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How-To
For Those About to R...
How-To
Interested in picking up your first guitar? If you’re reading this article, you’ve already taken the primary step in starting a fruitful musical
journey. Learning guitar can be intimidating--it’s normal as a beginner to have many questions and concerns, but we’re here to help you get
started off on the right foot.
Below are some commonly asked questions when it comes to learning guitar.
Fender Play, for one, offers a unique micro-learning strategy to keep beginners engaged and motivated and is complete with tips and tricks,
in-lesson glossaries, and gear-buying advice—all from world-class instructors (start your free 30-day trial here).
Whether you are learning independently, with a private instructor or in a group setting, there are plenty of options. Finding the right
instruction is an important first step in creating good long-term playing habits.
3. Should I learn on an electric guitar?
It all depends on your personal preference and the type of music you want to play. Electric and acoustic guitars both have unique
advantages.
Electric guitars have thinner strings and therefore are a great choice for beginners because they require less hand strength. Players with
small hands might also prefer an electric for its slimmer neck, which warrants an easier grip and shorter reach.
Learning on an acoustic guitar, conversely, can often be a less costly investment because it doesn’t require additional equipment. It can also
ease a future transition into electric guitar because a player’s hands will already be acclimated to heavy acoustic strings.
If you are set on an electric guitar, Fender does offer some affordable beginner amplifiers at a variety of price points. Most are not only
portable, but also easy to operate, making dialing in settings quite simple for newbies.
Different string materials also have unique benefits, including the tone they produce. Here’s a quick guide:
Electric guitar
Nickel strings: Clear and articulate; a versatile choice for rock, blues and jazz players
Stainless steel strings: Bright and less prone to wear; good for hard rock and metal
Acoustic guitar
80/20 Bronze: Bright and more metallic
Phosphor bronze: Dark, warm and mellow; a great choice for strummers
Picks
Nothing is as vibrant--or confusing--as the sheer volume of pick shapes, sizes, thicknesses and materials offered at a music store. As you
become more familiar with your guitar, you may find yourself trying out a number of picks to better accommodate your playing style. But
generally speaking, plastic picks are a popular choice for their flexibility and grip. We recommend sticking to a standard size and shape,
like the Fender Celluloid Pick, as a good starting point. Not to mention, the classic celluloid pick is an industry standard among many
players.
As far as thickness goes, opt for a pick of medium thickness (between .73 mm–.88 mm), as it will guarantee you a solid grip without being
too overwhelming to hold.
Strap
A strap is essential for stabilizing your instrument, especially if you intend to play standing up. Again, the variety of products you’ll
encounter here is vast, and whatever material or design you choose is left to your discretion. However, as a beginner, comfort should be
your ultimate priority. Choosing a strap that’s at least 2 inches in width, with additional padding (usually called neoprene), will help to
prevent shoulder and neck pain.
Keep in mind that while electric guitars typically have two endpins on which you can attach your strap, acoustic guitars normally do not.
You’ll need to purchase a strap button to secure the strap to your headstock. You can also use a shoelace or piece of string of equal density.
Cable
A cable can break your tone as quickly as it can make it, so opt for an instrument cable that’s shorter than 18.6 feet and features reinforced
ends for minimal handling noise and signal loss.
Tuner
You’ll be able to tune your guitar far more quickly and accurately with an electronic tuner or pitch pipe. Try a chromatic tuner, which
allows you to tune in any key. Clip-on tuners, which attach to the headstock of your instrument and tune through the vibration of your
strings, are a great choice for beginners because they’re portable, visible and very easy to use. And the Fender Tune app is a great tool, too,
offering several tunings right on your mobile device.
Open chords, as the name suggests, do not require each string to be fretted, therefore leaving them “open” when strummed. As you progress
as a player or develop your songwriting skills, you may opt for one over the other due to its sound. But by supplementing your play with
both types of chords — especially in settings with multiple guitars — you’ll generate more full, complex and multidimensional tone.
There are some ways to push through the pain like a pro. Again, lighter strings can help, as will lowering your string action (the distance
between the fingerboard and the strings). A quick fix by a professional will shorten the amount of pressure you’ll need to exert as you press
down.
Good posture, proper hand positioning and preventative stretching should always be considered. While it is normal to experience
discomfort during your first few months of play, be mindful of tension and unnatural bending in your fingers and wrists.
Remember to take breaks. Great guitar playing doesn’t necessarily come from hours upon hours of excruciating practice. Quality is just as
important as quantity. A refreshing breather every 20 minutes will keep your mind clear and enthusiasm piqued.
Racing through scales and scrutinizing every note is not what makes this craft enjoyable. Let your passion lead you. Learn at your own
pace. Keep your abashed curiosity alive throughout the process. And above all else … just have fun.
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