How to Start Playing Guitar from Scratch

Picking up the guitar is like unlocking a world of creative expression. Whether you're dreaming of shredding in a metal band or just strumming a few chords around the campfire, the journey from beginner to guitarist is filled with exciting milestones. This guide is here to help you start playing guitar from scratch, with a focus on making the process as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

Choosing the Right Guitar for You

Before you rock out, you need to choose your weapon. The type of guitar you start with will shape your early experiences, so it's worth considering your options carefully. There are three main types of guitars to choose from: acoustic, electric, and classical. Each has its unique characteristics.

• Acoustic Guitar: Great for beginners who enjoy folk, country, or pop music. Its steel strings and hollow body produce a rich, full sound, perfect for sing-alongs.
• Electric Guitar: Ideal for those drawn to rock, metal, or blues. It requires an amplifier to produce sound, which adds an extra layer of fun with effects and volume control.
• Classical Guitar: Features nylon strings that are softer on the fingers, making it a good choice for beginners. It's often used in classical and flamenco music.

The right choice ultimately depends on your musical taste and goals. If you're curious about metal guitar techniques, starting with an electric guitar might be the way to go. You can always explore Riffhard for in-depth tutorials from metal pros to really accelerate your learning.

Getting Comfortable with Your Instrument

Once you've got your guitar, it's time to get acquainted. Spend some time simply holding the instrument and getting comfortable with its feel. Your posture and how you hold the guitar will significantly affect your playing experience.

Sit in a chair with a straight back. Rest the guitar on your right leg if you're right-handed (or left leg if you're left-handed). Ensure that the neck is at a slight upward angle. Your fretting hand should have easy access to the entire fretboard, while your picking hand should hover naturally over the strings.

Pay attention to your wrist and arm positions. Avoid any awkward angles that strain your muscles. Playing should feel natural and relaxed. If it feels off, adjust your position until it feels right.

Understanding the Basics of Tuning

Tuning your guitar is like setting the foundation for a great performance. A well-tuned guitar sounds harmonious and is much more enjoyable to play. There are several methods to tune your guitar, from using a tuner to tuning by ear.

For beginners, an electronic tuner is the most straightforward option. These devices detect the pitch of each string and guide you to the correct tuning. Smartphone apps also offer convenient tuning solutions.

If you want to try tuning by ear, start with the low E string (the thickest one). Match it to a reference note from a piano or tuning fork. From there, use the fifth-fret method: play the fifth fret of the sixth string and match it to the open fifth string, and so on.

Regular tuning practice not only helps your ear develop but also ensures your playing always sounds its best. Remember, a beautifully tuned guitar is a gateway to inspiring music.

Learning Basic Chords

Chords are the backbone of most music, and learning them opens up a world of possibilities. As a beginner, you'll want to start with a few essential chords: C, G, D, E, A, and F. These chords are the building blocks of countless songs.

Practicing chord shapes and transitions is crucial. Begin by placing your fingers on the correct strings and frets for each chord. Press firmly enough to avoid buzzing but not so hard that your fingers tire quickly.

Strum the strings one at a time to ensure all notes sound clear. Once you're comfortable with the shapes, practice transitioning between chords. Start slowly, focus on accuracy, and increase speed as you become more confident.

Don't rush. Chord mastery takes time, but it's incredibly rewarding. If you feel stuck, take a breather and come back with fresh fingers and a clear mind. Patience and persistence are your best friends on this journey.

Getting to Know Strumming Patterns

Strumming brings your chords to life. It's what gives rhythm and dynamics to your playing. Start with simple downstrokes, focusing on keeping a steady tempo. Use your wrist more than your arm for a relaxed and controlled motion.

Once you're comfortable with downstrokes, introduce upstrokes. Alternate between down and upstrokes to create a basic strumming pattern. Count out loud to keep your timing in check: "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and..."

Experiment with different patterns to add variety to your playing. A simple pattern might be down-up-down-up, while more complex ones could include syncopation or skipped beats.

Your strumming hand sets the groove, so practice until it feels second nature. Remember, the goal is to make your playing feel effortless and expressive, not rigid or mechanical.

Introduction to Tabs and Sheet Music

Tabs and sheet music are essential tools for guitarists. Tabs offer a straightforward way to learn songs without needing to read traditional music notation. They're particularly useful for metal guitar, where fast riffs and solos are common.

A tab consists of six lines representing the six strings of a guitar. Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press. As you read from left to right, you'll see the sequence of notes to play.

Sheet music, on the other hand, is more complex but offers a deeper understanding of music theory and composition. It includes information on rhythm, dynamics, and articulation, essential for advanced playing.

Start with tabs if you're new to reading music. There are plenty of online resources and songbooks available. As you progress, consider exploring sheet music to broaden your musical vocabulary.

At Riffhard, we provide downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files for all lessons, making it easier for you to follow along and practice at your own pace.

Practicing with a Metronome

A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing timing and rhythm. It keeps you in sync, ensuring your playing is tight and precise. For metal guitarists, where speed and precision are crucial, a metronome is a must-have.

Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo. Play along with a simple exercise, focusing on matching each click with your notes. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. This approach helps build speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Challenge yourself with different rhythms. Try playing quarter notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes at varying speeds. Listen to the metronome and adjust your playing to stay on beat.

Practicing with a metronome might feel tedious at times, but it's a game-changer for your timing. Consistent practice will lead to noticeable improvements in your playing and help you tackle more complex pieces with confidence.

We even have a custom metronome made just for guitar practice at Riffhard. It's designed with guitarists in mind, so you can fine-tune your rhythm skills with ease.

Playing Your First Song

There's nothing quite like the thrill of playing your first song. It's a milestone that boosts your confidence and motivation. Choose a song that you love and that fits your current skill level. Don't rush into a complex piece; start simple and work your way up.

Break the song down into manageable sections. Focus on learning one part at a time, whether it's a verse, chorus, or riff. Practice slowly to ensure you're playing accurately. As you become more familiar with each section, piece them together.

Use tabs or sheet music to guide you, and listen to the song to understand its structure and dynamics. Feel free to play along with the recording to get a sense of timing and phrasing.

Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each note you play brings you closer to mastering the song. Remember, every musician started at the beginning, just like you.

Developing a Practice Routine

A consistent practice routine is key to steady improvement. It helps you stay focused and make progress over time. Set aside a specific time each day for practice, even if it's just 15-30 minutes.

• Warm-Up: Start with finger exercises or scales to get your fingers moving.
• Technique: Spend time on specific techniques like strumming, picking, or chord changes.
• Repertoire: Work on learning songs or riffs that interest you.
• Cool Down: End with something fun and relaxed, like improvising or playing a favorite melody.

Consistency is more important than duration. Regular practice, even in small doses, leads to improvement. Track your progress and adjust your routine as needed. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

For those keen on diving deeper into metal guitar, Riffhard offers a structured lesson plan called The Shredule. It's a bi-weekly plan curated from our extensive lesson library, designed to keep your practice sessions fresh and challenging.

Final Thoughts

Starting to play guitar from scratch is an exciting adventure filled with creative expression. With the right instrument, practice routine, and resources, you can develop your skills and enjoy the process. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists to help you take your playing to the next level. Whether you're into metal or just starting out, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting for you.