Learn How To Play Guitar: Basics
In this lesson we will look at the fundamental aspects of learning to play electric or acoustic guitar.
You don't want to start off with bad habits right from the start, so here are pointers on sitting, standing, fretting and holding the guitar pick.
Sitting Positions
There are two sitting positions for holding the guitar; classical and casual.
- Pick up the guitar and make sure that the guitar body is supported by your leg.
- Position yourself at the edge of your chair.
- Ensure that your back is relaxed but straight.
- Lean the guitar back towards you slightly.
Standing Position
- Pick up the guitar and place the strap over your shoulder. Adjust the strap so that the guitar is positioned mid-body.
- Use your left hand to support the neck of the guitar.
- Rest your right hand over the bridge of the guitar.
Hand Positions
It is important that you relax your wrists and hands. Straining them can cause injury.
Warning! Make sure that you never position your hand like this:
Your thumb should never be placed this low on the neck of the guitar as it puts unneccessary strain on your wrist and thumb.
Fretting
When you play the guitar, you use your left hand fingers to press down the strings on the fret board of the guitar and use your right hand to pluck or strum the stings at the bridge end of the guitar. Using your left hand to press the strings on the fret board is called fretting. Here are some tips you will need to know:
- Short fingernails are essential.
- Use only the tips of your fingers to press the strings.
- When making a chord, be sure that each fingertip is placed directly behind the fret.
- Check each string that it rings clearly and is not muted or buzzing.
As a beginner guitarist, it may hurt your fingers to play. This is normal. Every guitarist starts this way for the first couple of weeks. With practice, you will develop guitar fingers (hard skin on your fingertips).
Holding the Pick
Position the pick between thumb and index fingers like in the diagram below:
