2020 was the year that many people took up new hobbies and challenges. During the lockdowns and periods of self-isolation, people became restless and bored, and their minds turned to find new activities.
Internet usage soared during this time and many people filled some of their free hours with streaming movies from Netflix and HBO Max. Others turned their minds to learning a new language, trying to cook different recipes, or perhaps to musical instruments.
Many people found that it was the perfect time to learn how to play a new instrument, with the guitar being one of the most popular choices. If you were one of those people who has started to learn and you’re struggling with F chord guitar then read on to learn how to get ahead quickly and with fewer mistakes.
Why learn to play an instrument?
There are a host of benefits to playing a musical instrument, and some of them may surprise you. If you are already playing then you may know some of these, but for total beginners then here are some of the reasons why you should learn to play guitar or any other instrument.
It will give you a better social life
You can meet other like-minded musicians and collaborate. You may end up performing live which will mean that you meet many more people than you would normally. There are dedicated social media platforms for musicians too where you can share music and ideas.
It builds confidence and provides a sense of achievement
Mastering or at least getting to grips with your instrument will make you feel as if you have achieved something. Performing for other people will make your confidence grow.
It teaches resilience and patience
Learning an instrument takes time, and learning songs, even more time. To get good at the guitar you will have to practice and you will make mistakes. You will learn to be patient and resilient in your quest to become an ax hero.
It is good for you
Playing an instrument will make you smarter and stronger. Whatever instrument you choose, playing it can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.
How do you learn the guitar quicker?
There are no actual magical steps to make you a great guitarist, but there are steps you can take which will mean you progress in a steady but reasonably quick way. If you get into bad habits or ignore certain areas you can find that your progress stalls.
Consider these areas below and ask yourself if you are including them in your guitar learning routine:
- Using a metronome
- Having professional lessons
- Getting enough rest
- Meditating
- Practicing enough
- Not going too fast
- Using the right environment
You can read more about these areas below and in more detail.
Setting up the right environment
Anyone trying to learn an instrument, a language, coding, or any other pursuit needs the right environment to do so. Many factors could hinder your learning process and where you practice is one of them.
Choose a room that has good ventilation and won’t get too cold or too hot. Ideally, you will be able to open the windows and get fresh air without any outside disturbances.
Noise is also a factor. If you can, find a room away from the noise of the TV or other people’s music. An electric guitar will allow you to use headphones but this isn’t always ideal.
Have lessons from a professional teacher
If you can, it might be worth considering investing some cash in guitar lessons. A teacher can help you progress quicker and will instill good practices and technique. They will also constantly test you and appraise your burgeoning skills.
There are many tutoring advantages for students and they can include increased motivation from when you receive praise. You may feel more inclined to practice knowing that you have someone else observing your guitar playing. A teacher can also pass on a wealth of knowledge and experience that you may miss out on by practicing alone.
A teacher can also help you learn music theory or at least put you on the right path. Not learning music theory is one mistake that will stop you from pushing forward.
Practice enough and consistently
Everyone knows that you will need to practice to improve but one mistake many make is not practicing consistently.
You may feel that practicing for a mammoth session once a week is good but regular sessions each day for much shorter times will be more beneficial. Carrying out the same repetitions builds muscle memory and this is the key to learning your chords correctly.
Conversely, if you try to learn too much too quickly you may end up with poor technique. Don’t try to jump ahead until you are ready.
Sleeping properly and getting enough rest
Getting enough sleep is key to learning and being able to concentrate. If you stay up late practicing the guitar you are likely to be making mistakes and it will be counter-productive.
There are many natural ways to sleep better if you find you are not sleeping well, and music is one of them. If you find it difficult to get to sleep then play some soothing music at a low level and this can help you fall asleep.
A good night’s sleep can really aid with learning and help you nail that difficult F chord.
Using online resources
The internet is a wonderful place for references, lessons, and tips, for all manner of things. Not surprisingly, the net is also packed full of useful information about guitar playing. There is sheet music on the net, YouTube videos showing how to play chords, and there are websites dedicated to making learning easier.
Some websites can show chords for guitar for almost any song. These sites have a large library of songs that you can click on to see what chords were used so you can then practice them. You can also upload any song you wish and the website will then take the chords from that song and display them on the screen.
Using online resources can be an invaluable way to obtain new material to play, and learn about different techniques, and how to play certain chords.
Using a metronome
A metronome is one of the great tools a budding guitarist can have. It will help you to hold a steady tempo and force you to slow down. It is very common for guitarists to play too quickly when they are learning and a metronome is invaluable for making the player slow down and keep the right pace.
Meditation
This may not be for everyone but if you give it a try you might find it benefits you. Just as sleep is important to learning, being calm is vital to performing.
Learning how to switch off and let go of any anxiety and stress will make you a better performer. Give it a go and see if it works for you.
Summary
Playing an instrument is a creative hobby that can stay with you for life. Apart from the joy you can get and give by performing, it is also good for you. Playing an instrument can benefit your health in many ways, physically and mentally.
Following the steps above can help you enjoy your guitar playing more and make faster progression. Perhaps soon, you will be performing live at a venue near you.