How to Play Electric Guitar for Beginners Step-by-Step

Picking up the electric guitar for the first time can feel both exciting and a tad overwhelming. From getting the basics down to eventually shredding like your metal heroes, there's a lot to learn. But fear not—this guide will break things down step-by-step, making your journey into guitar playing as smooth as possible. Whether you're dreaming of playing fiery solos or just want to strum along to your favorite tunes, we're here to help you hit the right notes. Let's dive right in and get you started on your musical adventure!

Choosing Your First Electric Guitar

So, you've decided to play the electric guitar. The first step? Picking the right instrument. You don't need to break the bank, but you'll want a guitar that suits your style and feels comfortable.

• Body Style: Electric guitars come in various shapes—Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, and more. If you're into metal, a guitar with a solid body and dual humbucker pickups might be the way to go. These pickups tend to deliver the heavy, crunchy sound metal enthusiasts love.
• Neck: Pay attention to the neck profile. If you have smaller hands, a thinner neck might be more comfortable. Conversely, some players prefer a thicker neck for its stability.
• Try Before You Buy: If possible, visit a music store, hold different guitars, and see which one feels right. Comfort is key.

When you're just starting, it's tempting to go for the flashiest guitar. However, focus on finding something that's comfortable and suits your musical goals. Once you're more experienced, you can always expand your collection! If you're curious about what the pros use, Riffhard offers insights into gear choices by top metal guitarists.

Setting Up Your Gear

Once you've got your guitar, you'll need to set up the rest of your gear. Here's a quick rundown on what you'll need and how to set it up:

• Amplifier: Your amp is crucial for producing sound. For beginners, a small practice amp is perfect. Look for one with basic controls like gain, bass, mid, treble, and volume.
• Cables: Invest in quality cables to connect your guitar to the amp. Poor-quality cables can lead to unwanted noise and signal loss.
• Picks: Guitar picks come in various thicknesses. Thinner picks are great for strumming, while thicker picks offer better control for fast picking.
• Tuner: Keeping your guitar in tune is essential. While clip-on tuners are handy, apps can also do the trick.

Once you've got everything set up, it's time to plug in and make some noise. If you're unsure about amp settings, start with everything at 12 o'clock and adjust from there. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover what tones and settings you like.

Holding the Guitar and Pick Correctly

Before you start playing, ensure you're holding the guitar and pick properly. This will help you play more efficiently and avoid strain.

• Seating Position: Sit upright with the guitar resting on your right leg (if right-handed). Ensure your back is straight to prevent any discomfort.
• Guitar Neck Angle: Tilt the guitar neck slightly upward. This position helps you reach the frets more comfortably.
• Hold the Pick: Pinch the pick between your thumb and index finger. Keep a firm grip, but stay relaxed. The pick should protrude just a little from your fingers.

It might feel awkward at first, but with a bit of practice, holding the guitar and pick will become second nature. Remember, the right posture is crucial to developing your skills and preventing injuries.

Basic Chords and Strumming Patterns

Chords form the backbone of many songs. As a beginner, start with some basic open chords. These will be the foundation for many tunes.

• E Minor (Em): Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.
• A Minor (Am): Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum from the A string down.
• C Major (C): Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum from the A string down.

Once you're comfortable with these chords, practice switching between them smoothly. As for strumming, start with a simple downstroke pattern. Gradually introduce upstrokes and experiment with different rhythms. This will improve your timing and rhythm skills.

Understanding Tablature

Tablature, or tabs, is a simplified form of music notation that's popular among guitarists. It's an excellent way to learn songs without needing to read traditional sheet music.

• Reading Tabs: Tabs represent the guitar's strings as horizontal lines. The numbers indicate which fret to press. For example, a "0" means you play the open string.
• Symbols: Tabs often include symbols for various techniques, such as "h" for hammer-ons or "p" for pull-offs.
• Practice: Start with simple songs and gradually move to more complex pieces. Tabs are widely available online for many popular songs.

Tabs are an invaluable tool for beginners. They allow you to focus on finger positioning and technique without getting bogged down by music theory. For more advanced techniques and interpretations, our instructors at Riffhard offer lessons that dive deeper into reading and playing tabs effectively.

Building Finger Strength and Dexterity

Playing the guitar requires a fair amount of finger strength and flexibility. Here are some exercises to help you build both:

• Spider Exercise: Place your fingers on the first four frets of a string, one finger per fret. Play each note in sequence, then move to the next string. This exercise improves finger independence.
• Chromatic Scale: Play the first four frets of each string in succession, moving up the neck. This exercise helps with finger strength and coordination.
• Stretching: Regularly stretch your fingers and wrists to prevent strain and improve flexibility.

Consistency is crucial. Spend a few minutes each day on these exercises, and you'll notice improvements in your playing. Remember, it's not about speed but accuracy and control. Over time, your fingers will become more agile and responsive.

Practicing With a Metronome

Timing is everything, especially in genres like metal where precision is key. Practicing with a metronome can help you stay in time and develop a solid sense of rhythm.

• Start Slow: Begin with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Focus on playing clean, even notes.
• Subdivision: Practice different subdivisions, such as eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes. This helps you understand different rhythmic feels.
• Consistency: Make the metronome a regular part of your practice routine. It will greatly enhance your timing and precision.

Using a metronome might feel challenging at first, but it will significantly improve your playing in the long run. Our custom metronome at Riffhard is designed with guitarists in mind, offering features that cater specifically to rhythm practice.

Exploring Metal Techniques

As you become more comfortable with the basics, it's time to explore techniques specific to metal. These techniques add that heavy sound and aggressive style to your playing.

• Power Chords: A staple in metal, power chords are simple two-note chords. They're easy to move around the neck and create a massive sound.
• Palm Muting: By resting the edge of your palm on the strings near the bridge, you can create a muted, percussive sound. This technique is essential for tight, chugging riffs.
• Alternate Picking: This involves picking the strings in a down-up motion, allowing for faster and more fluid playing. Start slow and gradually increase speed.

These techniques are just the beginning. The world of metal guitar is vast and filled with exciting challenges. For more in-depth lessons and techniques, our Riffhard platform offers insights from top metal guitarists who can guide you through advanced techniques and styles.

Jamming and Playing Along

Once you've got some basics down, it's time to have fun with jamming. Playing along with songs or other musicians is a great way to apply what you've learned and develop your musical ear.

• Backing Tracks: These are instrumental tracks that allow you to play along. They're excellent for practicing improvisation and timing.
• Play with Friends: Jamming with others is not only fun but also a fantastic way to learn. You'll pick up new ideas and improve your listening skills.
• Record Yourself: Record your practice sessions or performances. This helps you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Jamming is where the magic happens. It's the moment when everything you've practiced comes together, and you truly start to feel like a guitarist. So, don't be shy—plug in, turn up the volume, and enjoy the music.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play the electric guitar is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. With patience, practice, and a bit of guidance, you'll find yourself improving every day. Whether you're strumming basic chords or diving into complex metal techniques, the key is consistency. And if you're looking for more personalized instruction, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists. Happy playing!