HOW TO BECOME A PRO AT PLAYING THE GUITAR

---- By Abdulaziz Bassrawi

 There is something about seeing someone playing a guitar that just makes you smile. It lightens up
your mood instantly. That music produced by such a simple-looking instrument makes you want to pick up that guitar and play it yourself. The ‘problem’ and basically the one question often asked is, ‘Where do I even start?’ Worry no more. Learning how to play the guitar is as easy as when you learnt how to ride a bicycle. It just requires patience, determination and a lot of practice and with these simple skills; you’ll find yourself playing the guitar like an expert after just a short time span.

 

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STEP ONE: Channel Your Inner Passion for Music

Every great artist who has become successful has made it in life not only because of their talent but also due to their passion for what they do. Without the will and determination, you can really not fully learn how to play the guitar. You have to be able to feel the music within you as you hit each chord, as you strum each string and as you try to find your finger balance at the same time. Find your inner passion and rhythm. It’s within you waiting to emerge.

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STEP TWO: Get Yourself a Guitar and Practice

Sub-Step One: Find a Good Guitar

Now that you know you want it more than anything else in the world, go get yourself a guitar. Remember, the right guitar is also very essential to your success. There are many types of guitar and knowing the one that will suit you best is very important. If you are skilled and know your guitars well then go buy yourself the right one. If you have no idea how to choose one, don’t worry. It’s not a stopper. Ask for professional help from artists or even from the music store itself. They will help you pick the right one and will show you how to tune it as well.

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Sub-Step Two: Practice Daily

It’s time for you to start practicing. Use all the resources and materials you can find. If you can sign up for guitar classes, do it. Do not hesitate. If you cannot, take your phone, tab, laptop or any other device that can connect to the internet and start watching tutorials. You can start with the basics, step by step they will show you everything. It is really not hard. Keep practicing everyday as you learn. Do not get tired of learning those chords. Learn how to strum, learn how to change chords, learn how to hold your guitar the right way. Learn, practice and enjoy the whole process. Start small then build up from there.

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STEP THREE: Work out Your Fingers Daily

 the guitar requires your fingers to be as flexible as possible. You need to do some daily finger work outs that will help in strengthening those finger muscles. This will help reduce the initial pain one gets when starting to learn how to play the guitar. It is also a good way to help you power through more complicated chords. Try practicing maybe one or two chords daily for about thirty minutes. You can either practice this on your guitar or virtually. I know it sounds too monotonous and boring but it is truly worth it. Remember, this is something you love. Have fun with the practices too and don’t overstress. Be patient.

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STEP FOUR: Seek Help Where Needed

Everyone needs a little help from time to time. No one is perfect. You can learn and practice more from online tutorials or attending events. Search the internet and watch how existing pros did it. Watch live shows and listen to individual stories and experiences related to learning guitar. This might help increase your will and motivation if you had started feeling the practice isn’t worth your time. Attend events and see guitar artists at work. Feel their music and remember why you want to learn guitar for yourself. Ask them questions if you might have any.

Explore everything! 

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STEP FIVE: Practice In Front Of an Audience

Sub-Step One: Family and Friends

Believe in yourself. Get out of your bubble. Go gather your close friends and family; take out your guitar and show them what you can do. You don’t have to be perfect yet but this will help boost up your playing confidence so much even if you don’t realize it. Listening to them congratulate you on the simplest of songs will make you feel invincible. It will bring out your passion even more to go and practice even harder. Go on! Don’t be shy.

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Sub-Step Two: Small Events and gatherings

Now you are getting the hang of it. Practice makes perfect. You are feeling confident about how you play. You can interchange those chords easily with little peeping. You can play a number of songs. Try going out in public and show case your skills. Make them feel your music and fall in love with it. Attend family gatherings, small social events and play for them something small. If you are feeling confident enough, you can even join a band and go around places performing for strangers and big crowds.

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STEP SIX: Never Stop Practicing

Finally, never stop practicing. Do not stop practicing just because you have become good at it. It needs continuous exercise so as to sharpen up those skills. You can even practice by teaching someone else how to play it. You can teach your siblings, your parents or your friends if they are interested or you can even decide to open up your own guitar school and share your passion with the rest of the world.  Just be creative and remember to have fun while at it. Practice makes perfect.