Top 5 Tips For Playing Guitar

Gnomie K. L. Canta writes:

Here is a top five list on playing guitar for rookies. Not really a game, but learning an instrument takes just as much (well, more) skill as mastering your favorite game. And it keeps those fingers limber!

1. Keep your guitar in tip top shape. Check the neck for warpage and fret wear. Also check the intonation on every string for proper tuning.

2. Have good relations with a guitar technician at a local store like Guitar Center. A good tech will tell you what you need on your guitar before you decide to do the work yourself.
3. Learn to read music! Many musicians play many instruments but can’t read music. One of the best ways to learn a song is to go out and look for your favorite song on sheet music and be able to read and play it. it works for any instrument.
4. Don’t mess with a classic. Led Zeppelin’s “stairway to heaven” is one of those. Many rookies try to learn the song by looking up guitar tablatures and end up playing the song wrong the first time. Try to train your ear to the different pattern made on a guitar and try to copy it. Also: YouTube.com is your best friend. You can look up live performances — many unplugged or acoustic shows — and you can try to look at one of the guys’ hands to figure out how the song is played. This will save you half the trouble of making a fool of yourself when playing someone else’s song.
5. And finally, don’t be afraid of calluses and blisters. For those just starting guitar, this is for you. I’ve heard of many people quitting because their fingers would start hurting. Well, guess what? Start practicing and you won’t have that problem! Calluses don’t build up overnight, so the more you play, the easier it gets. Lack of practice WILL cause your calluses to soften… so PRACTICE!

I know some people do stuff to look cool, but smashing your guitar into pieces is not cool. Buying a $2,000 guitar and smashing it is just stupid. My biggest advice is NOT to let anyone touch your stuff if you know it’s expensive.