Many folks across the world love to play the guitar, whether it’s acoustic, electric, or classical. There’s no doubt that becoming an improved guitar player takes practice and hard work. You may also buy wireless headphones, effects pedals, and more – but if you want to take things up a level, it can be helpful to get advice from the experts. In this article, we’ll discuss some major advice from professional guitar players that will help you enhance your skills.
Do Plenty Of Research
This includes reading about different techniques, styles, and theories. You could buy some books, visit the library, or view blogs, specialist websites, and Youtube tutorials. Much online information is free and given by experts and successful musicians.
Your research should also include studying the various guitars and related accessories. People often use a guitar magazine to access illustrated guides to restringing electric guitars and for help choosing between acoustic and electro-acoustic versions. You can view the 7 best online guitar lessons and reviews of reverb pedals, guitar capos, and Fender Stratocasters.
Find A Guitar Teacher
These lessons are majorly one-on-one with a professional guitar player. This type of activity can be more costly than taking music classes, but you’d receive individualized attention. They can assist you in learning how to play and read music, and assist you with any problems you’re having with your technique. Some other benefits include:
● You’ll be able to get feedback on your guitaring
● You’ll have someone to help you progress
● You can learn at your own pace
● You can learn within the confines of your own home
● You can learn online or in-person at an hour that suits you
There are also guitar exams you could take (Grades 1-8), in which case it would be important to find the right teacher. Ask around for recommendations and check their internet reviews before finally choosing. You’ll also need to make sure that you feel comfortable and calm with this person.
Attend Music Classes And Join a Band or Ensemble
Music classes are usually group activities led by a professional musician. They’re cheaper than private tuition but if you’re absent anytime, it may be difficult to catch up. Here are some of the benefits:
- You can make friends with other students
- You can learn in a group environment
- The classes are usually structured so you make progress week by week
- You’ll get to play in front of your class
If you join a band or ensemble it will teach you how to play with other people and learn how to work as part of a team. It can also help you enhance your stage presence and performance skills. Some other positives include:
- Learning how to blend in with other instruments
- Getting feedback from other members
- Having people to bounce ideas off of
- Performing for an audience
If you try to play guitar with your friends, make sure you’re at similar skill levels so you don’t become frustrated. If you’re unsure where to find people to connect with, check with your local music store or online.
Listen To Lots Of Music And Practice Regularly
If you listen to plenty of music it will help you develop an ear for different sounds and rhythms, and it’ll also give you a better understanding of how songs are structured. As you listen to the music, pay attention to the way that various guitarists approach their craft. What techniques do they use? How do they create their unique sound? By studying the masters, you’ll be able to learn from their example and start developing your own style.
Regular practice is an essential way to improve your skills and techniques – and to make mistakes and learn from them. You should perform scales, arpeggios, chords, sight-reading, ear training, improvisation, and composition. You should also focus on your timing, rhythm, and finger dexterity. Each of these things will help you become a better guitar player. It’s important to find a compromise between practicing technical exercises and playing songs that you enjoy. Try to set aside some moments each day to practice, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.
Experiment With Different Techniques And Styles
Guitar playing is an extremely versatile skill. There are so many different techniques and styles to explore, and every player has their own unique way of approaching the instrument. If you’re serious about becoming a better guitar player, it’s important to experiment with as many different approaches as possible. You never know which one might click for you and help take your skills to the next level.
Here are some possible things to try out:
- alternate picking
- legato
- sweep picking
- tapping
- string skipping
- economy picking
Learn How To Improvise
Improvisation involves hearing a chord progression or melody and spontaneously coming up with your own original sounds to go along with it. This is a skill that takes years to master, but it’s something that all great guitar players have in common. By learning to improvise, it:
- Helps you to develop your ear
- Teaches you how to think creatively
- Improves your communication skills
- Encourages you to take risks
Start by learning some basic improvising concepts, such as the art of “call and response” and building tension and release. Also, learn how to use space and create moods. There are no wrong answers, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
Learn To Read Music
Music theory is the technical side of the language and grammar of music. It helps you comprehend how music works and provides a framework for learning, communicating, and creating your own musical compositions. Being able to read music means that you can communicate with other musicians more effectively. An additional advantage is that it makes learning new songs much easier. Also, it gives you a great advantage when it comes to composing your own tunes.
Now that you’ve read these suggestions from the professionals, you’ll be able to enhance your guitar skills as never before. Research, take lessons, play with others, listen to tunes, and practice. Then try experimentation, and before you know it you’ll become an accomplished pro yourself.
Featured image: Unsplash (Alex Suprun).
