How to Learn Acoustic Guitar

So you to know how to learn acoustic guitar but not sure where to proceed? Well you’re in the right place as this is a step by step guide for the beginner. First you need to tune your guitar. Once it’s done, you’re ready to play.

Step 1. Hold the guitar properly

If you’re going to sit while playing the guitar, there are two options:

Either way, position the guitar near your body and make certain that it is upright. If you’re standing up, wear a guitar strap and the instrument should be near your chest.

Step 2. Chords and single notes

Chords refer to when you play at least a couple of notes on different strings to produce a single sound. Chords comprise an acoustic guitar’s rhythm section, while single notes are for guitar solos.

Step 3. Open chords

Open chords are played close to your guitar tuning knobs. The most widely used chords for beginners are Dm, Em, Am, D, E, G, A and C.

Don’t try and learn all the open chords at once. Start with a couple like A major and E minor so you’ll get the hang of it. When you look at a chord chart the left string points to your guitar’s topmost string. To make remembering easy, keep in mind the strings are numbered 1 to 6 from bottom to top, with the bottom number 1.

Step 4. Set your fingers on the guitar neck

Chords have dots that tell you where to place your fingers. E minor for instance, is played when you press your finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th and 5th string. Press the strings against your guitar’s neck. A major is played when you hold the 2nd fret on the 4th, 3rd and 2nd string.

Step 5. How to strum

Hold and press the strings on the open chord shape you want to play. Use your other hand to strum. Apply some force to get more action. Press harder and hold the strings more firmly to increase the chords’ action. Move your finger farther from the neck fret if the string buzzes.

Check your chord chart and look for an X or an O on the strings. That tells you what strings have to be strummed and what you must not.

With an E minor, strum all the strings, and for an A major, strum them all except the top.

Step 6. Play different rhythms and patterns

This is key when you study how to play acoustic guitar for beginners step by step. When you’ve learned abut open chords, it’s time to strum at varying rhythms and tempos.

Acoustic guitar rhythm is determine by your strumming pattern and how long you press the notes. Start with a beat of 1-2-3-4 or the 4/4, whereby the upper figure tells you the number of beats in the measure.

Step 7. How to read tabs

If you don’t yet know how to read sheet music, try tabs instead. It is easier than reading sheet music as the tab tells you where to position your finger on a fretboard. Tabs are useful for beginners, but you’ll need to study sheet music if you want to use other musical instruments.

Tabs come with six lines that symbolize your strings, and the numbers indicate where you should position your fingers. The numbers re representative of the fret where you have to press the string. 3 means third fret, 2 means second fret, 1 means first fret etc.

If the numbers are progressive, it signifies that you have to pick the note and hold the first individual fret. Repeat this with the succeeding fret. If the numbers are set on the same vertical line are to be played together. Remember that tab reading is left to right.

Step 8. Practice guitar riffs

The quickest way to learn acoustic guitars is to pick a guitar riff you want to learn. Since you’re a beginner, search for simple guitar riffs. Once you have decided on a riff, look for its tabs on the web.

There are a lot of websites to search for tabs. Just type the song title and artist and you will see its tabs, chords and notes. Follow the tab and play your guitar in front of your computer, or you can print the tab.

Step 9. Play various shapes and notes

Once you know how that song’s notes are played, break the song into sections and work on each part. Work on the rhythms and focus on the areas you have difficulty playing. For some guitarists, this is more effective than trying to master the song as a whole.

After you have learned how the song is played, play the actual tune and strum alongside it. Keep up with the tempo. If you make mistakes, check the tab and try again. Make sure also your guitar is tuned before playing.

How to Play Simple Guitar Chords

To play the G6 chord:

To play C major 7:

How to Play E Minor

Should You Strum or Use a Pick?

This is a matter of personal preference. Some find it easier to strum while others like to play guitar with a pick. Even if you prefer to strum however, it’s still a good idea to learn how to use a pick.

Here’s how:

That is how to hold and use a pick. It will take some getting used to, but with constant practice you’ll realize how effective a pick can be.

Video Guide for Playing an Acoustic Guitar

If you’d rather watch a demonstration, here’s an absolute beginner’s guide to learning how to learn to play guitar by yourself.

The Guitar String Note Explained

• The 6th string is the thickest. In regular guitar tuning this is set to E. It is the deepest/ lowest and often called the low E string.
• The 5th string is known as the A string since it is tuned to A.
• The 4th string is the string as it is tuned to D.
• The 3rd string is called the G string as it is tuned to G.
• The 2nd string is called the B string as it is tuned to B.
• The 1st string is called the high E string. It is the thinnest.

To avoid confusion between notes and chords:

How to Correctly Fret Chords

Conclusion

The steps to knowing how to learn acoustic guitar is not that hard, but it does require patience. Keep practicing and you’ll get better. It’s not about how much talent you were born with but how much you’re willing to practice that makes the difference.