Lesson 8 - Simple Tips to Make Great Music

We are just about done with our journey into the guitar world! We have learned about the guitar itself and what type of guitar is ideal for beginners. We learned how to tune the guitar so we get an accurate sound. We learned how to read tabs, which is the gateway to playing all the songs we love!

I taught you what to do with your fingers on the frets, as well as the best trick to produce a good sound. Then we touched into strumming, which is not only very fulfilling when you master it, but also an excellent way to relieve some of that pent-up stress. After you learned the basics we went into chords and practicing songs. In short, you pretty much have all that you need in order to get out there and start learning. But in case we missed something, here are a few tips you can take along with you as you go through the roller-coaster of learning to play the guitar.

First, find a quiet place to practice, even if it means driving to a secluded parking lot and playing in your car. Play in a place where it is easy to concentrate; too much noise and outside interference can cause a beginner to be frustrated and give up within the first week of learning how to play. That is no good.

Next, practice, practice, practice! We cannot overstress the value of constant practice. You are not going to get anywhere if you do not take the time to sit down and dedicated some time to learning your new craft. You may start playing for half an hour at a time each day and gradually build it up; that way, you will not get bored too easily. Practice new material, switch it up, create your own lessons, play something different every day! Practice everything you know --- chords, tabs, and what-have-yous --- no matter how trivial they may seem.

Evaluate your progress regularly by recording what you played and listening to it. It often helpful for beginners to keep a sound journal of the progress you are making. That way, when you become discouraged or you feel you are not getting anywhere with your practicing, you can pull out your recorder and listen to what you sounded like when you first started playing. Write things you learn down in a journal, and keep track of what you are doing and what your goals are when you are playing.

Then, take breaks when you feel you are getting flustered. Go outside and get some fresh air, or grab something to drink, or check your email even. Diverting your attention to something else for a short while will definitely ensure that you maintain your eye on the prize.

So you made a choice, you want to learn to play the guitar because either you are looking to start a band or it is just something you have always thought about doing. Dedicate yourself and your time, and you won’t be sorry. The guitar is not the easiest instrument to learn, but once you master it, it’s just like getting on your bike and going for a ride. When you play, you feel free and be in your element --- nothing can touch you.