The process of learning how to play a musical instrument is a fulfilling experience that allows you to discover something new and creative about yourself. Don’t be afraid if you’ve always wanted to learn to play guitar or piano but you don’t have experience. This beginners guide will take you through the fundamentals, how to choose an instrument, music theory and some initial exercises.
Choosing the Right Instrument
You need to choose an appropriate musical instrument before you start your musical journey. Deciding on a guitar like a Tanglewood acoustic guitaror buying a Yamaha beginners keyboard set is a decision that will impact your musical experience. But before you reach that point, you need to understand what your preferences are.
The piano gives you a strong understanding of musical theory, but it is not very portable or flexible because of its bulkiness. The guitar on the other hand is very portable as you can pack it up and take it with you wherever you go. You need to consider what you want to gain from learning music and what kind of music you want to play.
Understanding Music Theory
Music theory may be a challenge to learn initially however it is the basis through which music is communicated. Start by familiarising yourself with the basic elements: notes, scales, chords and rhythm. This will help you learn how to read sheet music or guitar tabs. These will serve as your map to play songs. Music theory fundamentals might also be supported by online resources, books or music teachers.
Piano Basics
Start off by getting to know your way around the piano if that’s the instrument you have chosen. There are 88 keys on a keyboard, all corresponding to separate notes. First, you should learn the alphabet of the notes and what keys they correspond to. Relax, sit comfortably and practice where your fingers and hands are to be placed. Start with simple exercises which work on finger dexterity and coordination.
Guitar Basics
Those going for the guitar should know about its different parts, like the body, neck and strings, as well as learning to hold the guitar properly and tune it correctly. Start with simple chords like C, G, D which are popular in most songs. Exercises for practising the finger muscle strength and dexterity for the purpose of strumming and fretting.
Beginning Exercises
Whether you choose piano or guitar it is fundamental to start basic workouts in order to build an excellent foundation. Finger exercises: Scales and Arpeggios for piano. Start with a slow but accurate playing pace. For guitar, you must develop rhythm and precision through practising chord transitions and strumming patterns. Begin with easy tunes, then move onto more complicated ones.
Seeking Guidance
Although you may want to learn piano or guitar by yourself, enrolling in an elementary course, or engaging with a teacher will help speed up the process. Through this, you will gain individualised instruction, eradicate bad habits and provide valuable assessments. These will also expose you to diverse types of music which may broaden your musical knowledge.
Practice and Patience
Learning how to play a musical instrument calls for diligence. Set aside certain times for weekly rehearsals. Start with shorter practice sessions, working in steps until the process feels easier. It takes patience to understand that changes will be incremental in nature and that they will happen with time.
Conclusion
Learning how to play piano or guitar from scratch is like starting an exciting journey. By selecting an appropriate instrument, understanding the basics of music theory and practising regularly, learning how to play some basic songs will be more manageable. Don't forget, it’s the process that matters. Relax and enjoy the experience.