How to Be a Good Guitarist

Last Updated: December 31, 2020

Playing the guitar is a challenging yet satisfying skill. Learning how to play the instrument may be frustrating at first; but with discipline, dedication and time, anyone can become a good guitarist.

Steps

1
Learn the basics thoroughly. A good guitarist must be an expert in the fundamentals of guitar playing. The fundamentals include posture when holding the guitar, proper left and right hand finger positioning, and plectrum or pick usage.
2
Study musical notation. Though reading guitar tablature is easier, it generally has one drawback: it does not show timing. The beginner should at least be familiar with reading musical notation. Granted, some very talented guitarists are able to play without ever needing tablature or sheet music; they learn a song just by listening to it. But unless you are one of these people, you'll be better-off mastering musical notation so you'll have access to a wide collection of compositions.^{[1]
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3
Practice every day. Do drills and exercises to polish your skills and technique. Strengthen your fingers, and aim for a clean and clear tone. Avoid muted sounds unless the music calls for it.^{[2]
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4
When learning a piece or song, choose one that you are comfortable with. Learn easy songs first. Not only does this build confidence, but it also helps your fingers 'remember' certain formations and chords that tend to be repeated in other songs.
5
Try to finish a piece, no matter how difficult it may be. Do not get into the habit of not finishing what you start. If a certain part of a song frustrates you, put the guitar down and take a break. You may even sleep on it, and start fresh the next day. Do it at your own pace, it doesn't matter how long you take to master a piece. Of course, remember the previous step. Be reasonable. Do not take on a complicated song or piece if you haven't mastered your basics.^{[3]
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6
Have patience and reasonable expectations. Do not expect to play like a famous guitar 'god' with just a few lessons. Attaining a professional skill level takes years of practice and training.^{[4]
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7
Listen to different guitarists. Compare one artist's interpretation of a song to another's. Have an open mind. A good guitarist is familiar with different styles and genres.
8
Record your guitar-playing. Listen to yourself and identify your mistakes and weaknesses. Have another guitarist critique it. You'll improve more if you know what you must work harder on.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I find the tabs for any song?

Community Answer

I have two websites for you: ultimate-guitar.com for normal tabs, and songsterr.com for play along tabs.
Question

I am very good at playing, but how do I create my own solos, and how can I translate what is in my mind into music?

Community Answer

This involves repetitive practice. To create a solo, develop melodic ideas while keeping in mind each chord as it is being played during the solo. Use notes that work well with each chord as the progression unfolds. If you are unsure of what notes sound good with a particular chord, take a step back and spend time developing solo ideas over single chords. Then, try your ideas out with chord progressions.
Question

I can play lead very well, but I won't able to play chords. What do I do?

Community Answer

Just work on it and keep practicing! Find some exercises and go through them as many times as you can. If you can, try to take guitar lessons.

Warnings

You will find very talented guitarists on the Internet performing songs and tricks that you could only dream of. Do not feel bad or inadequate because they are better than you. Make them your inspiration instead.

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Nobody ever got good at the guitar without developing a few blisters or calluses on the tips of their fingers.

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