Today's Thoughts about Learning Guitar
So you want to learn how to play guitar and want to do it "quickly?" I have some advice for you. Although mostly everything I will say could be considered "common sense," a lot of music students fail to consider the needed steps.
I also encourage you to look for a local guitar teacher who will weed out the unnecessary and unimportant stuff tohelp you focus on what you need.
Here we go.
Technique
The technique needed to start playing an instrument is not much but it is important to have it. Give priority to technique at first. You just need it.
Rhythm
There are 12 sounds—trust me, eventually you will get it. But rhythms are a totally different story. The possibilities are endless. Rhythm is also a very important part of a melodic idea, more important than the note choice. Be solid rhythmically and your life will be easier.
Mastery is the goal
There are several ways to learn something: you can go through it badly, be able to play it well, or you can masterit. When you take the time and effort to master something you are automatically learning and improving the "how to." When you learn something badly you are just learning that task.
Is it always necessary to make a lot of effort to master something? I don't think so. Sometimes understanding "why or how" to do something is enough, and while practice helps, you can also practice something for hours and not make any progress if you don't understand well what you are doing.
Theory
Do I need to learn theory???
Absolutely, YES!!! And
I have a formula for you:
1st The notes
2nd Intervals
3rd Time and key signatures
4th Triads
5th Harmonization of the major scale
6th Harmonization of the minor scale
7th Go back to step 1 and repeat 500,000 times
Is not about how much theory you know but about how well you wield it.
Reading
Although reading is not that important at first, combined with theory it is a very powerful tool. So why not? Reading will also help you with tabs, but be aware that you will not find tabs in the real world.
Reading on the guitar is hard and deep, and it requires a lot of effort and self-discipline. Take it easy but be persistent.
Well, that's it for now. Practice at different tempos, and if possible in different keys. Focus on doing things right at first and smile, always smile.
I hope this helps.
