Learning How to Play Guitar

How to Start Playing Guitar

If you’ve ever wanted to play the guitar but just don’t know where to begin, try starting here with these basic tips.

Basic Stuff You Probably Need to Know

· Understanding the guitar itself—parts and how they each function

· Strings and chords—tuning of each string and where to place your fingers to create chords

· Strumming—techniques and patterns

Chords to Start With

One method often used is CAGED. With the finger patterns from these five chords, many other guitar chords can be played. For visuals of the chords, click on the link below.

http://www.guitaralliance.com/guitar_lessons/guitar_chords/caged_guitar_chords.htm

Holding the Guitar

· If you’re sitting, rest the guitar on your leg. If you’re standing, use a strap so your arms can be free to finger and strum without unnecessary strain.

· Be aware of your posture and body tension. Sit up straight or stand, and be sure not to rest your left arm on your left leg.

· Proper thumb placement is typically hidden from anyone who sees you playing. Help website Howtotuneaguitar.com suggests to “keep your thumb in hitchhiking position, pointed away from you with the ball of the thumb in the center of the neck.”

How-To Videos:

Learning to Play Guitar: Folk Styles

Capo

Places to Look for Tips

http://guitaralliance.com/

Great resources for learning guitar at any level: http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Lessons/Search/Default.aspx

For chord visuals, lessons, how to tune, and more: http://www.howtotuneaguitar.org/

Ethnic Guitar

The Cuatro

Meaning: "four"
Family: Guitar
Found: South America, Trinidad & Tobago, other territories of the West Indies
Uses: Ensembles, Accompaniment
Type of music: Secular and religious
Characteristics: Small, 4 strings.

Guitarrón mexicano

Meaning: "Mexican large guitar"
Family: Similar to guitar but not derived from guitar
Found: Mexico
Uses: Mariachi Bands
Type of music: Mexican Mariachi groups
Characteristics: Large, 6 strings, Strings originally made of intestines, Fretless

***This video is of a Mariachi band. A Mariachi band generally consists of violins, trumpets, an acoustic guitar, a vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar), a guitarrón (a large acoustic bass) and, on occasion, a harp. The members of the group dress in silver studded charro outfits with wide-brimmed hats. The original Mariachi were Mexican street musicians or buskers.***