What Else Do You Need?
Alright so you have your guitar and you know all about it. Now what? Well, you do need some basic things to get started playing. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Pick vs. no pick
If you don’t have a preference, use a pick. If you feel strongly that you want to play with your fingers, that’s totally fine. Many great players are finger style players. But if you don’t have a preference, use a pick.
I say this because you are going to have to learn with your fingers on your fretting hand, so it’s best to not worry about learning fingering on your strumming hand right away. You’ll have an easier time with chords especially if you start with a pick.
2. Guitar strap
The strap is used for playing while standing. The strap length should be adjusted while seated, so that the guitar is in the same position on your body when you are standing. Don’t play with it down by your ankles. For every reason - PLEASE - just don’t do it.
3. Chair or stool
Make sure you are sitting on something firm (not your couch), that doesn’t have arms, and is at the height where your heels are on the ground when sitting upright. You want to be able to sit up straight and have your feet firmly on the ground. We will talk a bit more about posture coming up, but that’s the goal. Please, no bed practicing :)
4. Music stand
You need a place for your materials that is at eye level. Put your computer, phone, tablet, or PDF print-outs on the stand, and make it at eye level. Don’t put them on the ground or 15 feet away. Make it easy on yourself - don’t start with practice habits that can lead to injury. Get a music stand. It’s a good idea.
5. Tuner
It is incredibly important to be in tune when you practice. Its good for your ears and for the guitar. So, get an electric guitar tuner if you have an electric guitar, or if you have an acoustic guitar, get one the clips on to your headstock. Or download a tuner app. There are many that work well and some are free. Do it!
6. Metronome
When working on rhythm, having a consistent beat is crucial. Again, you can purchase one or download an app. There are many free ones that work well, so again, get one.
7. Way to record yourself
This is a fundamental learning tool that is too often overlooked by students. Recording yourself will drastically accelerate your progression as a guitarist, and I sincerely hope each and every one of you will take this to heart. I encourage each of you to take advantage of the Guitargate platform to record and post lesson videos, as well as, view and comment on other students’ videos. You can do this with your computer, phone, or tablet and upload directly to YouTube.
Also, it is important to record yourself while practicing, not just when making lesson videos. Get a loop pedal or make your own jam tracks. Playing along with yourself is a fantastic way to get a feel for your strengths and weaknesses, and to address them.
Seriously - very few students take the time to record themselves. The ones who do are light years ahead of where they would otherwise be. It’s a big deal. Try it and you’ll understand right away.
8. A dedicated space to practice
Super important. Have a place where you come to do your guitar work. Just like you have an office, library, gym, etc. - you need a place where you can get into guitar mode and be focused. Have everything set up for that singular goal and ready to roll. I know it sounds silly, but this is very important. If you have the space and mindset to do real practicing - work - you will be far more productive and experience far greater results. You know it’s true. It’s the same as anything else in life.
Let me see your Lair!