Want To Master Guitar Playing Basics -- But don't know where to start?

The basics of learning guitar are just that basic. Nothing complicated here. Guitar playing basics can be learned in a relatively short period of time. With concentrated effort you can be playing for your pleasure and entertaining others in around 6 months.

Mastering the guitar on the other hand can take years. Please don't let that discourage you. We all have the same 24 hours a day and time, I guarantee will go by no matter if you sitting in front of a TV or practicing your guitar. One is just more productive than the other and diligent effort will lead to skills you will have for a lifetime.

What are the guitar playing basics that form the foundation to successfully learn to play the guitar?

If you already have your ideal guitar and amp you can skip the next few paragraphs.

1. Choosing the right guitar and equipment. - It goes without saying that in order to get a job done you need the proper tools.

Some decisions need to be made before you even lay a hand on a guitar.

Begin with the end in mind. What kind of music do you want to ultimately play? I say ultimately because nobody arrives the same day they start. But in order to play the type of music that you want to play the proper type of guitar makes all the difference.

You have two basic choices.

A. Acoustic - These are for many types of music but they all have one thing in common - you don't need a amp. You can amplify them but you don't have to.

Folks songs, worship songs, acoustic blues, and bluegrass finger picking styles all use acoustic guitars.

B. Electric guitar - These can be used for all styles but are usually associated with the harder styles of music such as Rock and Roll, metal and jazz.

You'll need a amplifier - and this choice also depends on what type of music you would enjoy playing the most.

2. Accessories - These make life easier for the guitarist. What do you need in the way of accessories?

a. A good quality stand.
b. A case to protect your guitar.
c. strings and string changing tools - Old strings don't sound good.
d. Picks - Try out different picks and get plenty of them - they are easy to lose.
e. Tuner - a good tuner will save you enormous amounts of frustration while you are learning to play guitar.
f. Metronome - essential for developing speed, rhythm and timing.

Basic guitar knowledge
3. The importance of finger exercise away from the guitar.
4. The anatomy of a guitar
a. Parts of a electric guitar.
b. Parts of a acoustic guitar.

5. How to hold a pick.
6. Picking techniques
7. Fingering chords for best sound.
8. Basic chords and chord progressions.
9. Strumming

10. Playing 3 chord songs.
11. Power chords
12. Pentatonic and blues scales.
13. Reading guitar tab
14. Caring for your guitar
15. Staying motivated
Guitar playing basics. more to come