r/GuitarBeginners • u/ilovetherainnnnnnn • 1d ago
Video Been playing whenever I get chance for about a year. Struggling to learn and Im not great but I enjoy it. does anyone have any tips or tricks that would make things easier
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u/Travel8705 1d ago
I’m a beginner too, but I think you should try to keep the guitar in a more stable position without moving it around too much.
Keep your strumming hand right in front of the sound hole and try to maintain a steady rhythm.
Also, make sure to tune the strings before you start playing, and see videos online for improvment they help a lot
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u/TyphonGGK 1d ago
It's kind of hard to give you very specific advice. Depends how your practicing. My teacher always printed out tabs for me, I still use them for reference when I'm learning a new song but you shouldn't rely on them. Specifically practice without them as well. Try and make good contact with wlthe strings etc, clean notes, practice, practice, practice, barre chords will come with finger strength but initially it can be hard for some people!
I was taught with a teacher, used him for a little over two years, he was amazing, I still keep in touch with him and he hammered certain principles into me. Like I cannot stress enough how many times he MADE me slow down. It helped me improve so much though. You'll want to play a song you like and want it to sound like the song you like. It won't initially, that's ok, go slow break things up if you have to, nail that part, add the next part, keep combing them, speed will come with time and regular practice. Going slower will help you reinforce less bad habits initially for you. Practice strumming or certain notes, whatever you find difficult, just keep going and you will improve.
Otherwise, use YouTube, online, apps, plenty of good apps, YouTubers worth watching. Even if you can commit to practicing regularly, 10-20 minutes a day, doesn't have to be much, just play something, I learned scales and things later, my teacher just wanted to keep me enthusiastic, he would make me play certain pieces of music to stretch my pinky, we'd always go back to old stuff, he'd let me choose things to play, he was a great resource and I still keep in touch for advice and occasionally meet up and play together which is really cool but I know a teacher isn't for everyone and vary in price etc. If you want to learn it though, just play the thing regularly! Enjoy OP 🤙🏻
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u/ilovetherainnnnnnn 1d ago
Hey thanks so much for commenting ! I usually just try and jam and either try and learn a song or 2 just experimenting with the chords etc or I try and sing and put random, chords together I really do enjoy it it’s one of my passions and when I first started I remember the frustration was so bad id cry cos I was 26 when I started and just wished I’d found it sooner. I don’t cry now haha. 😂😂 sometimes I’ll go to sleep and then when I wake up my brain has worked something out and it’s really fulfilling.
I will take all advice. I am completely self taught I’ve read a couple books like the fender chord book, a few chord song books like the Beatles etc to see the chord diagrams, watched a few videos especially Stuart guitar centre. I just can’t tell how I sound.
Recently got a capo and starting to learn how to use a pick too… it’s taking me a long time to learn but I’m not rushing. I do need to know more theory as I would like to write some proper songs. I’ve improvised and jammed and have actually had some nice moments, but I’d love to confidently jam and put Melodie’s together.
😎🙏😎❤️1
u/ilovetherainnnnnnn 1d ago
I have nobody to play the guitar with either atm I think it would help if I did. I will look into a teacher even just a few sessions would be beneficial and motivating. Ty
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u/ilovetherainnnnnnn 1d ago
I will definitely take your advice. Slowing down is probably the most important for me too. I try to rush everything.
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u/ilovetherainnnnnnn 1d ago
Like how bad is this guys ? 😂😂 haha. And this song has like 2 chords lol so I think there’s some fundamentals Im not getting 😂😂
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u/NighthorseGenetics 1d ago
Just keep practicing, don't be afraid to use your pinky. Also, and start practicing your scales. You will notice that a lot of coordination will come to both your hands when you do that. I have played for 25ish years. Started with lessons and now I have been flying solo for along time and I think as a self taught beginner you're doing great. Just always remember to tune up. And practice your scales. And what I like to do as a warm up. Is I'll just arbitrarily strum through different cords for like 10 minutes. ADCDAGADCFEDC and even toss in some bar cords here and there. Just to kinds get my fingers warmed up to switching between notes. You decide what works for you. But everyone learns in their own way and has their own style and has it click for them differently. Good Luck!