Here are some of my top tips for the best ways to practice guitar.
Avoid callused fingers.
Try not to press too hard on the guitar strings in order to create a clear note. First, just touch the string lightly whilst plucking it with the other hand. It will sound muted so gradually exert enough pressure until a clear note is formed. You will notice that the pressure doesn’t need to be huge to create a clear note. The most important thing is the accuracy of fingering so that a clear note is made. If you press on the metal of the fret, the string will tend to buzz or sound a bit out of tune. Press the string down ideally just before the fret wire which makes the note.
Use your ears.
When first learning guitar beginners tend to strum loudly and not always hit every note that is in the chord. Make sure you play at a reasonable volume to hear all the notes in the chord when you strum. Try playing one string at a time at first to make sure all the notes in the chord sound good before strumming them together. The most important thing is to train your ears to listen to what you’re playing. Practice slowly and methodically being aware of getting accurate finger placement and technique. Don’t rush at it, speed comes in time and if the technique is poor you won’t achieve fluency and speed. In fact, if you rush you will inevitably make more mistakes and you will be practicing these and eventually ingraining them into your playing which will be difficult to correct later on. DON’T PRACTICE MISTAKES!
Practice little and often.
You will achieve faster results when you start playing guitar by focusing on getting small tasks right like changing one chord to another. Concentrate on just two chords first and gradually add others to the sequence. Chunk the information down into small pieces so that you crack each small step at a time. You will see greater results in a shorter time. Set small goals like playing the same chord change over and over ten times without a mistake before going on to the next thing. If you make mistakes, slow down and check the detail of where your fingers are going, do the task in slow motion if necessary. It allows muscle memory to happen.
Take regular breaks to refresh your concentration.
If you get frustrated, take a break, have a cuppa, and come back to the task later on. Practicing in bite-sized chunks is far better, and more achievable and you will get faster results. Gradually you will be able to play your guitar for longer periods because your skill level will improve and also the enjoyment of what you have achieved.
The best way to learn chords.
Play them in the context of a tune. Preferably something you have heard before and that you like. Use very simple tunes to start and if you can sing along with what you’re playing it helps achieve a performable result. It will possibly impress your friends and family which should encourage you to do more. Don’t be afraid of performing in front of people, it helps if they can sing along too. If this is something you’d like help with, contact me so I can give you some tips on how to sing along with your guitar.