How to Start Learning Electric Guitar

Learning an instrument can be a daunting task without the right guidance. Many players claim to be fully self-taught and often become even better musicians than those who received professional training. The key isn’t just the training itself but the effort, consistency, and hard work that go into learning and mastering the instrument.

When learning the electric guitar, consistency in practice and openness to new ideas and techniques are essential. Here are some practical steps to help you get started on your journey:

Step 1: Get a guitar which you can play and spend time with. 

Learning an instrument is like marriage where you get to know your instrument and develop and real relationship with the instrument. No one will like to marry someone which he or she does not find interesting. The same applies to music. One has to sit hours and hours to learn and practice and in such a scenario having a good guitar is really crucial. Have a guitar which will call you again and again to pick her up and play. Check out the 5 best electric guitars for the beginners.

Step 2: Have a Motive

It is always good to have a target which is in reach of the current abilities. It could be anything from learning a new solo or learning fancy Jazz chords or metal riffs. Learning should never stop. You can try to figure out lead lines by listening which will take time but will really benefit in the long run.

Step 3: Always have an Inspiration 

Having someone in life whom you can look up to and model is great. always have a person (Guitarist) who inspires you to push your limits. It can be James Hetfield with his crazy down picking, Malmsteen with the crazy arpeggio or Paul Gilbert with his insane string skipping.

Step 4: Listen to Different Music

Listening to different genres of music will really enrich and enhance the musician inside a person. Being a guitarist your music should not be limited to guitar but it should go out to other spheres such as violin, piano and maybe other native instruments and music styles.

Step 5: Consulting Others

At times there may be situation where you find yourself stuck in a certain place where there is no going forward. In such a scenario it is always good to ask out for help. Asking help will lead to mutual growth and will also help in creating good relationship with other people who love playing music as you do. CrossWall Conservatory provides a free electric guitar class. 

These were the ones which will instil the inner musician in you. Now let us talk about some of the basic techniques which any guitarist should master while opting to learn Electric Rhythm or lead guitar.

Skill 1: Learn to change Chords quickly. 

Anyone who wants to learn Rhythm or lead electric guitar should have this fundamental tool in his hand.

Skill 2: Learn to read tabs/tablature. 

Tabs are important guides for playing music, especially for guitars. You will not be able to learn all the things through ears but tabs will be really helpful. Apps which provide tabs for guitarist can be downloaded and used.

Skill 3: Learn different types of picking. 

Here is where it gets interesting. There are really infinite number of guitar techniques especially when it comes to picking. There is alternative picking, economy, string skipping, just to name a few. These different picking techniques are to be used in different variation bringing a different feel and taste to the song that you play or compose. You can join for a free electric guitar class.