In middle school I learned how to play the violin, I played it for 5 years with my orchestra. After that time we moved and when we did I bought a mandolin and ukulele I learned to play. In high school I learned to play the piano and after I thought myself how to learn to play guitar.
In my experience of learning various instruments, these are the tips that stand out to me as the most important.
It doesn't need to be expensive but makes sure it's good enough to play.
It really doesn't help you to learn if you have an instrument that doesn't work and at the end of the day it'll just be a waste of money.
Back when I decided to learn to play guitar I searched through the internet and found a really cheap but decent looking guitar. I bought it believing that I could use it to learn how to play and when I get better I could buy a better guitar. When it came in the mail I opened it for the first time and I was instantly disappointed in myself for making this decision. It was simply awful: The guitar strings were simply strings of wire, the guitar felt like it was made from weak cheap wood, it was untunable, etc. I wasted money on an instrument that was trash.
I'd say when choosing an instrument go to a music store and play the instruments before you buy it, you'll probably be able to find some amazing deals at these places as well.
When I picked my first "official" guitar, I went to Guitar Center (a music store). They have a room filled with acoustic guitars where you can just play before you buy. I basically just stayed in that room all day and tried all their guitars till I found the right guitar.
The right guitar is the one that sounds, looks, and feels really good to play but has the right price.
If you're going to pick a guitar online make sure you do a lot of major research before you buy.
If you ever want to get good at anything, fill your life with it. What I mean is to practice. Playing an instrument offers a boatload of benefits: higher dexterity, discipline, improved intelligence, happiness, relaxation, stress relief, and so much more.
If you seriously want to get good then play your heart out in each session.
Make sure you take breaks as well.
When I play my instruments for hours I find that I get sloppy after a long time, but after I take a break, even if it's just a minute to relax my hands and focus on something else. Upon returning to play again I play much better.
I believe a break gives your body and mind a chance to collect and store the experience you gain from playing and when you return you're fresh and ready to continue.
Nothing beats a good jam session. Playing with others allows you to try new things and to truly apply your knowledge and practice.
It's sometimes challenging, but it's usually always fun. There's nothing quite like it.
Jamming to me is like expressing myself at a deeper level. It's talking through a different medium.
Playing with others also gives you the chance to learn interesting things like original songs, new techniques, and so much more.
Thank you for reading this post, I hope you enjoyed reading it, if you have any questions or feedback please let me know in the comments section below.
