Are you looking for cool gifts for guitar players in your life? Find 23 ideas perfect for beginners and advanced players in this article!

Finding the right gift for guitar players can be a difficult task. If they are beginning guitarists, you may not know what equipment they need to get started. After guitarists have been playing for years, they already have many of the tools they want. 

We’ve put together some gifts for guitar players that are practical and unique. You can choose from tools that can assist guitarists on their musical journey. Or, pick out some guitar swag that lets them flex their skills.

Look at these 23 gifts for guitar players and find the best one for the guitarist in your life. 

Gift ideas for beginner guitar players.

Beginning guitarists learn the proper guitar position and how to place their fingers on the frets. Some essentials like picks, tuners, and quality instruments are needed initially. Other accessories like a footstool, guitar strap, and guitar stand can make a beginner’s life easier. 

Also, a guitarist can enjoy a gift that is just for fun! You can tip your hat to their hobby with a cool t-shirt, a wallet with pick-pockets, or a purse in the shape of an electric guitar. 

Here are some practical (and fun!) gift ideas for beginning guitar players.

1. Donner Adjustable Guitar Foot Stool 

Many guitarists (especially classical guitarists) use footstools when they play the guitar. Raising one leg helps them get into the proper guitar position. Some beginners use a stack of books to rest their feet. An adjustable footstool can make a guitarist’s practice sessions so much easier.  

2. Vincent Van Gogh Guitar Picks Gift Tin  

Art comes in many forms. This guitar pick gift set combines two art forms by putting Van Gogh’s artwork on musical tools. The twelve medium celluloid guitar picks represent six different art pieces and come in a gift tin. A pick-holder key chain holds your favorite picks, so they are at the ready when it’s time to jam. A guitar player who loves the arts should enjoy this unique gift.

This guitar footstool can adjust to six different heights for your comfort. It also has a non-slip surface, so your foot stays in place. As you head out to a lesson, this foot stand folds flat for easy travel. Give a beginning classical guitarist a leg up with this Donner Guitar Footstool.

3. Finger Strengthener for Guitar 

Even though you are not near a guitar, you can still practice your skills. This finger strengthener is not just your average fidget. It can help you maintain a proper curved finger position and press into the frets for the best sound. 

You have four buttons with adjustable tension to press down. Take it slow as you exercise each finger. Gradually build your finger strength and transfer your newfound finger skills to your guitar frets. This exercise tool can shape your fingers for the guitar.

4. Portable Phone Tripod and Selfie Stick 

This portable selfie stick and tripod can serve many needs. The portable tripod comes with a remote and has a wireless connection of up to 10 meters. As a selfie stick, it extends up to 40 inches to include the whole gang. However, you can also fold it to eight inches, pop it into a bag, and carry it with you. 

Use it to take pictures of you and your band. Or, set up the tripod to hold your phone while you practice with apps. A tripod allows beginning guitarists to easily follow along with a phone app as they learn guitar at home. Check out The 4 Best Guitar Learning Apps to use with this selfie tripod stand.

5. Abbey Road Tapestry Wall Hanging 

George and John from the Beatles had some undeniable guitar skills. If you want to walk in their footsteps, you can do so quite literally with this Abbey Road tapestry throw. 

Use this soft fleece blanket to cover your bed, or hang it on the wall of your music room. You can also use it as a photo op for your band of guitarists. This Abbey Road tapestry can bring a smile to a Beatles fan.

6. Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Punch Gift Pack 

A guitarist can never have too many picks! This Pick-a-Palooza DIY gift pack allows musicians to make their own guitar picks. The starter pack comes with enough material to make up to 100! 

Guitarists can choose the colorful sheets from the set. Or, they can punch out picks using old I.D.s, gift cards, or hotel cards. You can carry ten of your favorite picks in the leather key chain holder. 

With this DIY pick punch set, a beginning guitarist never has to worry about running out of picks!

7. Women’s Guitar Crossbody Purse 

Do you know a female guitarist who loves strumming on electric guitars? This crossbody purse is a perfect gift. It’s just the right size to hold a phone, ID card, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and makeup. This small-scale PU leather crossbody can be handy to comfortably fit your essential items. Then you can keep your hands free to carry your guitar and gear! 

Everyone can see that you love to play electric when you carry this funky crossbody purse.

8. Pink Floyd Vintage Tee

Dark Side of the Moon is one of Pink Floyd’s most iconic albums, so why not put it on a t-shirt? With splashes of tie-dye color on black, this retro Pink Floyd tee is an eye-catcher. It is 100% cotton, comfortable to wear, and machine washable. Any guitar player can attract the audience’s attention when sporting this classic rock graphic tee.

9. Guitar Accessories Gift Box by Guitar Lab 

If a musician is just beginning to play guitar, this gift box of accessories can help him on his journey. It includes a high-quality guitar strap with pockets to keep your picks handy, 18 plectrums in unique colors, a digital tuner, and a capo. These practical accessories come gift-ready in a metal tin. Add a bow and this gift this tin of guitar accessories to a guitarist you know. It is sure to his day.

10. Love Me Tender Couple Coffee Mugs 

Is your soulmate a guitarist? If so, this sweet set of mugs can be a way to acknowledge your S.O.’s favorite hobby. Each matte-finished coffee cup has a full design on it. When you set your coffee cups next together, sparks start to fly! 

These mugs are microwave and dishwasher-safe. This set of two mugs can be a perfect gift for an anniversary, birthday, or Valentine’s day. They might even inspire your guitarist to croon out “Love Me Tender” on the guitar in his best Elvis impression.

11. Fender Sunburst Acoustic Guitar Bundle 

For students just starting, this full-size Fender acoustic guitar can offer a solid sound at a decent price. The mahogany back and sides give it a good sound, and the sunburst finish makes it an eye-catcher. Its solid construction means it can put up with wear and tear. Also, the slim neck makes it easy for small hands to play. 

The bundle comes with a guitar, soft-side case, tuner, strap, picks, and more. For less than $200, a beginner is ready to start playing guitar with this Fender guitar set.

12. Deluxe Guitar Performance Seat and Stand 

In need of a stool and a guitar stand? This Deluxe Guitar Performance Seat is a two-in-one. You adjust the seat and footrest to the best position for you. The back cushion also provides firm support. Behind the seat is a guitar stand that allows you to hang your guitar up when it’s not in use. 

This chair is padded to make longer practice sessions more comfortable. If you are traveling to band practice, it easily folds up so you can carry it with you. The stand can hold your guitar until it’s time to practice when you’re at home.

Gift ideas for professional guitar players.

Many advanced guitarists already have gear. They can also be picky about brands and quality. Here are some unique gifts that can hit the right note.

13. Foot Traffic Men’s Novelty Socks 

These Foot Traffic novelty socks allow guitarists to strut their stuff in style. They feature a  guitar neck with six strings, a pick, and a wood-color toe and heel to complete the look. You can’t take anything too seriously wearing these socks! 

These novelty guitar socks are a perfect gift for a guitarist who eats up attention and loves all things guitar. These guitar socks are ready to take your favorite guitarist to the stage.

14. Dunlop 257 Joe Perry “Boneyard” Slide 

Slide guitar is a fun technique to get a cool sound and play legato tunes. After a guitarist conquers the basics of guitar, they can master sliding with this Boneyard Large Ceramic Slide.  

Aerosmith’s own Joe Perry designed this Dunlop slide so you can get a bright and warm tone as you play guitar. Whether the guitarist you know loves blues or rock and roll, a guitar slide can add a new layer of depth to his playing. 

15. Vitruvian Man Guitar Music Player Da Vinci Guitarist T-Shirt 

Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist, inventor, and musician. How did he feel about Rock N’ Roll? A rockin’ Da Vinci novelty t-shirt will make a modern musical artist smile. 

The updated version of Da Vinci’s Vitruvian man takes a classic piece of art to a new level. Instead of focusing on proper body proportions, it pictures a man jamming with a “rock on” symbol in one hand and an electric guitar in the other. A guitarist can proudly show off this edgy t-shirt art at the next band practice.

16. Rock Guitar Stainless Steel Barbecue Tool Set 

If the professional guitarist you know also has a weakness for BBQ, why not combine the two passions? 

These rock guitar barbecue tools are a great way to show a guitarist some love. The durable stainless steel spatula and tongs are extra long. Also, the wooden handles keep you from being burned by the heat. You can even pop off bottle caps with the curved edge of the guitar body. 

Whether the guitarist you know is fond of fresh-grilled steaks or baby back ribs, these tools can hit the spot.

17. GIGmate Guitar Tool Kit 

The GIGmate Guitar Tool Kit includes the tools you need to keep your acoustic or electric guitar in tip-top shape. It comes with carbon steel string cutters, a Phillips and flat screwdriver, a LED flashlight, 5 Allen wrenches, a string gauge, and more. You can zip up the tools in its handy case and take them with you on gigs. With this compact guitar tool kit, beginner guitarists and expert players can be ready for anything.

18. Aircell Guitar Strap 

After hours of playing guitar, a guitar may seem heavier than it is. The right guitar strap can prevent an achy-breaky shoulder from ruining the mood. This Aircell strap distributes the weight of your instrument, making it much more comfortable for your shoulder and back. Also, the material wicks away sweat and moisture so you can stay cool under the bright lights.

This Aircell Guitar Strap is a must-have for serious guitarists.

19. Licensed Marshall Jack Rack 

With this licensed Marshall Jack Rack, you can always find your keys. Mount this key rack next to your door or on your music room wall using screws. It has four key rings so you can plug your keys into the “amp.” This lightweight key holder looks like an authentic Marshall jack. A guitarist can enjoy this practical wall decor. Also, he should never lose his keys!

20. Minimalist Bi-fold Leather Wallet with Guitar Pick Holder 

The Minimalist Bi-fold Wallet is made of full-grain leather. Each piece has unique marks and scars. This wallet is small enough to comfortably into a pocket. Still, you have plenty of space to store your cash, I.D. cards, credit cards, and backstage passes. Next to these essential items, you have two deep slots to hold your guitar picks. 

Wherever you go, you are always ready to play the guitar. Pull a pick out of your wallet, pick up a guitar, and strum out a favorite tune.

21. Steampunk Guitarist Lamp  

The Steampunk Guitarist Lamp is a unique gift for a guitarist who has everything. This edgy light is made from malleable iron pipes and has a US plug. It comes with an Edison bulb that emits a warm yellow glow. 

As it sits on your side table, it can encourage you to keep at the guitar. This steampunk lamp can be a perfect companion for a guitarist who stays up late practicing his techniques.

22. Marshall Major IV headphones 

These Marshall headphones are some of the best on the market. The ergonomic design form fits your ear for easy listening. You get the clear base and treble notes and up to 80 hours of charge to play all of your favorite tunes. A friend can even plug into your headphones and listen along. These headphones let you listen to your playback or memorize riffs and techniques from some of your favorite guitarists. With their great sound and ability to hold a charge, you’ll never want to take these Marshall Major headphones off.

23. String Swing Guitar Keeper 

One guitar is never enough for professional guitar players. If the musician you know has a guitar collection, this String Swing Guitar Keeper can keep them up and out of the way. Just mount the wood-look strip to a wall of the music room. Then hang the guitars on the five hooks. You can add or subtract guitar holders according to the need. Adjust the hangers to display the guitars at the best angle. Not only does the guitar keeper protect guitars, but it also is the perfect way to show off a stunning collection.

Choose the best gift for the guitarist in your life.

Some guitarists may appreciate getting new gear, while others can enjoy a fun gift with a guitar theme. Now that you’ve seen some great options for beginner and professional guitarists, it’s decision time. You can choose one of the great options on the list or give a gift that keeps on giving with Simply Guitar. 

This app helps beginning guitarists learn guitar with fun challenges and step-by-step teaching methods. With a good guitar and the right learning tools, a budding musician can become a master guitarist.

The post 23 Coolest Gifts For Guitar Players 2022 appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

What is a fretless guitar, how does it sound, and why would you play one? Let’s take a look at this unique instrument.

If we think about frets, a guitar usually comes to mind. Sure there are many other instruments with frets like mandolins, bouzoukis, banjos, and dulcimers, but the guitar is the most common. 

When guitar frets become worn and notched, it negatively affects the sound. But what happens if a guitar has no frets? 

A fretless guitar has a beautiful tone in the hands of a master guitarist. This instrument opens the door to new techniques and notes outside the Western music scale. 

What is a fretless guitar?

A fretless guitar has the same basic shape as regular acoustic, electric, or bass guitars. It just doesn’t have frets. Some guitars without frets are custom-made, while others pay a luthier to remove the frets. 

As you play the fretless guitar, your fingers press into the fretboard. This allows the string to vibrate from the bridge to your fingertip. 

So, who thought up this new style of guitar playing, and why was it invented?

A brief history

The first fretless classical guitars were the invention of Erkan Oğur in 1976. This Turkish musician had difficulty playing Turkish melodies within the confines of a Western music scale. So, he removed the frets to get the sound range he needed. 

Other guitarists were captivated by the smooth sound of this guitar without frets. Some famous guitarists followed suit, enjoying a new tonal range. 

However, a fretless style of playing guitar is still not mainstream. Some drawbacks to the fretless guitar are its complicated nature and its expense.

Why do guitars have frets?

Guitar frets divide a guitar into small sections and create a roadmap for your fingers to follow. The frets lay out octaves and the 12 semitones of the Western music scale. You can also bend strings over the frets. These visual cues make it easy to find the correct position for notes and chords. 

Advantages and disadvantages of playing on a fretless guitar.

Tips for playing on a fretless guitar.

If you already play a regular guitar with frets, you can transfer many of your skills to a fretless guitar. However, there are a few differences in how you play it. Here are a few tips for playing the guitar without frets.

1. Start with fret markings

Your guitar may not have frets, but you can still use guides to find the notes you should play. Markings can make your practice time more efficient and your performance more accurately.

Many fretless guitarists ask a luthier to add visual guides to their guitars. Luthiers can paint or notch fret markers into the neck so you can see where to place your fingers.  You can have the convenience of guideposts even if you don’t have frets. 

2. Adjust your techniques

With a fretless guitar, bending strings is out, and sliding is “in.” If you weren’t a slide guitarist before, you are now! Bending strings can damage the fretboard, so you need to adjust your techniques on a fretless guitar. Instead, you can slide your fingers on the fretboard to compensate. 

3. Train your ear

Since there are no frets to show you where to play, you need to train your ear to find the right notes by listening. Exercising your pitch and intonation can help you avoid playing pieces out of tune and keep you on the right track.

4. Practice

As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. The more time you spend with your guitar, the better your fingers can find the right notes. Soon, you may not even need those visual fret markings. Once you get a feel for playing fretless guitar, you may never want to return to frets.

Famous guitarists who play the fretless guitar.

While fretless guitarists aren’t so common, there are a few big names that you may know. 

You can listen to recordings by these famous guitarists:

• Guns ‘N Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
• The heavy metal Swedish artist, Yngwie Malmsteen
• Greg Howe from N’Sync 
• Jason Becker from the band Cacophony
• The composer and filmmaker, Ned Evett

Listening to other fretless guitarists who have mastered this technique can help you perfect your skills.

Should beginners try fretless guitar?

You should learn the rules before breaking them. You should know a regular fretted guitar like the back of your hand for fretless guitars. 

Learning guitar can be difficult enough when you have frets to show you where to play the notes. A fretted guitar is less frustrating for beginners to learn and allows you to master skills quickly. 

Frets make it easier for beginning guitarists to learn notes and chords. You can see and feel where your fingers need to be. Also, chord charts are almost impossible to read without frets. Once you master a fretted guitar, you can transfer your knowledge and skills and learn how to play a fretless guitar.

Final words.

A guitar without frets may be tricky to play. However, its smooth, vocal sound quality is hard to beat. When you learn how to play basic guitar skills, you can pick up a fretless guitar. This new challenge can help you perfect your guitar techniques and expand your song repertoire. 

A guitar without frets gives you unlimited sound and allows your creativity to go wild.

If you are a beginner at learning the fretless guitar, the best way to start is to learn guitar basics. You can do this from the comfort of your home with an app to guide you. The Simply Guitar app offers a two-week free trial. Try it at no cost and see if it’s right for you!

FAQs.

The post What Is a Fretless Guitar and How To Play It appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Do you know how to hold a guitar pick or use one? This article covers everything you need to know about these handy guitar accessories.

On the surface, a guitar pick hardly seems to have depth. It’s just a piece of plastic that guitarists use to pluck strings. 

However, picks have come a long way in the past century. With abundant resources, greater manufacturing capabilities, and tons of new designs, there are many factors to consider when choosing which pick(s) suits your needs. 

Discover the various types of picks available, the advantages and disadvantages they bring to the table, and, ultimately, which ones you should try.

What is a guitar pick?

A guitar pick, plectra, or plectrum is a small, triangular-shaped piece of material that we use as a tool to pluck the strings of a guitar. 

They come in all shapes and sizes, and manufacturers use different materials to produce guitar picks of varying thicknesses and textures. Different designs enable guitarists to play different styles with more proficiency. 

Why should you use a guitar pick?

We’ve all seen them–those masterful guitarists plucking strings with multiple fingers, creating music that moves our hearts and stimulates our imagination. 

Why should you use one if it’s possible to serenade people without a pick? 

Plucking with your fingers works better for specific play styles. For instance, fingers have a softer touch, allowing you to play softer sounds and pluck many strings simultaneously. 

However, the same is true for guitar picks. They offer musicians more precision than fingers. They make strumming and picking strings easier and help to create a louder, clearer, and cleaner sound.

The different types of guitar picks.

Originally, picks were made of feather quills and tortoise shells. At the turn of the 20th century, celluloid became popular because of its abundance and convenience. 

Today, pick designs are more diverse. Guitars have developed considerably over the years, but the same is true for picks. 

When it comes to finding the right pick for your needs, there are a few qualities to consider, like material, shape, grip, and thickness.

Material

People use a wide range of materials to design and create guitar picks. Some materials offer a smoother playing experience, while others provide longevity. Of course, some options offer a bit of both. 

• Celluloid picks allow guitarists to create brighter and crisper tones. They tend to be flexible and durable.
• Acrylic is tough, light, clear, and durable, and you can easily mold and cut them to virtually any shape or thickness you want. Their versatility makes them great for various play styles.
• Nylon picks have a smooth surface. Therefore, producers add a high-friction coating to them. They’re ideal for precision playing and creating bright sounds.
• Delrin/Tortex is a heavy-duty plastic. They’re durable and easy to mold to the thickness and shape you want. 
• Ultex is hard plastic, and while it’s durable, there’s no flexibility. This creates a sensation of increased resistance. It makes playing chords smoother and adds articulation to lead roles. 
• With Carbon Fiber, there’s a trade-off. They offer guitarists a fantastic playing experience because you can make them lightweight, thin, and rigid. However, they don’t last as long as other options.
• Stone picks are typically made with jade, agate, or jasper. Because of their density, they’re durable. They’re also beautiful and easy to grip.
• Wood and fine wood picks are easy to maintain and tend to be thicker. However, because you can sand them down, they can create bright and warm tones. 
• Metal is an uncommon choice. While the picks are rigid, they tend to erode the strings on your guitar. However, they’re great for playing lead guitar and articulating notes.

When selecting a pick material, you must consider your budget and play style. Each material offers pros and cons. 

Shape

Another factor to consider when buying a pick is its shape. The various shapes that guitar picks can take are impressive.  

• Standard guitar picks look like rounded triangles. They’re the most common shape and offer guitarists a smooth strumming and picking experience.
• Jazz III picks a similar to standard picks, except they have a sharper point and a round top. This makes them better suited for strumming to face-paced music like metal.
• Sharp Point picks take things a step further, allowing you to glide over strings. Although, because there’s less friction between pick and string, sound projection takes a hit.
• Triangle Shaped picks offer musicians more control. They tend to be a favorite choice for bassists.
• Picks with a Teardrop design offer more accuracy and speed and create a warmer tone.
• Finger and Thumb picks are peculiar. Some are for thumbs, and others for fingers. They allow you to strum and offer your other fingers the freedom to pluck other strings. 
• The Shark Fin pick’s design is to enhance your speed picking and strumming. However, holding and playing with them can be tricky–they’re not ideal for beginners. 
• Possibly the coolest and most versatile pick is the Dragon Heart. They’re perfect for guitarists who switch between lead and rhythm roles with a round, pointed edge.

Grip and thickness

The grip and thickness of your guitar pick also change how you play and the sounds you create.

There are five standard thicknesses:

• Extra light–0.40 mm and under.
• Light–0.41 mm to 0.63 mm.
• Medium–0.64 mm to 0.86 mm.
• Thick or heavy–0.87 mm to 1.2 mm.
• Extra-heavy–1.21 mm and over.

The thickness of a pick also affects the sound projection of your instrument. 

Generally, thinner picks glide over the strings without grabbing them too much. They’re ideal for playing quickly. Because of that, they’re easier on the fingers and are better for playing quieter sounds. 

Thicker picks, however, create a lot more friction with the strings. Therefore, they increase the volume coming from your instrument, making them ideal for heavier music. However, because of the increased tension between pick and string, your fingers must be strong to play for extended periods.

Are guitar picks suitable for beginners?

Guitar picks are a good beginner tool because they help grip and accuracy when playing. Although, within the realm of picks, some are better suited for beginners than others. 

When you’re beginning your guitar journey, your brain and fingers have a lot to juggle between picking, strumming, and playing notes and chords. So picks like the finger and thumb or dragon heart aren’t ideal. 

We recommend you get a thin to medium-sized pick and stick to a standard shape. This way, you can strum and pick relatively easily and focus on building those skills without additional techniques to worry about. 

How to properly hold a guitar pick.

To get the most out of your guitar pick, you must know how to use it. Although, before looking at how to hold a guitar pick, consider: do you know how to hold a guitar?

For the most part, it’s intuitive. Read our blog, How to Hold a Guitar Properly: The Definitive Guide, for a precise breakdown

To hold a guitar pick, place it between your thumb and first two fingers with a light grip. The pointy end should be facing the strings or away from your hand. 

You can adjust your grip on the pick. Some picks require a firmer touch. Make sure you hold it securely so it doesn’t slip out of your hand.

It’s about finding the right balance. You got this!

How to play with a guitar pick.

Now that you have a firm grip on the pick, you can begin plucking the guitar strings. 

Position your hand over the sound hole of your acoustic or over the body of your electric guitar. Don’t rest your hand on your instrument. You want to hover near the strings, giving you the mobility you need to play. 

When strumming and picking, you want to be relaxed and have a looseness in your wrist. It’s essential that the movement comes from your wrist and not your arm. Your wrist should be rotating smoothly. 

Guitar picks are an essential accessory for any guitarist, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. They allow you to strum and pick with precision and project your sound with more volume. 

Pick the right app.

Tools like a pick can seriously boost your guitar playing. Another essential accessory to have in your toolbox is a guitar app. Finding time to play your instrument can be tricky, yet it’s vital to get some time in every day–even if it’s just five minutes. Simply guitar provides short lessons, allowing you to progress at a pace that works for you. Give it a try today.

FAQs.

The post How To Properly Hold And Use a Guitar Pick appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Does your kid want to start learning guitar? Need to find a kids guitar? This guide teaches you how to buy a perfect guitar for children.

When our children are ready to play guitar, we want to help that dream come true. Finding the right kids guitar is an important step. It can make the difference in having a future guitarist in the family or having just one more thing on your kid’s bedroom floor. 

To avoid a wasted investment, involve your child in the process. What type of guitar do they want? Does your kid want to play rock n’ roll, jazz, or pop songs? Is the color important? 

When kids are on board from the beginning, they are often more motivated when it comes time to practice. After you discuss guitar styles and goals with your child, it’s time to shop!

Here are our tips for finding the best kids guitar.

What to consider before buying a kids guitar.

When you shop for the best guitar for kids, the number of options can be overwhelming. The main considerations are going to be the size and type of guitar. However, sometimes the details are also important. 

Here are a few questions that can help to narrow down your choices.

What age is your child?

The average age to start playing guitar is around seven years. Kids’ coordination, finger independence, hand strength, and time management skills are beginning to take shape at this age. 

You want the guitar you choose to fit the age of your child:

• Five-year-olds usually use a ¼ guitar size. These guitars are about 31 inches long. 
• Six and seven-year-olds can comfortably learn on a ½ guitar. These guitars are 34 inches long.
• Eight to twelve, most kids choose a ¾ guitar. These guitars are 36 inches long.
• From 12 years on, they often choose to start playing on a full guitar size. 

Finding the right size for your child can make it easier for a child to reach notes on the frets. Your child can try out different guitars in-store to see which ones have the best feel and sound.

What is your budget?

Budget can also come into play. You can find a good beginner kids guitar for around $50. Or, you can invest in one for $200 or more. You want to choose a guitar that has decent quality and sound. However, a kid’s first guitar does not have to meet concert standards. The instrument should be friendly and comfortable for a child to learn. Some online guitar bundles include picks, tuners, and straps. The sets can provide good value for a guitar beginner.

What are your child’s tastes in music?

What genre of music does your child enjoy? Your child may be dying to play electric or prefer an acoustic sound. Either type of guitar can be beginner-friendly. However, both types use metal strings which can be rough on sensitive fingers. You may want to use finger guards or switch to nylon strings. 

Decide with your child which type of guitar is the best fit and search for a guitar together.

Acoustic vs. Electric Guitar: Which one is better for children?

When you search for the best guitar for your kid, both acoustic and electric guitars have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a side-by-side look at both and see which comes out as the winner.

Acoustic kids guitar

An acoustic guitar is a versatile type of guitar. You can use it to play almost any genre, and it has a rich, bright sound. Some acoustic guitars weigh less than three pounds.

However, the fretboard is usually wider on an acoustic guitar than on an electric guitar. (Although not nearly as wide as a classical guitar.) This can make it difficult for small fingers to navigate the frets. Also, acoustic guitars use steel strings which can be rough on the fingertips.

If your child wants to play acoustic, you can look into a kid-size acoustic guitar. These smaller-scale guitars make guitar playing accessible to kids under 12 years old. They allow your child to learn correct finger positions without overextending small hands. These instruments are also lightweight, making them comfortable for a child to play with.

Electric kids guitar

Electric guitars have a thinner neck than other guitar types. This makes fingering easier for kids’ hands. Also, the body is smaller, which makes the instrument easy to navigate. Since an electric guitar’s sound comes mostly from an amp, it requires less hand strength to play.

The drawback to electric guitars is their weight. Whereas acoustic guitars have hollow bodies, the body of an electric guitar is solid. This means it can be heavier to hold. The average electric guitar weighs eight pounds. So, before you buy an electric guitar, you want to check the weight.

Great examples of kids guitars you can buy.

There are many guitars to choose from on the market. Some guitars are more kid-friendly than others. A children’s guitar should be comfortable for a child to play and have a decent sound. Some guitars even come with helpful gear to help a beginner get started. 

Here are a few acoustic and electric guitars you can order from the comfort of your home. See which one is best for your child.

Easy guitar songs for kids.

As kids start playing guitar, it is helpful to practice familiar songs. When you play a well-known song, your ear can easily pick up on wrong notes to correct them. Also, choose songs that have just a few simple chords and a simple strum pattern. Some songs only require two chords!

 Once you master one song, you can move on to the next.

Here are four songs that are easy for beginners to play on guitar:

1. Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Old MacDonald uses only three chords. It is a simple melody that kids can easily recognize. You only have to use one strum pattern throughout the entire song. This makes it one of the easiest songs for a kid to learn.

2. Happy Birthday

This simple tune can come in handy when friends or family members turn one year older. As you can imagine, this song has seen a variety of arrangements. Some guitarists strum along using chords, while others play this melody note by note as they sing along. A beginning guitarist can use chord diagrams or practice ear training by picking out the tune by ear.

3. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Adults know this song from pop radio in the 1980s. However, many kids are familiar with this classic song immortalized in the movie Shrek. This song is written in G major and uses only five chords. You only need three fingers to form the notes for this tune. The song may go deep into poetical lyrics. However, the melody is easy for children to belt on the guitar.

4. How Far I’ll Go from Disney’s Moana

This popular Disney song can be easy and satisfying for beginning guitarists to play. You can use as few as four chords for this piece. The song is initially in the key of E. However, you can use your capo to transpose it to an easier key. Practice chord progressions and sing your heart to this catchy kid’s melody.

Older kids might enjoy watching these 7 Hit Guitar Songs for Beginners. 

Find the best guitar, and have fun while you play!

Acoustic and electric guitars each have their strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, which type of guitar is your child passionate about playing? Finding a guitar that aligns with your child’s musical interests can motivate them to overcome obstacles as they learn.

Once your child has a guitar, it is time to start playing! Simply Guitar can walk a beginner through the basics of the guitar. This app is fun and lets you work at your own pace. It can be a great way to encourage a child to learn guitar.

FAQs.

The post Kids Guitar: How To Buy A Guitar For Children  appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

In this article, learn what guitar chords are, the basics of chord progressions, and the most common guitar chord progressions every beginner should know.

If you learn how to play the guitar, you must learn guitar chord progressions. Guitar chords make up almost every song ever written since the instrument was adapted from the Viola Da Gamba, Kithara, or Lute – its origins are unknown.

Guitar chord progressions are what draw out the emotion within us, the harmonious exchange that resonates through our spirit. At their core, guitar chords are simply multiple notes played simultaneously, creating a deeper, more complete sound.

This article touches on several basic guitar chord progressions that every guitar player should know when they first pick up this incredible instrument. This content aims to ensure you know how to play chord progressions on the guitar by the end. So let’s dive in and learn how to play the guitar together!

What is a chord on guitar?

A chord is a series of notes you play simultaneously. Chords always have a root note on either the major or minor scale. For instance, a C major chord gets its name from the root note and the scale it exists within. In this case, the root note is C, and the scale is major. You can augment chords to create different tones or moods, such as a 5th or 7th. 

A guitar chord can also be seen as a shape, as the hand’s shape and the fingers’ formation create the chord. Certain chords are easier to string together than others. For beginners, an easy guitar chord progression to learn is C, G, E or C, G, and D – either in the major or minor scale.

What are guitar chord progressions?

Guitar chord progressions are what essentially form a song or arrangement. If you were only to play one chord, such as G minor, it’s hard to make that into an entire song. This is why guitar chord progressions are so important.

There are many systems that musicians use when putting together songs. Likely, the most famous is the CAGED or C-A-G-E-D system. You can hear it in many of the world’s most famous songs, making this system one of the more common chord progressions. Guitar players, especially beginners, tend to utilize the CAGED system because of its ease of use.

The system works by playing the open major chords C, A, G, E, and D up and down the neck of the guitar in five different positions. Many of the planet’s favorite bands base their songs on this system, such as “Scar Tissue” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osborne.

While the CAGED system is helpful, it is controversial in the guitar world.

Some guitar players say that it does, in fact, ‘cage’ your guitar playing. Some even say it kills your guitar playing because it is so limiting—stealing creativity. Ultimately, you should try it out and see whether it works for you as a guitar player.

How to read chord progressions?

To understand how to read chord progressions, you will first need to know how to play each chord. Once you have the chords memorized, reading guitar chord progressions is relatively easy. 

In contrast to more complex forms of song documentation, such as tablature and sheet music, you’ll be off to a running start if you know the basics of the chords within the song. Typically you see the guitar chord above the lyrics (if there are any) in the position within the song where you are supposed to begin playing it.

Getting your song printouts from a reputable source, such as Ultimate Guitar, is essential. Otherwise, the chords may appear in the wrong position in the song. This makes it challenging to play the song correctly and can be very frustrating.

Common guitar chord progressions for beginners.

There are a ton of great guitar chord arrangements that are easy for beginners to implement into their practice routine. Most beginners probably find variations of C, G, E, and D to be easy on the hands and easy to memorize. Something magical happens when you change from a G major chord into an E minor. It also happens to be an effortless transition.

Beginning guitar players can augment chords, making them easier to play until you get the hang of hand positioning. But the most common guitar chord progressions for beginners are variations of C, G, E, and D in either scale. The main reason is that the chords are easy to play and, when blended, make for beautiful arrangements and songwriting.

Then there are more complex but easy-to-master guitar chord progressions, such as the 12-bar blues.

What is the 12-bar blues?

The 12-bar blues is likely the last century’s most famous guitar chord progression. You can hear it from Boogie-Woogie baselines to Charlie Parker songs and even in Metal music. It is one of the most versatile and adaptable systems in guitar history.

This system is called the 12-bar blues because it consists of guitar chord progressions repeating within twelve measures. This guitar chord progression can seem intimidating at first, but not to worry, it’s pretty easy to master – even for beginners.

How to start practicing.

The best way to start practicing guitar chord progressions is to find a chord that you like—one that is easy for you to remember and play. Try out other chords to start playing after your root chord. If you want to write something happy, you probably want to stay on the major scale. The minor scale is suitable if you want to write something a bit moodier and brooding.

Remember that you can play chords from major and minor scales within the same song. For example, if you are writing a song that is generally bright but has a few dark moments, this is where you would pepper in a minor chord to help express that. Many of the most famous songs have bright and dark moments.

Putting it all together.

Now that you better understand guitar chord progressions and how they work, you can take this information and implement it into your regular practice routine.

Remember, if a chord isn’t working for your song or arrangement, you can always try another and see where the song takes you. If you find certain chords challenging to play in succession, change things up and try another chord arrangement. Sometimes the best songs are written because something wasn’t working in the original plan. So don’t be afraid to switch things around and try something new.

If you don’t know where to start, you can always work within the CAGED system, and you will almost certainly find what you are looking for. That said, make sure you are branching out and trying new things with your guitar chord progressions.

Chords make guitar playing fun, dynamic, and engaging. Also, reading chord charts is far easier than reading guitar tabs or sheet music, which makes implementing guitar chord progressions great for beginners. 

Hopefully, this article answers the question: what are chord progressions? Guitar players of any level will benefit from their use in their music.

Want to learn how to play guitar chord progressions? Then down the load the Simply Guitar app and start playing today!

 If you found this article helpful, then check out our blog about how to properly hold a guitar.

FAQs.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Chord Progressions appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

In this article, learn what a major scale is, why you should learn it, and find the most important major scales to play on the guitar.

When you first learn the guitar, there are many tips and tricks to help you along the way. One of the best ways to work out your fingers and your brain is to practice scales. Any scale on the guitar is essentially a series of descending or ascending notes in succession. There are many scales to learn, but this article focuses on the major scale.

What is a major scale?

A major scale is a musical scale with seven notes or pitches. Each note is separated by a whole step, except for the third and fourth, separated by a half step. 

The major scale’s first, third, and fifth notes are called the tonic, dominant, and subdominant, respectively. The tonic is the first note of the scale, the dominant is the fifth note, and the subdominant is the second or sixth note.

The major scale can be represented by the notation (or “circle of fifths”), which represents all major scales in a circular form. The way the major scale is structured makes it a versatile basis for songwriters in all genres of guitar-based music.

The major scales consist of 7 notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B

A C major scale, for instance, starts with C and ends with C.

The note where you begin playing the scale indicates what scale you are playing. If you start with G, you are playing the G major scale. Having a working knowledge of all seven major scales is the best way to improve your skills as a guitarist.

Using the major scale, guitar players can invoke warm, bright notes in their songs and arrangements. This scale is typically the first scale any guitar player should learn and the basis on which many other scales are built. 

The major scale is a great basis for guitar players to build chord structures and leads into their music and is something every guitarist should have in their toolbox. Once you learn this scale, you notice that it is the core of most modern guitar music.

Why should you learn how to play scales on guitar?

When it comes to guitar playing, scales are essential to learning the instrument. Scales lay the foundation for understanding how to create melodies, chords, and lead lines on the guitar. 

Another benefit of playing scales is using them to warm up before practicing or playing shows. Almost every great guitar player emphasizes the importance of regularly practicing scales.

You can learn many different types of scales on guitar, but the most important one to know is the major scale. The major scale is the building block for all other scales and gives you a starting point for learning how to create new music. 

Learning to play scales can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by practicing a few basic major scales and then move on to more difficult ones. Soon you’ll be able to play any scale you want on guitar! You may be surprised by how much knowing major scale patterns up your guitar-playing game overall. 

The most important major scales on guitar.

Now that you understand a bit more about the major scale, let’s touch on the most important major scales to learn. Of course, you should eventually learn all the scales to become the best guitar player, but learning these first points you in the right direction.

There are many major scales on guitar, but some are more important than others. The most important major scale is the one you use the most often in your playing. For most guitarists, this is the C major scale. Many popular songs use the C major scale, and it’s a good starting point for learning other scales.

The second most important major scale is the G major scale. Modern guitar and many blues songs use the G major scale.

The third most important major scale is the D major scale. The D major scale is popular, and country songs frequently use it.

Adding in the E and the A major scale gives you the backbone of what is known as the CAGED method or system. A command of the C, A, G, E, and D major scales gives you the tools to write some truly incredible music.

How to practice the major scale.

You can play the major scale on any musical instrument. However, you can play it on a guitar using open or fingered chords. 

There are many ways to practice the major scale on guitar. One way is to start with the scale’s root note and play up to the octave. Then, you can play the scale backward from the octave down to the root note. 

Another way to practice the major scale is to start on any note other than the root note and play through the scale until you reach the octave. 

You can also experiment with playing different sequences of notes within the scale. For example, you could play every other note or start on a different note each time you run through the scale. The important thing is to keep practicing to become familiar with all of the notes in the major scale.

Make sure to play around and have some fun while practicing. Once you know how many notes are in a major scale and what those are, it’s easy to implement them into your music.

Winding down the major scale on guitar.

To wrap up this article, let’s review it. 

• The major scale consists of seven notes with a specific pattern of whole and half steps.
• The pattern starts with two whole steps, followed by a half step, then three whole steps, followed by another half step.
• The final note in the scale is a whole step above the starting note. 
• If you know the major scale pattern, you can easily find the notes of any major scale on the guitar.
• The major scale comprises two groups of three notes each, called triads.
• The first group, called the tonic, consists of the scale’s first, third, and fifth notes. 
• The second group, called the subdominant, consists of the scale’s second, fourth, and sixth notes.
• The seventh note of the major scale is called the leading tone because it leads back to the tonic.
• The major scale comprises the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. These notes are played in a specific order called a scale.
• The C major scale starts on C and goes up to B, then to C again, but one octave above. 

By learning to play the major scale, guitar playing becomes fluid and fun. Are you interested in learning to play scales? Downloading the Simply Guitar app is fast and easy — you’ll be playing scales in no time!

FAQs.

The post How to Play the Major Scale on Guitar for Beginners appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

If you’re learning to play the guitar—do yourself a favor—use a guitar tuner app. Tuning your guitar by ear or tuning fork can take a long time to learn.

So you may be wondering what the best guitar tuner app is. They all have unique strengths and weaknesses. The answer is that there are a lot of great tools out there online for you as a budding guitar player; this will depend on several factors, including whether you are playing steel or copper wound string acoustic, classical or electric.

There are, of course, a host of incredible mainline and headstock tuners, but they are expensive. As a beginner, you need to find the best guitar tuning app for your mobile device before you go down the rabbit hole of buying new gear. So, keeping that in mind, let’s dive into the top 7 best guitar tuner app options of 2022.

Keep in mind this list is in order of last to first, so be sure to read to the end to find out which is the best guitar tuner app of 2022!

7. Guitar Tuna

Although there isn’t a lot of data on this guitar tuner app, there are a lot of customer reviews (2.21 million). It has a 4.8 rating in the Play Store and 4.8 stars based on almost 85 thousand reviews in the App Store. So if the customer is always right, then it would seem Guitar Tuna belongs on the best guitar tuner app list for 2022.

This app, built by Yousician Ltd specifically for the iPad, is now supported on all devices, including Android.

Many Guitar Tuna users are generally pleased with its performance, with its play-along feature being among the higher notes in customer reviews.

• Can tune electric or acoustic without cables
• High consumer satisfaction rating
• Accurate tuning
• Can tune multiple instruments

This app does have a very high rating, but some report difficulty receiving customer service and support, as well as some frustration with the UI. But for a free guitar tuner, it appears to be a rousing success.

6. Pitchlab

The PitchLab guitar tuner app, built by Microsoft, is another straightforward software that helps you tune up your guitar in no time. Reviews range quite a bit on this tuner, with some singing its praises while others point out several drawbacks within the app. There is a free version with limited capability and a pro version with a paywall.

• Multiple visual interface options
• Accurate tuning
• Free tuning app
• Paid pro version

This tuning app can be downloaded directly from the Microsoft website and is Android & iOS compatible. If you are a Microsoft enthusiast, this guitar tuner app is probably for you.

5. CarlTune

This tuner by Brainting is geared more towards the multi-instrumentalist but is also a solid choice as a guitar tuner app. 

However, if you download the free version, get ready for some ad action while tuning your guitar. If you prefer to go ad-free for a better experience, it only sets you back $2.49 on either the Play or App Store.

This chromatic tuner can tune anything from a piano to a bass and has settings to train your voice!

• Tunes many instruments
• Voice training capability
• Inexpensive no-ad version
• Free guitar tuner version (if you can bear the ads)

So whether you want to learn how to play more instruments than just the guitar or train your voice to be a better singer, CarlTune is a good option for all player levels.

4. gStrings

This is a no-frills guitar tuning app with multiple interfaces that you can change to your liking. Like the other free guitar tuner options on this list, it can tune multiple instrument types and is fairly easy to use. 

Seeing notes in different visuals, such as waveforms, certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to learning how to tune your guitar.

• Good for beginners
• Multiple visual representations of sound
• Straightforward
• Free guitar tuner app

This guitar tuner probably won’t do you wrong and is an excellent start for a guitar tuning app.

3. Fender Tune

Even if you are just picking up the guitar, you are likely to recognize the name Fender – maybe you are learning guitar because one of your rockstar heroes, such as Jimi Hendrix, played Fender guitars. So you can imagine that their acoustic & electric guitar tuner app is a pretty solid option.

As a free guitar tuner app, the Fender tune has plenty of options for players of all ranges. Like other apps, it has a range of tunings that the user can apply, such as drop D, which is quite popular among metal enthusiasts, and open C, a favorite of folk musicians worldwide.

• World-renowned brand
• Multiple tuning options
• Free app
• Usable for more advanced players

If you love Fender guitars, amps, and other products, this is a great guitar tuner app!

2. Martin Tuner

Martin Guitars are an industry favorite and widely known for their excellence in guitar innovation and manufacturing. So it’s no surprise they would release an intuitive guitar tuning app for players of all skill levels. If you are a C.F. Martin & Co guitar owner, you will probably want to give this guitar tuner app a shot.

• Visually appealing design
• Instructional material included
• Ear training tool
• Free app

For a free tuning app, the Martin Tuner doesn’t disappoint and is easy on the eyes.

1. Simply Tune (Free guitar tuner app)

If you are looking for a great app to tune your guitar that doesn’t break the bank and is ideal for guitar players of all levels, look no further than the Simply Tune free guitar tuner. This extremely intuitive guitar tuner app works perfectly with any type of guitar you want to use – and it doesn’t stop there.

The Simply Tune comes with the guidance of experienced musicians that help to make sure that you understand how to tune your guitar, manual and auto tune mode to test yourself on your progress when it comes to tuning your guitar. You can even tune multiple instruments, such as the bass guitar and ukulele.

• Manual and auto-tune functionality
• Step-by-step guidance
• Chord library for training whenever and wherever you want
• Easy to use
• Excellent for beginners
• Multiple instrument tuning capability
• iOS and Android compatible

Once you have the Simply Tune guitar tuner app, just sit it in front of you and start strumming your guitar or another instrument, and it will tell you if you need tuning and how to do so.

The Simply Tune team is extremely receptive to customer feedback, so don’t be afraid to tell them what you think. If you have any ideas or thoughts on the product or experience any issues, they are sure to respond in a timely fashion.

So is the Simply Tune guitar tuner app the best free guitar tuning app for 2022? We certainly think so, but there is only one way to find out – download the app and give it a try yourself – you won’t regret it!

The post 7 Best Guitar Tuner App Choices 2022 appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

You can learn how to play the guitar, but how long does it take to learn it? How many hours do you need to practice? Find out the answers here.

When picking up a new instrument, start with goals. Where do you want to be in three months, six months, or a year? What milestones should you achieve? On average, how long it takes to learn guitar?

Every musician’s journey differs, but anyone can learn to play the guitar. Some pick it up at lightning speed, while others need more time. However, you can reach your end goal by setting your pace and sticking to it. Slow and steady wins the race, right? 

We’ve broken down the guitarist’s first year into small soundbites. These realistic mile markers can help you set goals and start you off on the path to becoming an expert guitarist.

Become a guitarist: Year one.

Want to learn to play the guitar? The first year is a learning curve for beginners. Once you have all the basics, you can start fine-tuning your skills.

Your first month

Starting, you probably won’t sit down and play a guitar solo like Slash. Some of the simple steps may seem tedious at first. However, the foundation you lay at the beginning of your journey is crucial to your future success. 

In the first month, you want to focus less on speed and more on accuracy. Here are a few goals to achieve in the first month:

• The proper guitar posture and finger positions.
• Deciphering guitar chord charts
• Playing open-string chords
• Tuning the guitar strings
• Guitar Anatomy

Months 1-3

You can practice some of the most common open chords in the first three months of learning guitar. Playing the full version of a chord can be complicated for beginners. So, instead, start by practicing chords such as Am7, Cmaj7, Dsus2, and G6.

These simple chords sound great but only require you to play two frets. As you build confidence on the guitar, you can flesh out these chords with more notes. 

Learn the correct finger positions for chords. The long-term goal is to play by feeling instead of watching your fingers. Practice moving smoothly from one chord to the next. You can even say the chord names out loud to remember their positions. Once you feel comfortable with two chords, add one more. 

Also, you want to work on rhythm and strum patterns in your first three months of playing guitar. You can tap one foot on the floor to help you keep rhythm or use a metronome for accuracy. The strum patterns can vary depending on the song and the genre of music. If you are practicing a well-known song, look up the song on YouTube to see which strum patterns other guitarists use.

Months 3-6

The guitar posture and finger positions should begin to feel natural in three to six months. You probably have some finger callouses and know a few chord patterns. Also, your ear should let you know when your guitar starts sounding out of tune. 

If you are not committed to playing the guitar, this three-month period is when you may be ready to throw in the towel. Some of the “honeymoon phase” of learning a new instrument is over, and you have to buckle down to work. 

However, if you stick to your practice sessions, this period is where you can start to make real progress. You want to continue to add to your chord repertoire. Also, you can flesh out some of the simple chords you have been practicing and achieve a fuller sound.

Practice new songs that stretch your skills. 

Months 6-12

Once you play the guitar for six months, you build confidence in your skills. You should know many common chords and be able to pick out new pieces fairly quickly.

At this point, you are ready to dig deeper into guitar theory. Before you begin practicing a new piece, try playing guitar scales first. This makes your fingers nimble and increases your accuracy on the frets. You can also work on improvisation and guitar solos. Play the guitar with other musicians to learn new techniques and put your skills to the test. 

How long does it take to become…

Common myths about learning guitar.

For every person who encourages you in your musical journey, there is someone out there ready to chime in with discouraging advice. We’re here to dispel the common myths about learning guitar and encourage you to follow your dreams.

Here are a few common myths you may hear:

It’s too late to learn the guitar.

Never say never! You always have room to grow and learn new skills. 

While many think that learning guitar as an adult is more difficult many find the opposite true.  With time management skills and motivation to learn, adults can often learn a new instrument faster than young students. If you want to play the guitar, no time is better than the present!

Know how to play by ear, or don’t play at all.

Many famous musicians were self-taught and picked up the guitar by ear. These instant success stories can intimidate those of us without the same incredible talent.

Some musicians imply that if you can’t pick up a guitar by ear, you shouldn’t pick it up at all. But that’s like saying that you can’t learn math if you aren’t Einstein. 

You may have to put more hours of work in than someone with a gifted ear. However, even musicians with inherent talent need to learn music theory. Once you learn the correct positions, fingering, and basic music theory, you may even find that you are ahead of those who rely only on their natural skills to play guitar.  

If you have small hands, you can’t play the guitar.

Having large hands can be an asset when it comes time to learn a new instrument. You have an easier time on the fretboard reaching the right chords. But you can’t help it if the gene pool didn’t gift you with large hands. 

If you have small hands, your fingers must work harder to reach the right chords. The large fretboard on classical guitars makes stretches even more difficult for those with small hands. 

So, can you still play the guitar? You can look at kid-size guitars and warm up with finger exercises and stretches before you play. 

Also, check out Pepe Romaro’s guitar skills. This master guitarist is just a little over five feet tall and has smaller-than-average hands. Yet, he is a pro at the classical guitar and proof that anyone can play the guitar. Size doesn’t matter.

You don’t have time to practice guitar.

It is true that the more time you have to practice, the faster you can advance from a beginner to an expert guitar player. However, not everyone has hours a day to devote to learning a new instrument. 

Playing the guitar is still possible even if you have little free time. Carve out short practice sessions and dedicate all your attention to the amount of time you do have. It may be 10, 20, or 30 minutes, but that’s okay. Mastering one chord or one concept in 10-minute sessions a day can have an exponential effect. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, start with what you have. 

Tips to speed up your learning process.

It is better to take it slow than to skip over critical theory techniques. However, if you want to fast-track your learning, there are a few ways to speed up the process.

1. Choose a practice space without distractions

Choose a quiet area to practice that is free from distractions. The perfect spot could be your bedroom, a university practice room, or any other quiet space you can concentrate. Turn the T.V. off and put your phone on silent mode so you can give the guitar all your attention.

2. Have the right tools 

It is easier to learn a new instrument when you have the right tools on hand. Find a chair that is the right height and use a footstool. If you don’t have a footrest, you can use a stack of books. Make sure you have a pic if you are playing acoustic or electric. For classical, you want to pay attention to how you clip your nails. Find a book, program, online app, or teacher and start playing guitar.

3. Devote regular time to practice

Carve out a regular practice time. As a beginning guitarist, start with short practice sessions. Then after the callouses build on your fingers, you can increase the time you spend practicing. The more you practice, the more you can learn. 

You can learn guitar in record time with a quiet place to learn, the right tools at your disposal, and regular practice.

Little by little.

It’s a great idea to set goals as you learn the guitar and estimate how quickly you can advance. Just keep in mind that every person learns at their own pace. 

Whether you are in your first year of guitar or have put in 19,999 hours of practice, your hard work pays off. So, give yourself grace, learn from your mistakes, and let your passion for guitar playing shine through. 

To organize your time and create more efficient practice sessions, download the app Simply Guitar. This app can guide you through the fundamentals of guitar and helps you advance to the next level.

The post How Long Does It Take to Learn Guitar?  appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.