Whether it’s a shiny new model from the local music store, or a rescued orphan from the local pawnshop – the feeling of glamour that is always associated with owning such a beautiful instrument is undeniable. When someone has bought their first guitar, it’s very common for them to get it home and marvel over their purchase!
You may well take it home and admire it. You may even lay out all the various accoutrements on the floor of your living room – the case, the plectrums, and the accompanying guidebook that boasts about its ability to make you into an expert within a week. Then you pick it up and the realization starts to set in that you really don’t have a clue where to start!
Don’t panic, you are not alone! It takes time, effort and determination in order to play the guitar properly and well. It’s a common image to dream of being a rock and roll sensation overnight, but it’s not quite as easy as that. The fantasy of performing on stage at Madison Square garden to a thousand-strong audience can evaporate rather quickly!
If you are in the position of owning a new guitar, but are not sure where you should start along the road to becoming a famous star, then the following are all points that you should be thinking about.
Know your Guitar
Before you even play a note, you need to understand your instrument. Make sure you are familiar with all of the parts, all of the various names. Look closely at the strings and get to know their names and their capabilities. Also important is understanding what type of guitar you have, and what it is designed to play.
Know yourself
Think about the type of music that you like to listen to, and also the type of music that you wish to play. All of these factors will affect the way that you learn and where you should start: what standard are you ideally looking to reach? For example, are you aiming to just be able to play simple songs and enjoy yourself, or are you looking to take it a little more seriously and considering playing in a band or professionally?
Many people get frustrated when they start to flip through the accompanying instruction manual that came with the purchase of their guitar. It sometimes seem like it was written in a foreign language. The reason for this is that, just as we all play differently, we all learn in different ways too. What is a great way of learning for one person may not be so effective for another.
The generic book that accompanies most new guitar purchases is often written to please as many people as possible – by trying to do this it usually means that it is not as effective for most of them! If this is the case for you, you should seriously look into the possibility of getting proper lessons.
There are thousands of guitar schools all over the country, and it shouldn’t take long to find one near to your home. There are also countless programs available online, many of which are very good for all levels of student. If you bought your guitar from the local store, it may well be worth asking there about lessons – many stores these days have someone who will actually operate through the store and give lessons, if not, they are more likely to know someone in the area who can help you.
Whatever happens between you and your guitar, don’t get downhearted! Try and recall that sense of elation that you got when you first bought the guitar! If you get it right, then that relationship will go from strength to strength.
Copyright 2009 Liam Gibson (Stage Guitarist)