Wednesday 30 December 2009

Beginner Guitar Lesson #1 - Guitar Chords

Yo, Mike here. We talked last time about basic guitar stuff, so now we can go further in learning how to play chords. First of all, you have to know what the chord is. Chord is any set of harmonically related notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously. The most common, and basic chords are the major and minor triads. They are called triads, because they consist of three distinct notes.

Ok so you know what is the chord, but you don't have any idea how to play it, neither how to place your fingers. You will use all of your fingers, except your thumb finger. You can use your thumb finger to mute string which shouldn't be played. It all depends which chord you will play. If you want to learn more about it, make sure to visit Jamorama the best guitar guide on internet.
Remember, it will not sound perfect when you play it for the first time. That is why you need to practice every day for a little bit. A thousand miles journey starts with a single step! Step by step, and you will become much greater guitarist. You will be a rock fucking star! Trust me. :)
I will now give you diagrams for 3 chords, so that you can practice them.

A major
E 0 / B 2 / G 2 / D 2 / A 0 / E x

D major

E 2 / B 3 / G 2 / D 0 / A x / E x

E major
E 0 / B 0 / G 1 / D 2 / A 2 / E 0


You can see there is a number next to the letter of guitar string. Lets take a look at the A major chord. For example, 0 means that you don't need to put any of your fingers on the first string E. For string B, you need to put your finger on the second fingerboard. Letter x means that you don't play the last E string.

Now, go practice these chords, and come back soon for some new beginner guitar lessons. Till then, feel free to add comment, suggestion or anything like that.

Keep rockin',
Mike

Tuesday 29 December 2009

Introduction - Basic Guitar Stuff

Hi there! I'm glad that you are reading my blog, and if you are a beginner guitar player I can assure you that you are on the right place. Before I start talking about basic important things I need to give you one simple advice. If you listen to what I say, practice every day and keep yourself motivated, you will see incredible results. Got it?
Ok, it is time for doing some shit here. Enjoy your journey.

As a beginner, you should know basic parts of the guitar, how they are called and how to get in the correct position holding your guitar.

First of all, you should know that the guitar has 6 strings: E(1), B(2), G(3), D(4), A(5), E(6).
Each string makes different tone. If you want to make a different tone on one of the strings, then you have to put your finger on the guitar fingerboard. The fingerboard is located on the guitar neck. The neck is a place for one of your hands (either you’re right or left handed). We will call it fingering hand.
If you want to produce a tone from your string it isn’t enough only to put your hand on the neck, it is important to use your second hand (strumming hand) for that. Your strumming hand needs to be placed on the guitar bridge. You will produce tone by holding your pick.
So now that you know where your hands have to be placed, now you need to know how to hold your guitar. There are 2 sitting positions for holding the guitar – the classical and casual position (recommended).
- Pick up your guitar and make sure that the guitar body is supported by your leg.
- Position yourself on the front half of your chair.
- Ensure that your back isn’t arched, be sure that is straight but not so that is tight.
- Lean the guitar back towards you slightly.
If you want to have feeling of the rock stars, then you also have standing position.
- Pick up the guitar and place strap over your shoulder. Adjust the strap so the guitar is positioned mid – body.
- Use your fingering hand to support the neck of the guitar.
- Rest your strumming hand over the bridge of the guitar.

Did you get your way on how to hold your guitar? Good, now you need to know something about hand positions. It is very important for you to have your hands and wrists relaxed when you are learning about the finger placement. You don't want to injure yourself by straining them.
One more thing for you to remember. You are a beginner guitarist, so it is normal if your fingers hurt while playing. That will last the first couple of weeks, and then with practicing you will develop guitar fingers. You will gain a harder skin on your fingertips.

Ok, so we learned some basic guitar stuff today. Feel free to comment.
Also make sure to check out Jamorama, definitely the best guitar guide out there.

Keep rockin’,
Mike


Monday 28 December 2009

Welcome to Beginner Guitar Lessons!

This blog is created for every guitar enthusiast who wants to learn how to play the guitar easily and with fun. My name is Mike Nax, and I have been playing guitar for over 15 years and teaching for more than 7. This has been my hobby and my passion and the time has come to pass on knowledge I have gained and give back to this beautiful world of music.

On "Beginner Guitar Lessons" you will learn everything from tunning your guitar, to playing like Jimi Hendrix. I will give you more than 10 lessons which will be useful for every beginner. These lessons will be simple and easy to understand for anyone. Feel free to leave a comment, and come back every week for new lessons, tips and powerful tricks - and in no time you can be a superstar in your neighbourhood and I'll even teach you how to start your own band.

Keep rockin',
Mike