Guitar, how hard is it?
Is Guitar Easy to Learn? If you are talking about just making a pleasant sound, then guitar is easy to learn. However, it is difficult to learn if you want to become a virtuoso master. I have taught over 30,000 private instruction guitar classes. I can tell you that 99% of all beginning students will be playing a song, or part of a song, by the end of their first 30 minute session.
So, Is Guitar Easy to Learn? It is easy to learn a few basic chords and learn tablature. Tablature is a method of reading and writing music for guitar. With 3 chords and a capo, you can play thousands of songs.
The tough part is when you take it up a notch and really start to understand music. Timing is an issue with many new players, but this too can be conquered.
Musicianship is a fascinating discipline. It has many tangents and there is much that can be explored.
Understanding Music and Guitarists
- Tablature, Notation, Rhythm Charts
- Timing, Rhythm, Strum Patterns
- Harmony, Melody, Chords
- Song Writing
- Singing While Playing
- Ear Training
- Music Theory
- Technique, Style, Skill Development
- Numbering System
Again, answering the question, “Is Guitar Easy To Learn,” will depend on what your personal definition of what it means to be a guitar player. Guitar is easy to learn if your goal is to play 3 chord songs and use a capo to change keys. For many guitar players, those 3 chords are all you need to write hit after hit. It suits their style and need.
On the other hand, you can see from the bullet points above, that the study of the guitar a quest. In other words, there is no way that anyone can conquer every nuance to the point where they can claim that they know it all. That in itself is very appealing. Imagine having a pallet in front of you of unending possibilities for your creativity to exploit.
What Do You Need to Know to Get Started?
Start with learning the name of your guitar strings. Get a guitar tuner so that you can be confident that you are in tune. That being said, have a decent guitar as well. You don’t want to be fighting the poor quality of a bad guitar while you are trying to learn.
Also, learn your Major Chords A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. That would be a good start.
What Next?
Learn your minor chords Am, Bm, Cm, Dm, Em, Fm, Gm. Start strumming simple 3-4 chord songs.
