Guitar Lessons and Tips

Lesson 13: Bending strings

2012-02-26T12:05:00.001-08:00

String bends are notated several different ways in guitar tablature. In the formal guitar tab found in guitar magazines, generally string bends are shown with an upward arrow, accompanied by the number of steps the string should be bent (1/2 step = 1 fret).
In ASCII (text-based) guitar tab, a b is often used to signify a string bend. This b is followed by the fret at which the original note should be bent to. For example, 7b9 would indicate that you should bend the seventh fret until it sounds like the ninth fret.
Sometimes, this target note is included in brackets, like this: 7b(9).
Occasionally, the b is omitted altogether: 7(9).
An r is generally used to indicate a return of a bent note to it's unbent state. For example, 7b9r7 indicates a note on the seventh fret being bent up to the ninth fret, then returned to the seventh fret while the note is still ringing.

Lesson 12: Learn Slides man

2012-02-26T12:03:00.004-08:00

Generally, a / symbol is used to notate an ascending slide, while a \ symbol is used to notate a descending slide. So, 7/9\7 indicates sliding from the seventh fret, up to the ninth fret, and back to the seventh fret. If no number precedes the slide symbol, this indicates sliding from an indiscriminate fret.It is also not uncommon to see the letter s used to notate a slide. This is somewhat less concise, as when sliding from an indiscriminate point (e.g. s9), it is unclear whether to slide up to the note, or down to the note.

Lesson 11: Pull offs

2012-02-26T12:02:00.001-08:00

Similar to the hammer-on, the pull-off is generally represented by the letter p in guitar tab, appearing between the originally fretted note and the pulled-off note. So, if you were to see 9p7, you would fret and pick the 9th fret, then without re-picking pull off your finger to reveal the note behind it on the 7th fret. Occasionally, you'll see the ^ symbol used for a pull-off (eg. 9^7).
Sometimes, in more formally printed guitar tab (like in sheet music books or guitar magazines), you'll see pull-offs written as "slurs" (see above), with a curved line appearing over top of the initial and subsequent pulled-off notes.

video lesson on pull off's

Lesson 10: wana learn hammer ons??

2012-02-26T11:59:00.001-08:00

It is most common in guitar tab to see the letter h representing a hammer-on, located within the tablature between the original fret, and the hammered-on fret. So, if you were to see 7h9, you would hold down the 7th fret and pluck/pick the appropriate string, then hammer-on to the 9th fret without re-picking that string.
Occasionally, you'll see the ^ symbol used for a hammer-on (eg. 7^9)
Sometimes, in more formally printed guitar tab (like in sheet music books or guitar magazines), you'll see hammer-ons written as "slurs" (see above), with a curved line appearing over top of the initial and subsequent hammered-on notes.

video lesson for hammer on's

Lesson 9: How to read guitar tabs

2012-02-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

after you've covered all the lessons i gave on this blog. you will now b eager to learn more stuff. You can search the chords or tabs of any song you would like to play on internet, just google it and you will have the desired chords or tabs.

learning tabs is not a difficult job at all. The following tutorial will help to explain to you the basic concept of reading guitar tab. Although it may seem complex, learning to read tab is quite simple, and you should find yourself reading tab easily in no time.

A tab staff for guitar has six horizontal lines, each one representing a string of the instrument. The bottom line of the staff represents your lowest "E" string, the second line from the bottom represents your "A" string, etc. Easy enough to read, right?
Notice that there are numbers located smack dab in the middle of the lines (aka strings). The numbers simply represent the fret the tab is telling you to play. For example, in the illustration above, the tab is telling you to play the third string (third line) seventh fret.
Note: When the number "0" is used in tablature, this indicates that the open string should be played.
This is the concept of reading tab, at its most basic.

When a tab displays a series of numbers, stacked vertically, it is indicating to play all these notes at the same time. The above tablature indicates that you should hold down the notes in an E major chord (second fret on fifth string, second fret on fourth string, first fret on third string) and strum all six strings at once. Often, tablature will additionally include the chord name (in this case E major) above the tablature staff, to help guitarists recognize the chord more quickly.

The above tablature contains the exact same notes as the first E major chord presented on the previous page, but it will be played differently. In this situation, the notes in the chord will be played one at a time, rather than all together. "How fast should I play these notes?" you may ask. Good question... most guitar tab won't tell you this. But, more on that later.

Lesson 8: you are almost done with the basics dude

2012-02-26T11:47:00.004-08:00

just sit back and relax... now you are about to be a pro dude.. its just gona take alooot of practice and commitment.. its all about how much time you give to your guitaring practice.
i found a scheduled of practicing on internet when i was learning to play as biggener i am going to share it with you:

Get your guitar in tune.
Make sure you're sitting, holding the guitar, and using your pick properly. You'll have to correct your natural bad habits at first, until it becomes second nature.
Play the chromatic scale several times. Try playing it backwards.
Play each of the three chords you've learned. Check to be sure each note is ringing. If not, find out why, and correct the problem.
Try moving from one chord to another. Before switching chords, mentally picture exactly where each finger is going to move in order to play the next chord. Only then should you switch chords. This is the key to switching chords quickly.

BOOM..!! ! just keep on practicing.
After learning the basics of practical guitaring. You will have to go through Guitar theory that's actually a universal MUSIC theory.
learn chords from My most used CHORDs library
and view videos availble on this blog and all over youtube too..
Learn as much songs as you can before creating you own stuff. The more you learn. The more better you will create.

PeaCe

Lesson 7: Switching Chords quickly

2012-02-26T11:38:00.002-08:00

The primary reason beginners have trouble switching chords quickly has nothing to do with their fingers, or the way they're sitting, or anything physical at all. Most often, new guitarists haven't learned to think ahead, and visualize exactly which chord they're about to play, and which fingers they'll need to move.
Try this exercise:

Choose two chords you know. You will be moving back and forth between these two chords.
Play the first chord eight times (strumming evenly), and then, without breaking the rhythm of your strumming, quickly move to the next chord, and play that chord eight times.

Did you need to pause while switching chords? If so, let's try and examine what the problem is. Try the following, without strumming the guitar:

Put your fingers back in position to play the first chord.
Now, try and move quickly to the second chord, and study your fingers while doing so.

Chances are, one (or a few) of your fingers will come way off the fretboard, and perhaps hover in mid-air while you try to decide where each finger should go. This happens, not because of any lack of technical ability, but because you haven't mentally prepared yourself for switching chords. Now, try fretting the first chord again. Without actually moving to the second chord, VISUALIZE playing this second chord shape. Picture in your mind, finger by finger, how to most efficiently move to the next chord. Only after you've done this should you switch chords. If some fingers continue to pause, or hover in mid air while moving to the next chord, back up and try again. Also, concentrate on "minimum motion" - commonly, beginners bring their fingers very far off the fretboard while switching chords; this is unnecessary. Spend five minutes going back and forth between the two chords, visualizing, then moving. Pay attention to any small, unneccessary movements your fingers make, and eliminate them. Although this is easier said than done, your hard work and attention to detail will start paying off quickly. Good luck!

Lesson 6: Strumming

2012-02-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

We now know three chords: G major, C major, and D major. Let's see if we can put them to use in a song. At first, switching chords will take far too long to be able to play any songs properly. Don't give up, though! With a bit of practice, you'll be playing away, sounding great

the best way to lear strumming cant b explained in written form so m sharing few video links i used to learn strumming.
just watch them carefully and practice as much as you can

Strum #1

Strum #2

Strum #3

Strum #4

Strum #5

Just learn these strumming pattrens step by step...be slow but steady...!

next lesson will b on Switching chord..

Lesson 5: Playing D major

2012-02-26T11:25:00.001-08:00

Some beginners have slightly more difficulty playing a D major chord (often called a "D chord"), since your fingers have to cram into a fairly small area. Shouldn't be too much of a problem, however, if you can comfortably play the other two chords.
Place your first finger on the second fret of the third string. Then, put your third finger on the third fret of the second string. Lastly, place your second finger on the second fret of the first string. Strum only the bottom 4 strings when playing a D major chord.

Lesson 4: Playing C major

2012-02-26T11:24:00.001-08:00

The second chord we'll learn, the C major chord (often called a "C chord"), is no more difficult than the first G major chord.
Place your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Now, put your second finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Finally, put your first finger on the first fret of the second string.
Here's where you have to be slightly careful. When playing a C major chord, you do NOT want to strum the sixth string. Watch your pick to make sure you only strum the bottom five strings when you are first learning the C major chord. Test this chord as you did with the G major chord, to make sure all notes are ringing clearly.
Peace! !

Lesson 3: having problem holding G??

2012-02-26T11:22:00.003-08:00

This is a very common beginner problem, and is often the result of poor fret-hand positioning. To try and correct this problem, pay attention to the thumb on your fretting hand (the hand that holds down notes on the fretboard). Let's examine...

Here is an example of the wrong way to position your hands to play basic guitar chords. Notice the thumb on the fretting hand is resting on the top of the fretboard. This changes the entire position of the fretting hand:

palm sits underneath the fretboard - decreases mobility and ability to stretch
fingers flatten out when playing notes on the sixth and fifth strings - fingers will likely come into accidental contact with strings, causing muffled notes, or "dead strings".

It should be noted that at some point in the future, you may actually use your thumb to wrap around the neck of the guitar, to fret notes on the sixth string. You may also notice that some of your favorite guitarists grip the neck in a manner similar to the one illustrated here. It is a hand position that can be effective in the proper situation, but it will make learning the guitar much more difficult. Avoid it for now.

Here is an example of the proper way to grip the neck of your guitar. The thumb should rest gently at the center of the underside of the guitar neck. Your hand position should be curled, so that fingers approach strings at an approximate "right angle", using the tips of the fingers to make contact with each string. This will help to eliminate accidentally touching two strings with one finger, and go a long way towards eliminating muffled notes. If you're still having issues with muffled notes, then isolate your problem, and try to come up with a solution. For example, if you notice that your Gmajor chord isn't ringing clearly, then play each string in the chord, one by one, noting which strings do not ring. Next, identify why the string isn't ringing. Are you not pressing the strings hard enough? Is one of your fretting fingers not curled enough, and is touching two strings? Is an unused finger lazily touching the fretboard? When you've isolated the probem(s), try to correct them, one by one. Chances are, the same problems are occurring whenever you play that chord. Divide, and conquer.

Lesson 2: Playing basic chords

2012-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

Playing a chord involves using your pick to strike at least two notes (often more) on the guitar simultaneously.

1st chords i would suggest you to learn is a G major chord

This diagram illustrates the first chord we are going to play, a G major chord (often simply called a "G chord").
Take your second finger, and put it on the third fret of the sixth string. Next, take your first finger, and put it on the second fret of the fifth string. Lastly, put your third finger on the third fret of the first string. Make sure all of your fingers are curled, and are not touching any strings they're not supposed to. Now, using your pick, strike all six strings in one fluid motion. Notes should ring all together, not one at a time (this could take some practice)

Now, check to see how you did. While still holding down the chord with your fretting hand, play each string (starting with the sixth) one at a time, listening to be sure each note rings out clearly. If not, study your hand to determine why it doesn't. Are you pressing hard enough? Is one of your other fingers touching that string, which is preventing it from sounding properly?

Lesson 1 :Learn a scale

2012-02-26T11:09:00.002-08:00

In order to become skillful on the guitar, we'll need to build the muscles in our hands, and learn to stretch our fingers. Scales are a good way to do so. i personally suggest you to pick up any scale and keep practicing it. Remember to use all of your fingers (also use the pinky one, don't hesitate, it will take time but once you have developed enough muscles it will b a piece of cake)
You can simple use a CHROMATIC scale to begin with.
here is an image showing how to play and practice

How to tune your guitar

2012-02-26T11:00:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately, before you begin playing, you'll really need to tune your guitar. The problem is, it is, at first, a relatively difficult task, one that becomes much easier over time. If you know of anyone who plays guitar, who could do the job for you, it is advised that you get them to tune your instrument. Alternately, you could invest in a "guitar tuner", a relatively inexpensive device which listens to the sound of each string, and advises you (via a few blinking lights) on what you need to do in order to get the note in tune.

i once found a digital guitar tuner on internet. this sofgtware costs nothing and you can tune your guitar nearly perfect by just using ordinary mic.

you can download it here

digital guitar tuner

there are also some other ways to tune your guitar by using your hearing abilities. But it is going to take time to develop them.

here is the way to do so..

Get you 1st string the thickest (E) tuned by some reference source. that might be a tuner. now don't let this string ever untuned as this is going to help you tune other strings.
Play the sixth string, fifth fret (A), then tune your open fifth string (A) until it they sound the same.
Play the fifth string, fifth fret (D), then tune your open fourth string (D) until they sound the same.
Play the fourth string, fifth fret (G), then tune your open third string (G) until they sound the same.
Play the third string, fourth fret (B), then tune your open second string (B) until they sound the same.
Play the second string, fifth fret (E), then tune your open first string (E) until they sound the same.

PeAcE

Your guitar's parts

2012-02-26T10:56:00.001-08:00

There are 6 strings in a normal acoustic guitar that you might be holding.
following are the names of each string
from the thickest to the thinnest

and the easy way to learn these names is the folowing mnemonic.
"Every Adult Dog Growls Barks Eats"

Holding a pick the best way

2012-02-26T10:45:00.001-08:00

The following documentation explains how to hold, and use a pick. When reading, keep in mind that your "picking hand" is the hand which is nearest to the bridge of the guitar, when sitting in the correct position.

Open your picking hand, and turn the palm to face you.
Close your hand to make a very loose fist. Your thumb should remain beside your index finger.
Rotate your hand until you are looking at it's profile, with your thumb's knuckle facing you.

Don't hold the pick too tight or too loose...just a smooth grip will work the best...
holding too loose can cause you to drop the pick.
holding too tight will distort the chord you will play.
best of luck
PeaCe

Holding a guitar the right way

2012-02-26T10:40:00.002-08:00

Everyone holds the guitar in a unique way. There are different ways to hold the guitar correctly. Holding the guitar incorrectly may lead to strain in the muscles and even cause damage to them. If you are experiencing problems in any joints or muscles, consult with a teacher or online guitar course for beginners that shows the details of proper technique. You may develop your own style of holding the guitar. Proper technique can eliminate any kind of strain from your hand.

While sitting, a right handed person keeps the guitar on his or her right leg which is a common reflex. But to make it simple, just place your guitar on the same leg as of your strumming hand.

Once you become certain with on which leg you are going to put your guitar, try and point the head of the guitar slightly towards the ceiling. This will help your wrist and arm to navigate at a natural angle, and play with ease.

The most important part in holding the guitar is the position of your thumb behind the fret board. You must keep your thumb in the center of the guitar neck and not hanging on or over the top. Other than the thumb it is extremely important to keep the fingers curled at the knuckles, except when told not to do so.

here is the picture of the best way to hold guitar

Which guitar to learn on??

2012-02-26T10:24:00.002-08:00

The first question that usually arises in ones mind when getting started with this guitar thing is.."man...which guitar should i buy to learn on.."
heres the answer...
There are three main types of guitar that you will encounter. They are:
1- classic acoustic
2- acoustic
3-electric

Chances are that if you have asked someone if you can use their guitar for a while, it would probably be an old classical acoustic guitar or maybe a steel string acoustic.

These guitars are excellent to learn on because electric guitars require things like leads, amps, speakers and power. With acoustic guitars you only need a pick.

The other great thing about acoustic guitars is that you can’t turn them up loud. When you are learning it is probably better to play on a guitar that isn’t going too be loud, only loud enough so your ears can hear your errors and your good performances.

If you don’t know which types of guitar you want to play on, ask yourself, ‘what kind of music do I want to play?’

Pick a song that you like for its guitar sound. Listen to the guitar sounds and only the guitar sounds. Are they clean, soft sounds? Or are they harsh, heavy or distorted? Generally, acoustic guitars are softer and cleaner. Distorted, heavy sounds come from electric guitars that are plugged into amplifiers and effects units. Can you hear individual notes being picked or are the strings being strummed hard? The harder you play, the thicker your strings need to be. You need to know what style you want to play.

OK you have found a style of music that you like. Try and find out what the band video for that song is and watch it. There will probably be a section in there where the band is playing. In this part, look at the guitarist. Is he/she playing on an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar? What brand is it? What style? If you know the exact guitar from the video, you can ask to play on it at your local guitar shop to see if it suits you.

People play guitar for many different reasons. You need to understand what it is that you want to get out of the guitar. To discover your tastes in guitar music, listening to different styles and genres. Ask musicians at music shops about what kind of guitars different bands use, or ask them what kind of amps/effects those artists use to get that sound.

The answers don’t have to be exact because they will get you thinking about what you need to buy to achieve the sound you are after.

So for my personal advice
Go for Yamaha's beginner guitars. Just visit your nearest guitar shop and ask them one. They are the best one to learn upon.
best of luck.....
pEacE