 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Preparing Yourself for Rock Guitar Lessons
So you're eager to take some rock guitar lessons and you're literally holding your breath while waiting. You're already imagining yourself playing like Jimi Hendrix or Steve Vai and your enthusiasm is almost overwhelming you. But wait; hold on. You have to ready yourself first before you can even begin. So if you want to know how to be prepared for your first guitar lesson, then read on.
Buy a Good Guitar
The first and most important thing one has to do before starting taking guitar lessons is buying a good guitar. It is not recommended that you borrow an istrument from a friend or family member since having your own guitar eliminates the possibility of interruption from your lessons due to your lender taking it back. Moreover, choosing a guitar that you feel comfortable holding is also a must if you are serious about your learning. Your rock guitar lessons will go much smoother if you get yourself a proper instrument that you not only feel comfortable with, but that actually sounds good and is designed for the style you are trying to master.
Get Some Tablature
Another good idea on how to be more prepared is to get some basic licks or scales printed down in tablature. This way, you'll be prepared for other guitar tab reading materials other than the ones provided by your teacher (or your preferred online course). Tabs are actually easy to read once you get to know the basics and it can even provide for you a way to learn some songs faster.
Try Some Chords
Another tactic that might help is getting a copy of chord diagrams along with some tablature. Chords are easy and knowing only a few of them can let you learn whole songs in a short amount of time. Preparing your fingers before the actual lessons by trying out the basic chords at first will quicken your muscle memory. It'll also help to warm up your hands before you move into the actual basic lessons of guitar fingering.
Try Strumming
Yet, another great tip on how to prepare yourself before the lessons is to try strumming the chords you're learning. With the chord diagrams, place your fingers (into the exact strings and frets) on a chord of your choice and strum it in one downward stroke. Repeat once more and strum it again but this time strum it upwards after the initial downward stroke. Repeat again and again until you feel the rhythm; but stop if your fingers (or your whole hand) start aching. Your hands need to be in good condition in order for you to enjoy your rock guitar lessons.
Try Picking or Plucking
If you feel that you can continue with your preparations, then you should try picking or plucking your guitar. Start by forming a chord and then gently strike each string from the top to bottom with either a guitar pick or with your bare fingers. Make sure that there are no dead notes (or muffled strings). If you've done that successfully a few times, try randomizing your plucking/picking of the strings.
It's always best to start ahead especially when you're talking about music. However, it's important to not overdo these preparations since you don't want your hands to be injured in any way. Always take care of your hands so that you can be able to enjoy your rock guitar lessons.
So you're eager to take some rock guitar lessons and you're literally holding your breath while waiting. You're already imagining yourself playing like Jimi Hendrix or Steve Vai and your enthusiasm is almost overwhelming you. But wait; hold on. You have to ready yourself first before you can even begin. So if you want to know how to be prepared for your first guitar lesson, then read on.
Buy a Good Guitar
The first and most important thing one has to do before starting taking guitar lessons is buying a good guitar. It is not recommended that you borrow an istrument from a friend or family member since having your own guitar eliminates the possibility of interruption from your lessons due to your lender taking it back. Moreover, choosing a guitar that you feel comfortable holding is also a must if you are serious about your learning. Your rock guitar lessons will go much smoother if you get yourself a proper instrument that you not only feel comfortable with, but that actually sounds good and is designed for the style you are trying to master.
Get Some Tablature
Another good idea on how to be more prepared is to get some basic licks or scales printed down in tablature. This way, you'll be prepared for other guitar tab reading materials other than the ones provided by your teacher (or your preferred online course). Tabs are actually easy to read once you get to know the basics and it can even provide for you a way to learn some songs faster.
Try Some Chords
Another tactic that might help is getting a copy of chord diagrams along with some tablature. Chords are easy and knowing only a few of them can let you learn whole songs in a short amount of time. Preparing your fingers before the actual lessons by trying out the basic chords at first will quicken your muscle memory. It'll also help to warm up your hands before you move into the actual basic lessons of guitar fingering.
Try Strumming
Yet, another great tip on how to prepare yourself before the lessons is to try strumming the chords you're learning. With the chord diagrams, place your fingers (into the exact strings and frets) on a chord of your choice and strum it in one downward stroke. Repeat once more and strum it again but this time strum it upwards after the initial downward stroke. Repeat again and again until you feel the rhythm; but stop if your fingers (or your whole hand) start aching. Your hands need to be in good condition in order for you to enjoy your rock guitar lessons.
Try Picking or Plucking
If you feel that you can continue with your preparations, then you should try picking or plucking your guitar. Start by forming a chord and then gently strike each string from the top to bottom with either a guitar pick or with your bare fingers. Make sure that there are no dead notes (or muffled strings). If you've done that successfully a few times, try randomizing your plucking/picking of the strings.
It's always best to start ahead especially when you're talking about music. However, it's important to not overdo these preparations since you don't want your hands to be injured in any way. Always take care of your hands so that you can be able to enjoy your rock guitar lessons.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright 2009