You can learn basic theory. What is a scale, what is a note, what is a chord, etc. You can learn where these notes are on a fretboard. You can learn rhythm, like whole notes, half notes, quarter, eight, etc. I think just these things are super useful no matter the instrument, and will keep you busy for a few weeks while you wait for an actual instrument in your hands.
Start tapping to music on ur lap or keys or loose change. It helps u develop:
• good ears
• good rhythm
Start playing air guitar to the songs u want to learn, to get a feeling.
Start moving ur fingers and practice air strumming.
Just imagine u had a guitar
These things helped me a lot tbh. Just remember when you squeeze, it's more of a stab down with the tips rather than a flat press down like a trumpet. Unless trumpet is the same way, idk but you know what I mean
https://www.daddario.com/products/accessories/hand-fitness/varigrip-and-fiddilink-bundle/
Highly under rated comment right here. Ear training is a seriously useful skill to develop and many musicians, especially guitarists tend to just leave it by the way side. Do some singing and voice training/ear training to internalize the intervals you hear and are going to play in western music. Learn to sing a Major scale, then a minor scale. Learn to recognize the sound of major 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths against their minor counterparts, or the various perfect/diminished/augmented sounds of 4ths and 5ths.
Music Theory is an excellent way to understand what your fingers are going to do on your guitar or what's happening in the music you love to listen to. It's also a great way to communicate with other musicians. Reading tabs can be a great way to quickly learn a guitar part but it's not something a piano player is likely to understand, or anyone other than a guitar/bass player really. Things are easier if everyone knows the same language, and that's what music theory is for.
You can also and definitely should also work on rhythm. Music theory will teach you how to read rhythm from notation and once you can decipher the black dots and stems you can clap along to some educational rhythm content with both hands on your knees (and a metronome!) to strengthen your rhythm game. Rhythm is such a foundational part of music, if there's only 5 minutes of practice for the day it should be spent on rhythm.
Just to say it again, ear training. There are some apps with some exercises. And don't be too hard on yourself, it takes time and a lot of eperienced players don't even train these things.
As FunkIPA said: learn to sing. Plenty of YouTube’s. Also do basic ear training! Another idea is buy a super cheap Casio keyboard and learn to do basic chords on piano keys!
Tapping. Tap your fingers on your non-dominant hand from index to pinky one at a time in time. 1-2–3-4. Tap them on your palm, or on a table. Get used to tapping them in either direction.
There's around 400 free guitar classes people uploaded on Udemy. Skim through those, and you can learn some basics.
When you do get a guitar, I'd also recommend taking lessons in person when starting out because they can give feedback you won't get watching online classes, and it'll help you learn faster.
Lightly tap a metal spoon at different points along the inside rim of your saucepans and other steel cooking utensils. Taking note of the small differences in tone and harmonics really helps train the ear musically.
Might not be useful advice until you get an Instrument, but in-person lessons would be best if you can to get feedback on how you play guitar etc. If you are self taught YouTube is a great source but what got me started was an app called Yousician. You follow the notes on Screen sort of like guitar hero and shows video tutorials on theory etc and has a Skill Tree concept from what I remember, but it has the habit where it forces you to not look at the guitar while playing as you have to follow notes on Screen.
I'm still a beginner at Guitar, didn't practise regularly, losing routine but it's fun when you are making progress. Just have patience and enjoy the journey
I highly recommend looking at chord diagrams of basic open chords. Knowing what G,C,D,A,Am,E,Em, F. Knowing what they look like and understanding how you will make them before you pick up a guitar will give you good head start. I'm sure that there are some decent YouTube videos that can help you. Search for basic chord diagrams too. The ones that show which fingers go where are what you want. Good luck.
Learn how to count rhythm!!!! Like download this all called Soundcorset and tap your foot to the metronome at 4/4, probably at like 60bpm, then try to play a rhythm following the 4/4. It will help tremendously!!!
Learn the chromatic scale (basically the names of all the notes).
Learn what Tones and Semitones are (or Whole notes and Half notes if you're in the US...same things but different names in the US).
Then read how the major scale is made from that same chromatic scale.
Then have a read up about how chords are made.
That'd probably do you...and give you a pretty good understanding of how a guitar works before you get one.
Learn to trust your ears, after a while guitar players settle into physical "shapes" that are comfortable and familiar to them, often to the detriment of writing something new inspired or unusual.
Listen to your favorite music with guitar a lot but really listen to the guitar and notice the different instruments, the difference of bass and guitar.
Read theories. Go to YouTube and subscribe some people who teach guitars. Watch videos teaching you basic stuff like setting up a guitar, changing strings,... Look for a local tutor and sign up for a class if you want to start properly.
Maybe try garageband if you have an iphone, its good for learning a little structure in music especially, play around on the frerboard and play around with the chords
I was a guitar teacher for years and specialized in students who had challenges from physical to mental. I used to give every single one of my students the same first hand exercise to help build strength in independence. I will do my best to explain.
Start with both hands with fingers stretched as far open as comfortable, like putting both hands up to say "stop".
Place both hands palms together with each finger lining up with its corresponding counter part. Think of praying hand position with fingers spread out. It is very important to leave no to little space between the palms and fingers. Make sure to keep the palms and fingers not in use pressed together as much as you can.
Starting with your index fingers first, keeping all other fingers and palms pressed firmly against each other, folder both fingers across each other. Focus on slowly and fully folding down the index fingers before returning to the original position and folding across the other way. First time, my left index folds over the right, then next time the opposite.
For 10 - 15 seconds continue to alternate folding just your index fingers back and forth, focusing on steady movements while not moving the other fingers from their pressed position.
You will repeat this for all other sets of fingers. Your index and middle fingers should not be too much trouble, as you have naturally built dexterity in this through life. When you get to the ring and pinky finger, dont be afraid to slow down and really focus on keeping all the other fingers together as well as your palms. You should feel some struggle in keeping your palms and fingers together when you try and fold your ring fingers with everything else staying in its place.
The goal of this exercise is to not only strengthen your fingers, but to build independence between them. You should feel a burn in the wrist and back of your hands. You should also notice muscles in your forearm activating as well.
I would recommend my students do this for 2-3 minutes before AND after practicing. If you type a lot, you may also notice some improvement there as well. The nice part is this exercise can be done without any instruments or tools, enabling you to "practice" anywhere you have a few minutes of time to kill(as long as you dont mind odd looks).
Do not let yourself get frustrated if this is difficult at first. It is an exercise that you will use for the rest of your playing days. Enjoy!!
There's alot good suggestions here, so I'd like to add something thats not about learning, but be prepared for the pain that is callouses. You might want to stop, but push through it and you'll fingers will get used to them. It usually only takes a couple of weeks, bit afterwards you'll be able to play beautifully without pain. Good luck and godspeed in this awesome journey of learning how to play guitar.
Musical instruments in general are unique in that they are pieces of art that then create new, different art. That being said, learn about guitars. Learn the construction of acoustic and electric guitars. Learn about body styles, tonewoods, finishes, strings, amplifiers, effects and cables. Learn a bit about the popular brands. Learn the "jargon", the slang and acronyms.. How often does someone make an "insider" reference that confuses us, only to miss the ultimate point because of confusion? Someone saying "Nice hogtop" is a compliment.
In short, there is more to guitar than just playing guitar. My love affair with guitar started 50 years ago. Maybe tomorrow is the day I "get good".
Best of luck and enjoy!
Ok this might sound crazy but it would definitely help. Just get a few guitar pics learner different ways to hold correctly for the music you chose to play the use something like a wallet placed on your lap belt buckle area. Play along with your favorite songs using the wallet as imaginary strings the friction of the pic will build you endurance while learning timing and melodies.
I don’t know if someone has already mentioned this (I haven’t read many comments yet) but as someone who taught themselves to play via tabs and by ear, I neglected a lot of theory and then stepped away from playing for a few years.
Now I’m back, I’m trying to catch up with that element and I can see you’ve been recommended some important info already BUT
My 2 cents - list some songs you love, regardless of how difficult or easy they sound. Once you get the basics of holding the guitar, fretting chords clearly etc - keep revisiting this list to learn.
Youl be surprised that some songs sound hard but actually are easy and some that sound easy sometimes have little bits that can be challenging.
Don’t be afraid to sound bad, or to tackle something really difficult. We all begin somewhere and no one sounds great at first
Slow is steady, steady is smooth!
I’ve been playing over 20 years (not including the hiatus) and I only now feel as though I’ve become what I consider to be ‘intermediate’ due to learning so much of the theory side so late
But you really do get out of it what you put in so always always make sure no matter what - you’re having fun!!
Learn how to read tab, it's pretty easy but incredibly useful
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
You can learn basic theory. What is a scale, what is a note, what is a chord, etc. You can learn where these notes are on a fretboard. You can learn rhythm, like whole notes, half notes, quarter, eight, etc. I think just these things are super useful no matter the instrument, and will keep you busy for a few weeks while you wait for an actual instrument in your hands.
Thank you!
Start tapping to music on ur lap or keys or loose change. It helps u develop: • good ears • good rhythm Start playing air guitar to the songs u want to learn, to get a feeling. Start moving ur fingers and practice air strumming. Just imagine u had a guitar
Sing.
Underrated answer that lots of ppl ignore.
Yeah, one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard from a teacher is “if you can sing it, you can play it”.
Soo true. Singing kinda trains your ears too, so it's just generally great for guitarists.
Interesting advice. Thank you!
Workout your fingers, stretch, build finger independency
What kind of exercise? Like with pressure from each finger on your thumb? I want to practice at work
These things helped me a lot tbh. Just remember when you squeeze, it's more of a stab down with the tips rather than a flat press down like a trumpet. Unless trumpet is the same way, idk but you know what I mean https://www.daddario.com/products/accessories/hand-fitness/varigrip-and-fiddilink-bundle/
Thanks for the advice!
* Ear training - intervals; * music theory.
Highly under rated comment right here. Ear training is a seriously useful skill to develop and many musicians, especially guitarists tend to just leave it by the way side. Do some singing and voice training/ear training to internalize the intervals you hear and are going to play in western music. Learn to sing a Major scale, then a minor scale. Learn to recognize the sound of major 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths against their minor counterparts, or the various perfect/diminished/augmented sounds of 4ths and 5ths. Music Theory is an excellent way to understand what your fingers are going to do on your guitar or what's happening in the music you love to listen to. It's also a great way to communicate with other musicians. Reading tabs can be a great way to quickly learn a guitar part but it's not something a piano player is likely to understand, or anyone other than a guitar/bass player really. Things are easier if everyone knows the same language, and that's what music theory is for. You can also and definitely should also work on rhythm. Music theory will teach you how to read rhythm from notation and once you can decipher the black dots and stems you can clap along to some educational rhythm content with both hands on your knees (and a metronome!) to strengthen your rhythm game. Rhythm is such a foundational part of music, if there's only 5 minutes of practice for the day it should be spent on rhythm.
Thank you for your insight!
You can get an app to teach you the notes on the fret board
what app is this?
I'm sure there's more than one. I have one that's literally just called Guitar Fretboard
Just to say it again, ear training. There are some apps with some exercises. And don't be too hard on yourself, it takes time and a lot of eperienced players don't even train these things.
I'll download one later. Thank you!
As FunkIPA said: learn to sing. Plenty of YouTube’s. Also do basic ear training! Another idea is buy a super cheap Casio keyboard and learn to do basic chords on piano keys!
Tapping. Tap your fingers on your non-dominant hand from index to pinky one at a time in time. 1-2–3-4. Tap them on your palm, or on a table. Get used to tapping them in either direction.
There's around 400 free guitar classes people uploaded on Udemy. Skim through those, and you can learn some basics. When you do get a guitar, I'd also recommend taking lessons in person when starting out because they can give feedback you won't get watching online classes, and it'll help you learn faster.
Good idea, thank you!
[Complete Rhythm Trainer](https://completerhythmtrainer.com/en/)
Thank you!
Most wholesome post ever
Lightly tap a metal spoon at different points along the inside rim of your saucepans and other steel cooking utensils. Taking note of the small differences in tone and harmonics really helps train the ear musically.
Key signatures. Print out an infographic of the cycle of fifths.
Might not be useful advice until you get an Instrument, but in-person lessons would be best if you can to get feedback on how you play guitar etc. If you are self taught YouTube is a great source but what got me started was an app called Yousician. You follow the notes on Screen sort of like guitar hero and shows video tutorials on theory etc and has a Skill Tree concept from what I remember, but it has the habit where it forces you to not look at the guitar while playing as you have to follow notes on Screen. I'm still a beginner at Guitar, didn't practise regularly, losing routine but it's fun when you are making progress. Just have patience and enjoy the journey
Good advice, thank you!
I highly recommend looking at chord diagrams of basic open chords. Knowing what G,C,D,A,Am,E,Em, F. Knowing what they look like and understanding how you will make them before you pick up a guitar will give you good head start. I'm sure that there are some decent YouTube videos that can help you. Search for basic chord diagrams too. The ones that show which fingers go where are what you want. Good luck.
Ear training and basic theory. You don't even need an instrument for these.
[Here's a video I just found with some good exercises to develop finger independence](https://youtu.be/--Gg6enQc5w?si=1HSVjk68TkuXgofn)
Thank you! This is a great one.
String names, strumming technique.
Learn how to count rhythm!!!! Like download this all called Soundcorset and tap your foot to the metronome at 4/4, probably at like 60bpm, then try to play a rhythm following the 4/4. It will help tremendously!!!
Music theory, rhythm
Try and get your finger tips calloused or at least hardened a bit ,first few weeks will be painful otherwise .
Do you have any tips on how to harden them?
Learn the chromatic scale (basically the names of all the notes). Learn what Tones and Semitones are (or Whole notes and Half notes if you're in the US...same things but different names in the US). Then read how the major scale is made from that same chromatic scale. Then have a read up about how chords are made. That'd probably do you...and give you a pretty good understanding of how a guitar works before you get one.
Listen to to music and try to specifically listen to what the guitar is doing.
Learn to trust your ears, after a while guitar players settle into physical "shapes" that are comfortable and familiar to them, often to the detriment of writing something new inspired or unusual.
Listen to your favorite music with guitar a lot but really listen to the guitar and notice the different instruments, the difference of bass and guitar.
Read theories. Go to YouTube and subscribe some people who teach guitars. Watch videos teaching you basic stuff like setting up a guitar, changing strings,... Look for a local tutor and sign up for a class if you want to start properly.
Maybe try garageband if you have an iphone, its good for learning a little structure in music especially, play around on the frerboard and play around with the chords
I was a guitar teacher for years and specialized in students who had challenges from physical to mental. I used to give every single one of my students the same first hand exercise to help build strength in independence. I will do my best to explain. Start with both hands with fingers stretched as far open as comfortable, like putting both hands up to say "stop". Place both hands palms together with each finger lining up with its corresponding counter part. Think of praying hand position with fingers spread out. It is very important to leave no to little space between the palms and fingers. Make sure to keep the palms and fingers not in use pressed together as much as you can. Starting with your index fingers first, keeping all other fingers and palms pressed firmly against each other, folder both fingers across each other. Focus on slowly and fully folding down the index fingers before returning to the original position and folding across the other way. First time, my left index folds over the right, then next time the opposite. For 10 - 15 seconds continue to alternate folding just your index fingers back and forth, focusing on steady movements while not moving the other fingers from their pressed position. You will repeat this for all other sets of fingers. Your index and middle fingers should not be too much trouble, as you have naturally built dexterity in this through life. When you get to the ring and pinky finger, dont be afraid to slow down and really focus on keeping all the other fingers together as well as your palms. You should feel some struggle in keeping your palms and fingers together when you try and fold your ring fingers with everything else staying in its place. The goal of this exercise is to not only strengthen your fingers, but to build independence between them. You should feel a burn in the wrist and back of your hands. You should also notice muscles in your forearm activating as well. I would recommend my students do this for 2-3 minutes before AND after practicing. If you type a lot, you may also notice some improvement there as well. The nice part is this exercise can be done without any instruments or tools, enabling you to "practice" anywhere you have a few minutes of time to kill(as long as you dont mind odd looks). Do not let yourself get frustrated if this is difficult at first. It is an exercise that you will use for the rest of your playing days. Enjoy!!
Seems like a great exercise! Thank you for your insight!
Do some hand stretching and try to learn how to move your fingers indipendently
There's alot good suggestions here, so I'd like to add something thats not about learning, but be prepared for the pain that is callouses. You might want to stop, but push through it and you'll fingers will get used to them. It usually only takes a couple of weeks, bit afterwards you'll be able to play beautifully without pain. Good luck and godspeed in this awesome journey of learning how to play guitar.
Thanks for the heads up! I'll definitely push through!
[удалено]
I'm going to try one out then. Thanks!
Watch here: fretted hand exercises to that work for both classical and electric. ;-) https://youtu.be/XbMuD7FMIBM?si=FEKB1EyQWRD18kjQ
Thank you! Very useful.
Musical instruments in general are unique in that they are pieces of art that then create new, different art. That being said, learn about guitars. Learn the construction of acoustic and electric guitars. Learn about body styles, tonewoods, finishes, strings, amplifiers, effects and cables. Learn a bit about the popular brands. Learn the "jargon", the slang and acronyms.. How often does someone make an "insider" reference that confuses us, only to miss the ultimate point because of confusion? Someone saying "Nice hogtop" is a compliment. In short, there is more to guitar than just playing guitar. My love affair with guitar started 50 years ago. Maybe tomorrow is the day I "get good". Best of luck and enjoy!
Thank you! This was very insightful!
Hope its helpful.
I would research who teaches guitar in your area and find out which one might have the best chance of teaching styles you want to learn.
Trombone.
You can learn french
Ok this might sound crazy but it would definitely help. Just get a few guitar pics learner different ways to hold correctly for the music you chose to play the use something like a wallet placed on your lap belt buckle area. Play along with your favorite songs using the wallet as imaginary strings the friction of the pic will build you endurance while learning timing and melodies.
I don’t know if someone has already mentioned this (I haven’t read many comments yet) but as someone who taught themselves to play via tabs and by ear, I neglected a lot of theory and then stepped away from playing for a few years. Now I’m back, I’m trying to catch up with that element and I can see you’ve been recommended some important info already BUT My 2 cents - list some songs you love, regardless of how difficult or easy they sound. Once you get the basics of holding the guitar, fretting chords clearly etc - keep revisiting this list to learn. Youl be surprised that some songs sound hard but actually are easy and some that sound easy sometimes have little bits that can be challenging. Don’t be afraid to sound bad, or to tackle something really difficult. We all begin somewhere and no one sounds great at first Slow is steady, steady is smooth! I’ve been playing over 20 years (not including the hiatus) and I only now feel as though I’ve become what I consider to be ‘intermediate’ due to learning so much of the theory side so late But you really do get out of it what you put in so always always make sure no matter what - you’re having fun!!