Starting a new instrument can be challenging. It’s easy to make mistakes just starting out and that’s okay. So, in today’s Silversound blog I am going to tackle a few of the common things people say when they are just learning guitar.

1) “I don’t need guitar lessons”

There is still a myth that permeates saying that a better musician is one who doesn’t need lessons. For some reason this is even more the case with guitar. No classical pianist would brag they have never taken lessons. Why should it be the case with guitar, even rock guitar. The purpose of taking lessons is to learn from someone who has made and corrected more mistakes than you. Why wouldn’t you want the help to navigate the minefield of guitar material? That’s precisely why at Silversound Guitar we like sharing our experience (not just knowledge) with our students.

2) “I have to start with…”

This can be anything. Chords, scales, picking, finger picking, reading music, a song anything. There is so much material and so many different techniques. You don’t have to start on an acoustic because that’s what the guy whichever Colorado Springs music store said. You don’t have to start on an electric because it’s “easier on the fingers.” Start where your passion is. When it comes to guitar lessons it’s our job to guide your learning (read number one) and help you learn the music you want to learn. Check out our youtube channel for quick tips.

3) “I don’t know how to read music”

That’s okay. At Silversound Guitar we want all of our students to be musically literate, but that doesn’t mean you have to be able to play a single note when you come in. Tablature is also a great resource when you are learning guitar. For beginning guitar it is a perfect place to start. You also want to develop your year through your guitar lessons. It’s all part of the package of learning a new instrument. Just be patient and determined and you’ll get there.

4) “What about… (picks, pedals, strings)…”

Holy cow, this could be anything. But the number of times I have students ask “what about…” is endless. Strings, guitars, amps, pedals, pick will not make you a better player. Practicing your guitar will. I don’t mind helping students figure out which gauge of string is better for them and where in Colorado Springs to buy guitar strings, but as they say, don’t sweat the small stuff. Find something comfortable and just work with it while you are learning guitar. Even the most advanced players will find a new pick or a new string and change it up but don’t obsesses over what another guitar player is playing, whether that’s Steve Vai, Angus Young, Sinister Gates or dude two house down. Play what’s comfortable and just play guitar.

5) “I don’t have time to practice”

This is the biggest one. We live busy lives and there is so much going on. For the adult student it could be work or college, for the kids school. But we all have at least 15 minutes a day where we can sit down a learn something on guitar. Pick a chord progression, maybe from your favorite song, maybe a riff, a lick or a scale. It doesn’t have to be hours and hours (yet!) but just a little each day and you will see great improvement in playing guitar. Ask your guitar teacher how to structure your practice so you get the most of our your short time.

 

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