Ever sat down, picked up your guitar, opened up a new YouTube tutorial, and thought, “Today’s the day I’m gonna master the F chord” or something similar? With the Internet, you’ve got the whole world’s knowledge at your fingertips, but sometimes, it just doesn’t click, right? Don’t fret! You’re not alone in this. Let’s walk through 10 fantastic tips to improve your online guitar learning journey.
Tip 1: Selecting the Right Online Course or Tutorial
From YouTube tutorials to subscription based platforms, the options are endless.
I know it can be a tad overwhelming. Fear not, with a little know-how, you can navigate this vast sea of information and choose the perfect online guitar course or tutorial for you.
Find a Suitable Course
The first step to successful guitar learning online is finding the course that fits your music style and needs like a glove.
Some prefer structured, formal courses that cover everything from music theory to advanced playing techniques. For those, platforms such as TrueFire and JamPlay are worth checking out. These platforms offer well-curated, comprehensive courses taught by experienced professionals, ensuring a deep dive into the world of guitar.
Others might fancy a more laid-back approach, picking up tips and tricks through casual tutorials. In this case, YouTube is your best friend. Channels like Marty Music and JustinGuitar offer bite-sized lessons covering popular songs, techniques and more.
The above channels are perfect for those who want to learn at their own pace without committing to a full course.
Check Reviews and Ratings
Once you’ve identified potential courses or tutorials that resonate with your learning style, don’t immediately jump in.
Do some homework first by checking the reviews and ratings. Past students’ experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of the lessons, the teaching style and the level of progress you can expect. This can be a deciding factor in choosing the right course. Websites like Trustpilot can be a good source of user reviews.
Trial and Error
Finding the right online guitar course or tutorial often involves a bit of trial and error.
Most online platforms offer free trial periods or sample lessons. Take advantage of these to get a feel of the course structure and teaching style. If it doesn’t click, don’t be discouraged. Remember, the objective is to find a course where you feel comfortable and eager to learn.
Tip 2: Setting a Practice Schedule
Mastering the guitar is not just about learning the right notes, it’s also about developing discipline.
A well-planned practice schedule is the cornerstone of discipline. But how does one go about setting a productive and realistic guitar practice schedule? Let’s unravel that.
Consistency is Key
In the world of guitar learning, consistency often trumps intensity.
It’s far more beneficial to practice a little every day than to cram several hours into a single day. So, when setting up a practice schedule, aim for regular and shorter sessions.
For beginners, even 15-20 minutes a day can make a huge difference. As you progress and your fingers get stronger, gradually increase your daily practice time.
Time of the Day Matters
When deciding when to practice, consider your personal energy patterns.
Some folks are morning people, others are night owls. If you’re the type who feels most energetic and focused in the mornings, set aside time then. If evenings work best for you, go for that. The goal is to find a time when you can fully concentrate and enjoy your practice without feeling rushed or tired.
Balance Between Learning and Practicing
An effective practice schedule should have a balance between learning new material and practicing what you’ve already learned.
Allocate a portion of your practice time to learning new chords, scales, or songs. Then, spend the rest of the time revisiting and perfecting what you’ve previously learned. This balanced approach helps ensure continuous improvement while consolidating your existing skills.
Don’t Forget to Rest
Finally, remember that rest is as important as practice.
Muscles, including those in your hands and fingers, need time to recover and adapt to new physical demands. So, don’t practice excessively without giving your body time to rest. Regular breaks also prevent mental fatigue, helping you to stay focused and motivated.
Tip 3: Understand and Master the Basics
Ever heard of the saying, “You have to crawl before you can walk?”
Mastering the basics is the foundation upon which all your future guitar skills will be built.
Learn the Terminology
Begin your guitar journey by understanding the essential guitar terminology.
Know what a fret, a pick, or a capo is. Learn the difference between chords and notes, understand what rhythm and tempo mean. Websites like Guitar World have a glossary of guitar terms that can come handy.
Master the Fundamentals
Once you’re comfortable with the terms, move on to mastering the basic techniques.
Learn how to hold the guitar correctly, get a feel of strumming, and try your hand at some simple chords like E minor and G major. Remember, it’s not a race, so take your time.
Tip 4: Patience and Persistence
Learning to play the guitar is an exciting journey, but it’s also one that demands patience and persistence.
The beautiful symphony you dream of creating won’t happen overnight but rest assured, every strum takes you one step closer.
The Virtue of Patience
When you’re new to guitar or trying to master a challenging piece, it’s easy to feel frustrated.
You might find yourself fumbling with the chords or unable to keep rhythm. At such times, remember the virtue of patience. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and take time to learn. After all, even Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix had to start somewhere.
The Power of Persistence
Coupled with patience is the power of persistence.
Regular practice and sticking to your learning plan, even when progress seems slow, are key to mastering the guitar. In moments of self-doubt, remember the wise words of Jimmy Hendrix: “I’ve been imitated so well I’ve heard people copy my mistakes.”
Tip 5: Buying a Good Quality Guitar
What’s more important than a good quality guitar?
Before you embark on your journey to become the next guitar maestro, it’s essential to arm yourself with the right equipment. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that a guitar is an investment that can significantly impact your learning experience.
See also: Top 5 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300 With Buying Guide
The Importance of a Quality Instrument
A quality guitar offers better sound, easier playability and durability.
It is easier to tune and stays in tune longer. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune, but it’s worth investing in a decent instrument. Remember, you’re investing in your musical journey, and the quality of your guitar can either foster or hinder your progress.
Acoustic or Electric?
The choice between an acoustic or an electric guitar depends on your musical preference.
If you’re more inclined towards rock and metal, an electric guitar might be the way to go. But if you enjoy folk or country music, an acoustic guitar would be more suitable.
See also: Top 09 Best Electric Guitars with Whammy bar Under Budget
Where to Buy
There are plenty of places to buy a quality guitar.
Local music stores are a great option as they often provide the opportunity to try the instrument before buying. Online stores, such as Sweetwater or Guitar Center, offer a wide variety of guitars to choose from and often have detailed reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a guitar, consider its playability (how easy it is to play), the build quality and how it sounds. For beginners, it’s also essential to consider the guitar’s size to ensure comfortable playing.
Tip 6: Record and Review Your Practice Sessions
One of the most effective ways to track your development and stay motivated is to record and review your practice sessions.
The Benefits of Recording
Recording your practice sessions is like having a personal mirror that reflects your performance in its entirety.
As you listen back to your recordings, you’ll begin to notice things you might have missed while playing. This might be a chord transition that needs smoothening, a rhythm pattern that’s offbeat or a strumming technique that’s improving. Being aware of these details can guide your practice, helping you focus on areas that need attention.
How to Record
Thanks to modern technology, recording your practice sessions is easier than ever.
You don’t need a fancy studio set-up. A smartphone with a good-quality microphone is sufficient for basic recordings. Apps such as GarageBand for iOS or BandLab for Android and iOS are handy tools for this purpose.
Reviewing Your Recordings
When reviewing your recordings, listen actively.
Note down the parts you played well and celebrate those improvements – they’re milestones on your guitar journey! Similarly, identify parts that didn’t go as smoothly. Try to figure out why they didn’t work and come up with a plan to fix them in your next practice session.
Final Thoughts
Learning to play the guitar online is a fascinating journey full of discoveries, challenges, and joy. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to polish your existing skills, remember that the path to mastery is not a straight line but a winding road full of ups and downs.
Embrace every step of this amazing journey – the initial struggle with the chords, the satisfaction of strumming your first song, the joy of nailing a complex solo – they all add up to the wonderful experience of making music.
Choosing the right course, setting a consistent practice schedule, mastering the basics, showing patience and persistence, investing in a good quality guitar and regularly recording and reviewing your practice sessions are key to enriching your online guitar learning experience. And above all, remember to enjoy the process. Because at the end of the day, music is all about expressing and experiencing joy.
As you progress on this journey, you’ll not only become a skilled guitarist but you’ll also experience the sheer joy and satisfaction that comes from creating music. So pick up your guitar, tune those strings and let the music take over. The world of guitar awaits you. Happy playing!