Lesson One For Those New To Guitar
Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2009
by Steven Rogers
This is the first of what I hope to be a long series on the basics of guitar. I have been teaching myself the guitar for several years now and want to share some of the things I have learned. Some of these things took no work at all while others took years of practice to get down pat. I learned some bad habits along the way that although easier to master quickly made other aspects much more difficult. I hope to help you get through the learning process a little more quickly and easily than I did. These will be basics and as such will be made as easy to understand as possible. I want to make it clear that music is a science and cannot be mastered quickly. It is a lifetime pursuit and takes allot of patience and discipline to understand.
The guitar is separated into two main parts each operated by one hand. The biggest section is called the body; the long slender section is called the neck. The neck generally held in the left hand is where you will position your fingers to adjust the strings' length making the notes higher or lower. Perpendicular to the strings all along the neck are raised lines, usually made of steel. These make up the frets. It is important to note that the lines are not the frets. The frets are the spaces in between. When referring to the different frets we number them from one up starting at the headstock. The headstock is at the top of the neck farthest away from the body of the guitar. The strings are attached to the tuning keys on the headstock of the guitar. They are guided over the fret board by the nut (a piece of ivory or plastic at the top of the neck). The strings are attached at the other end to the body of the guitar at the bridge. The only other part you need to know right now is the sound hole or pickups, depending on your guitar. These are what take the vibrations of your strings and makes them audible (There is more to that but for now that is all you need to know about how your guitar makes sound). Find the different parts and familiarize yourself with the parts of your particular guitar.
The only other thing for this lesson is what gear you need. Although you technically don't have to have much of this, as a new guitar player, it will make your experience easier. You need a guitar first and foremost. It is hard to play a guitar without one. What kind of guitar is up to you. For a beginner, I would suggest going to a pawnshop and getting a cheap guitar to play until you decide that this is what you want to do. There is little sense putting tons of money into something you never use. If you do this TAKE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS GUITARS WITH YOU!!! You don't want to be cheated or end up with something that you can't work with. If this isn't the route you want to take there are several starter packs and starter guitars out there. Some tips to remember; you get what you pay for is the general rule the more it cost chances are the better the guitar. Brand names are important in the world of guitar. Gibson and Fender did not become legendary guitar companies by putting out bad products. That's not to say that you can't get good guitars by other companies but you should do your homework first. Find a guitar that suits you. If you don't like the way it looks or feels you will be less likely to play it. Some guitar makers I would suggest are Aria (I play one and have seen greats like Steve Ferris from Mr.Mister play one), Ibanez, and Dean. These all make fine to great quality instruments. The most important things to remember when buying a guitar are to get one that you like and to get one that suits your purpose in playing. You don't want an acoustic guitar if all you plan to play is heavy metal! You need picks. There are all types, sizes, and shapes. I would suggest you buy a variety pack of picks until you decide what you are comfortable with. Buy several you will need them. Picks are easily lost so stock up. You also need a strap for your guitar you can get a cheap nylon strap for a couple of bucks or an Italian leather one for a few hundred. As with most everything else get one you like and that is comfortable. You should also invest in a spare set of strings. You never know when one will break. Also invest in a tuner, especially if you plan to jam with anyone else or even the radio. Nothing sounds worse than an out of tune musician. They are inexpensive and invaluable. I have an extra tucked away in my case that I got at Wal-mart for three dollars. The last thing that you need is a case. A guitar is an investment and needs protection.
Your guitar is an extension of yourself. It is your voice. It will cry with you or smile with you. It will even yell at your neighbor for you. Give it a name if you like (my main guitars are named Prudence and Penny). I know this sounds strange but make friends with your guitars. Even if you can't pick up you guitar and play every day, try to walk by it and strum one or two strings. This will help you to start to hear what the notes sound like and will eventually imbed these notes into your memory.
Steven is a self proclaimed right wing Christian extremist. He is a former Marine and currently work in the laboratory of a cancer research and treatment facility. He is the father of three and is referred to as genius by his wife (mostly as a sarcastic term of endearment!)
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