28 Feb How To Kickstart Your Guitar Journey

Starting a guitar journey is an exciting adventure, but it can be a daunting experience for aspiring players. While there are many things to keep track of as you start, it’s best to take it one step at a time so as not to overwhelm yourself. The guitar journey does not need to be rushed, nor is it one that is restrained by law and rules. It’s a rewarding and enjoyable experience that can open the door to an expansive variety of musical styles and techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, the guitar offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression.

We’re here to set down the stepping stones in hopes of thoroughly preparing you for the guitar journey of a lifetime. It will not be easy, but it won’t be impossible for you either. Keep your enthusiasm up and focus on mastering one task at a time to build your confidence and make rapid progress. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Buckle your seatbelt; the adventure starts here and now.

What Is The Best Beginner Guitar?

There are three main types of guitars: the acoustic, the classic, and the electric. All three are different in their own ways and have their fair share of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s break them down.

Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitars are popular among guitar players of all skill levels due to their versatility and rich, full sound. They are stringed instruments that are played by plucking or strumming the strings, and they do not need to be plugged into an amplifier to produce sound. They are versatile and can be used to play a wide range of music styles. They are also relatively easy to learn and are available at a broad range of price points, from entry-level models to the higher end of the spectrum.

The acoustic can be played in a variety of genres, including folk, country, pop, rock, and jazz. They can be used for strumming chords, fingerpicking, or playing lead melodies. Additionally, they are often used as the foundation for singing and songwriting, making them popular among most singer-songwriters.

The drawbacks of the acoustic guitar come in its affordability and the effects of its strings on beginner players. A good quality acoustic can be pretty expensive, which can be quite a hindrance to newer musicians who don’t have the budget but are not willing to lose out on quality. On the other hand, the strings are typically made of steel and tend to be harder on the fingers than the nylon strings of classical guitars. This can make it more difficult for beginners to press down on the strings and form chords, which can cause discomfort and pain in the fingers. However, this could be said to be the growing pain of picking up the guitar.

Do nylon strings make it a lot better? We move on to the classical guitar next.

Classical Guitar

Classical guitars, also known as nylon-string guitars, have a wider neck and softer strings that are easier on the fingers, which can be less punishing for beginners, making them a good option for someone who has never played before. Though there are some similarities in appearance to the acoustic, they differ in several ways.
The sound of a classical guitar is characterized by its warmth, balance, and clarity, with an emphasis on the lower and middle frequencies but it does fall short in terms of projection compared to its acoustic counterpart due to its body build being smaller, narrower, and having wider flat fingerboards. The classical will generally be used for music such as flamenco and, of course, classical music, along with others that utilize the fingerstyle techniques.
While the nylon strings can appeal to most beginners, that may entail only some of the story of the classical guitar. Compared to steel strings, nylon ones are more prone to warping and losing their tuning, making them harder to maintain and intonate. It’s also crucial to note that the wider fingerboard does make it more challenging for new players to get accustomed to, as this would mean an increased distance between each fret, leading to difficulties in accurately pressing down on the strings. Using a classical guitar may save your fingers from some pain, but that would mean having problems pressing on different chords, especially if you have smaller hands or shorter fingers.

Electric Guitar

Electric guitars are a popular choice among guitar players of all skill levels due to their versatility and ability to produce a wide range of sounds. They are played by plucking or strumming the strings and rely on an amplifier to make sound, but it can give a different sound experience. Standard electric guitars have six strings, but some models may have more.

The sounds of an electric guitar are characterized by its ability to produce a wide range of sounds, from clean and crisp to distorted and heavy. An electric guitar can be played in various genres, from blues, rock, metal, and jazz; it can also produce different sounds and effects, such as sustain and overdrive. Plenty of factors go into the sounds of the electric guitar, but that also means it is more susceptible to inconsistency, especially when starting and practising. However, the feeling you get from playing around with the electric is undoubtedly like no other.

Learning to play the electric guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some drawbacks that beginners should be aware of. Firstly, the electric guitar requires an amplifier to be adequately heard, so players must make sure they have access to one or purchase one, which can add an extra cost and layer of complexity. Secondly, the sound from the amplifier will typically be augmented, which can make your mistakes less apparent than they are. Finally, bad form and technique on the electric guitar are more likely to lead to hand cramps or injury due to its heavier strings and the need for greater finger strength.

Which of the three do I get?

Let it be clear that if you want to pick up the guitar, the electric guitar will set you up for failure. By skipping out on the acoustic or the classical, you will miss out on mastering the basics, which come down to the chords and scales. Taking easy steps on either of the other two types of guitars will prepare you to eventually take on the electric when your foundation has been established.

Between the acoustic and classical guitars, that will be left up to your preferences. While there are benefits and drawbacks for both, especially regarding new players, some people may find it easier to learn on nylon strings, but another group may prefer the narrower fretboard. The good thing is that you can drop by your nearest music store and give both a try to see what you have a better feel for. No option will have you become a professional guitarist in a day. Take your time; it’s just that simple.

How To Tune Your Guitar

Tuning your guitar is an integral part of playing the instrument. Recognizing different sounds helps ensure that every note you play is in tune, so your music has a consistent sound regardless of the songs you are playing. Tuning can be done by ear if you have good pitch recognition skills or an electronic tuner that makes the job easier and faster. Developing good tuning habits will make your playing sound fuller and more pleasing to the ear, giving you confidence when performing alone or with other musicians.

1) Connect the tuner to your guitar: Most electric tuners come with a built-in microphone, but some also come with an input jack that you can hook up directly to your guitar or a clip that you can attach to the head of the guitar.

2) Turn on the tuner: Follow the instructions for your specific tuner and turn it on.

3) Choosing the tuning you want: Most electronic tuners can be set to a variety of different tuning options, including standard tuning (E A D G B E) and various alternate tunings.

4) Adjust the tuning: Use the tuning pegs on the head of the guitar to adjust the pitch of the string until it matches the note indicated on the tuner.

5) Repeat the process for all the strings; the order of the tuning abides typically by the standard tuning, working from the thickest to the thinnest string.

It’s important to note that background noise can affect electronic tuners, so it’s best to use them in a quiet environment. Also, it’s a good idea to check your tuning occasionally during a playing session, as the guitar strings tend to slip out of tune over time. An alternative to electronic tuners is relative tuning, where you use the sound of one string to tune the others. This method requires more skill and practice but is a valuable tool for a musician.

Basic Chords & String

The basic chords and strings on a guitar will vary depending on the guitar’s tuning. In standard tuning, the most common tuning used, the strings are tuned to the notes E, A, D, G, B, and E, from the lowest-pitched string to the highest. Here are a few basic chords that can be played on a guitar in standard tuning:

1) C Major Chord: To play C major, your first finger should be placed on the first fret of the B string, the second finger on the second fret of the D string, and the third finger on the third fret of the A string.

2) A Major Chord: To play A major, place your first finger on the second fret of the D string, the second finger on the second fret of the G string with the third finger on the second fret of the B string.

3) G Major Chord: To play G major, the first finger should be on the second fret of the A string, the second being on the third fret of the low E, placing the last finger on the third fret of the high E.

4) E Major Chord: To play E major, place your first finger on the first fret of the G string, with the second finger on the second fret of the A string, and the last finger should be placed on the second fret of the D string.

5) D Major Chord: To play D major, your first finger is placed on the second fret of the G string, the second one placed on the second fret of the high E string, and the final one placed on the third fret of the B string.

These are just a few basic chords to get you started. There are many other chords that can be played on a guitar, and many resources, such as chord charts, guitar method books, and online tutorials, are available to help you learn more. Remembering proper finger positioning and finger strength are crucial to playing chords correctly and cleanly, so it’s recommended to start with the basics and practice regularly.

Perfect Way To Hold Your Pick

Properly holding a guitar pick is essential for anyone who plays the guitar. The proper technique involves gripping the pick between your thumb and index finger, leaving your remaining fingers free so you can play, but also allowing you to maintain control over the pick when strumming. It is important to hold the pick with enough pressure for it not to slip without squeezing it too tightly, making it difficult to manipulate the guitar strings. Additionally, ensuring that the tip of the pick points downwards will help create a fuller sound on each strum. Controlling how hard you grip and where you place your fingers will give any guitarist greater dexterity as they learn to play different chords and melodies. With some practice and patience, mastering this technique will allow musicians of all levels to become strong and skilled players.

That said, depending on the type of guitar pick you choose, there will be some differences in the strumming and picking. In Singapore, there are a great variety of picks to choose from, including various shapes, sizes, textures, and materials. Depending on the style and sound you are looking for, you may want to look into round-edged picks, which provide a softer tone or sharp-ended ones which have more bite and clarity. You could also opt for thicker picks to provide greater control over your playing, while thinner picks give you added flexibility with strumming chords. Materials such as celluloid, stone, steel and wood are also available on the market, so it really comes down to personal preference in terms of what kind of pick will work best for your music. Ultimately though, practice makes perfect – so don’t be afraid to give different types of picks a try and find out what style works best for you!

Find The Perfect Guitar Teacher

Finding the best guitar teacher in Singapore can be intimidating as there are many experienced players to choose from. But with some dedicated research, finding the right instructor shouldn’t be too difficult. Begin by asking friends and neighbors if they know of any reputable teachers, or look online for reviews and recommendations. Make sure you research how long the instructor has been teaching to ensure a quality lesson. Having one that can cater to your learning style would be invaluable, as this will help with a better understanding of guitar techniques and music theory, which can be the difference between a good and a great teacher. An excellent guitar tutor would also be able to assess your skill levels, giving concise feedback that you can work on to improve quickly.

Once you have narrowed your list, arrange a trial lesson to get an idea of whether their approach resonates with your style before committing to a long-term relationship. Remember that only through perseverance and dedication will you become an exceptional player—and the right guitar teacher can make all the difference!

With that, you’re all set for your guitar journey! We’ve only provided rough guidelines that you can work with, but at the end of the day, personal preferences will always be the deciding factor in knowing what is suitable for you. From knowing what guitar to choose to how to tune your guitar, knowing the basics of chords and strings, identifying the best way to hold a pick, and finding the perfect guitar teacher, we’ve dealt you the options. The only thing left for you to do is go and be the musician you were called to be!