How To Play Electric Guitar

Learn how to play electric guitar on your own.

If you long to learn how to play electric guitar one thing you need to cultivate is patience! Patience with yourself is probably the most important aspect of learning to play any instrument. This is because playing the guitar is a physical skill that takes time to learn and perfect.

When you begin to learn how to play electric guitar not only do you have to learn the different chords, you also need to be able to change from one to the other quickly and smoothly. Trying to play your first song can be very frustrating until you get a handle on your instrument.

The most important aspect of learning how to play electric guitar is not giving up too easily. Many people give up long before they have given themselves the chance to practice their skills and technique. Learning guitar is not easy but you can learn to play it well over time.

Here are some tips for those of you who are learning how to play electric guitar:

1) Realize that the first time you pick up a guitar will feel strange and that you will probably find it difficult, initially. Learning how to play electric guitar requires practice and patience.

2) When you learn how to play electric guitar it will probably take an hour a day for several months before you can say you are out of the beginner stage. Don't expect to be a fabulous guitarist in a few days or weeks. Very few people have a gift for guitar playing. Most people just have to work at it.

3) Always keep your hands separate when you learn how to play electric guitar. Hold one chord ("C" or "G") and start strumming. Don't try to change chords - instead just strum and shuffle, 8th note, and 16th note patterns. This will help you get used to how the wrist needs to be held. Notice the way your hand connects with the strings. Concentrate on your right hand until it behaves properly - even if this means going really slowly. Then try the left hand.

4) Now you are ready to practice switching chords. Start with changing from "G" to "D" then add "C" and so on. When you learn how to play electric guitar it is useful to learn the Blues scale. This will help your fingers get used to moving faster. Play for five minutes each in different positions. Know what each position is called and in time you can do simple solos over key changes.

5) The next step in learning how to play electric guitar is to choose a song and learn it. It does not matter how simple and easy the song is. It probably won't be "Stairway to Heaven"! Play the song over and over again until you can change chords smoothly and efficiently. If you find the song too difficult choose one that's even easier. Don't be embarrassed if the song seems childish just keep playing.

6) Other useful advice when you learn how to play electric guitar is to take some time off. Take a break for a day or two when you seem to be stuck. During this time watch videos of famous guitarists and see how inspired you become to try again. You can also just pick the guitar up and play...anything! Play whatever is in your head and just enjoy it. It is supposed to be fun after all!

Also, be sure to check out our pages about History Of Electric Guitar, Custom Electric Guitars, Electric Guitar Kits, Electric Guitar Tabs, and Free Electric Guitar Lessons elsewhere on this site.