential to warm up before playing the guitar.
This will make your guitar practice much easier.
Spend a few minutes doing some simple finger exercises and stretches to get those fingers limber.
Your warmup doesn’t need to be too involved, just some simple finger and hand movement to get the blood pumping.
Start with the Basics
The easiest thing to learn right off the bat are open chords.
Learn your open chords like C major, G major and D major.
These three chords will enable you to play hundreds, if not thousands of songs right away.
This is important because you’ll be more motivated to learn if you are having fun.
Once you are able to play these chords cleanly, start transitioning between them in rhythm.
Practice with a Metronome
A metronome is your best friend.
This will help you stay in rhythm.
You need to keep a steady tempo and develop a strong sense of rhythm in your guitar playing.
Focus on this aspect early on in your learning journey.
Understanding rhythm from the start will be the easiest way to learn guitar.
You can find metronome apps online or even use the built-in metronome in many guitar tuner apps.
Learn Songs You Love
One of the easiest ways to stay motivated is by learning songs you love.
Pick your favorite tunes and start learning the chords and melodies.
There will always be an ‘easy guitar songs version’ of any song, so it might be a good idea to look these up.
Playing music you enjoy makes practice feel like play.
Record Yourself
If you have the means, recording your playing can be an eye-opener.
It allows you to hear your progress and identify areas where you need improvement.
While you’re playing the guitar, it can be difficult to hear yourself objectively since there is so much you are focusing on in the moment.
Plus, it's fun to look back and see how far you've come.
Join a Jam Session
Once you've got a few chords and riffs under your belt, consider joining a jam session or playing with friends.
Playing with others can be a great motivator and an excellent way to improve your skills.
Set Challenges
To keep things interesting, set yourself challenges.
Maybe you want to learn a fingerstyle song or try your hand at some bluesy licks.
Setting challenges gives you a sense of purpose in your practice.
Conclusion
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to learning the guitar.
It's all about finding what works best for you.
The "easiest” way to learn guitar may vary from person to person, but the common thread is the love for music and the dedication to improving your skills.
Whether you aspire to be the next guitar hero or simply want to strum a few chords around a campfire, learning the guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
With the right mindset, quality resources, and consistent practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming the guitarist you've always dreamed of very easily.
FAQ
What is the easiest method to learn guitar?
The easiest way to learn guitar is by starting with the basics. Begin with simple open chords like C, G, and D, and practice regularly. Use online guitar lessons, apps, or even consider taking private lessons to get guidance and motivation.
Can I teach myself guitar?
Absolutely! Teaching yourself to play guitar is a common and viable approach. With the right resources and consistent practice, it's entirely possible to learn on your own. The key is staying motivated and enjoying the learning process.
What should a beginner guitarist learn first?
If you are taking beginner guitar lessons, it's crucial to start with the foundational skills. Learn open chords, basic strumming patterns, and how to change chords smoothly. This forms the groundwork for more advanced techniques and playing your favorite songs.
How long does it realistically take to learn guitar?
The time it takes to learn guitar varies from person to person. Realistically, it may take a few months to a year to become proficient at playing basic songs. However, becoming a skilled guitarist is an ongoing journey that can span several years of practice and learning.
What is the easiest instrument to learn?
The easiest instrument to learn is often considered to be the ukulele But guitar is a close second! With it’s easy chord shapes you are able to learn how to play full songs rather quickly.
Is it easier to learn Electric or acoustic guitar?
It's generally easier to start learning on an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars have thicker strings, which can be tougher on your fingers at first, but they help build hand strength and finger dexterity. Electric guitars require additional gear (amplifiers, cables, etc.) and are better suited for specific music styles, so they might be a bit more complex for beginners.
What is harder, piano or guitar?
Guitar tends to be easier since it allows you to progress quickly and learn full songs. You might have more fun since the guitar is a bit more straightforward. Piano offers a structured layout of keys, making it easier for people to grasp music theory.
What are the disadvantages of the acoustic guitar?
Acoustic guitars have their drawbacks. They can be physically demanding on your fingers, especially when you're just starting out. They are also larger and less portable than some other instruments, which can make them less convenient for travel or storage.
Why is the acoustic guitar so hard to play?
The acoustic guitar can be challenging to play, especially for beginners, because it requires building finger strength and calluses on your fingertips. The strings are thicker, which can be tougher on your fingers when you're just starting. However, with practice, your fingers will toughen up, and playing will become easier and more enjoyable.
