John Bohlinger

Elle Cordova

Sean Daniel

Steve Howe

Jimmy Leslie

Brooke Ligertwood

Steve Miller

Zach Myers

Paul Riario

samuraiguitarist

Mary Spender

Ask the Experts | August 28, 2024

What tip would you give a new player about practicing guitar? 

 


John Bohlinger 

It takes a while for it to click, but stick with it and you will have a best friend for life. I am so grateful to my younger self for going through the torture of learning how to play. 

 

Elle Cordova 

Twenty minutes a day is infinitely better than four hours once a week. 

 

Sean Daniel 

Record video of yourself playing. It’s pretty common to hit stretches where you won’t feel like you’re getting any better. But what’s happening is you’re actually just not noticing it in real time, so when you have something to look back on, it can be inspiring to see how far you’ve come. There’s also a positive correlation with guitar skill and hairstyle, so it’s good to document the progress that has been made. 

 

Steve Howe 

Don't just play things, anything at all, but roam and ramble about and have lots of fun! 

 

Jimmy Leslie 

Practice music, not just elements of music, and always strive to play complete songs, not just bits and pieces. When you go to play for someone, you’ll be able to play something meaningful.  

 

Brooke Ligertwood 

Your finger pads will never be the same, but they will adjust. 

 

Zach Meyers 

Practice. Don’t stop practicing. If it's something you love, you’ll want to do it. Sometimes it gets annoying, but that’s the joy in it. 

 

Steve Miller 

Do 10 minutes of hand exercises before you start playing. 

 

Paul Riario 

Learn the basics and find a band or other musicians to play together with. It's the quickest way to grow as a musician. Because having a peer group forces you to stick with it and consistently play to get better. 

 

SamuraiGuitarist  

The guitar has a bit of a tough learning curve at the beginning. Your hands aren't going to be used to contorting into some of the positions you will need to. Coordinating your fretting and picking can be tough. Pressing down on the strings can hurt. Remember that everyone goes through this and be patient – getting over that hump will absolutely be worthwhile. 

 

Mary Spender 

Practice little and often. Your fingers will hurt (a lot) in the beginning months – everyone experiences that – so don’t overdo it. Learn your favorite songs and don’t worry about scales – they’re boring! They’re important later on of course but have fun at the beginning and learn simple chords and songs – it’ll help you fall further in love with this wonderful instrument. If you’ve got a guitar, you’re never bored, and you’re never lonely. Lucky you!