Just like any art form, learning and playing the guitar is also a challenging job. The first challenge you face is buying the right guitar, and then you will have a lot more hurdles to cross as part of the training. You want to learn all the chords, notes, scales, slides and bends, and all that is possible for you. You want to get started with your live performance as well. During this process, there are chances that you develop some bad habits. It is a very common thing for every beginner, but recognizing them at the right time and trying to get rid of them is very important. If you neglect those mistakes at the early stage, then it can be hard to overcome them at a later stage.
So, here let us have a look at some of the common guitar mistakes you should avoid…
1. Hold it the wrong way
As a guitarist, you must be aware that holding the guitar in the right way is very important. But there are many people who are not aware of the right way to hold it. This is one of the most common mistakes that many beginners make. It is also one such mistake that can be corrected very easily. You will have to sit in a way that your both knees are in the right angle. On the right thigh, you will have to place the waist of the guitar. Now your upper arm should be on the top of your guitar so that you will be able to move the forearm freely.
2. Tuning the guitar
Nothing can be worse than playing the guitar without tuning it. When it not tuned, you will not be able to produce the right sounds. That will also affect your self-confidence. You start to think that why you are unable to play it as other players do. So, every time before you start the practice, you will have to make sure that you are tuning the guitar.
3. Practice well
Whether you are an expert in playing the guitar or you just got started with it, practice plays a very important role. You need to practice consistently to make sure that you are improving your performance. This will also help in enhancing muscle skills and memory as well. You should practice daily at least for 15 to 30 minutes if you are a professional and more if you are a beginner.
4. Tilting the guitar
Another common mistake that most of the beginners commit is tilting the guitar towards you so that you will be able to see what you are playing. But when you are tilting it, the guitar will slide off to another direction, and you will not be comfortable playing it. Always make sure that you are holding the guitar in the right position.
5. Warm-up session
If you are having a small concert and you are going to play in front of a large audience, or if you have an audition for a band, it is very important to make sure that you are spending some time with your guitar. You can play any scales or chords of your choice before you get started with actual practice, concert or audition.
6. Practice something new
Another common mistake is you always play the songs that are comfortable for you or something that you have been playing for a long time. That is not how you can grow and learn guitar. You should always step out of your comfort zone and start practicing something tough and new to you. This way, you can learn something that new and become an expert in playing just anything and everything.
7. Too many things at a time
This is another common mistake committed by beginners. They try to learn too many things at a time. A strong will and motivation towards learning guitar is a good thing, but when you want to learn all of it at once is not going to work. When you want to learn all sharp scales, and all mode in the twelve keys is a good objective, achieving perfection may not be possible. It is always good to be perfect, maybe in just one or two scales, but remember that you are perfect.
8. Play all types of music
Some people restrict themselves to playing just one kind of music. They learn and play only the kind of music that they love. But as a beginner, it is always good to listen to all kinds of music and as a guitarist; you should play all kinds of music. Do not restrict yourself to just one kind.
9. Barre Chords
Barre chords mean you will have to use just one finger and press all the guitar strings, and that has to be done on a single fret. You will need a lot of skills and a strong hand to do the job. Just because it is a tough job, many beginners try to avoid this step. But without practicing barre chords or mastering it, you will not be able to shine in the world of guitars.
10. Poor equipment
Some people who are just starting to learn guitar, do not want to invest a lot of money on the guitar. Guitars are usually priced high, and it is surely difficult to spend so much at the beginning. But it is also not a good start to buy poor quality equipment or used guitars. They do not work well, and hence you will not be able to learn well. There are guitars for beginners as well, which come at a pocket-friendly price tag. You will have to do some research to find them, but they are very helpful.
11. Strumming too hard
It is another very common mistake committed by the beginners, and they strum very hard. When you strum with a lot of strength, it will make an odd and harsh sound. This will also hurt your fingers. So, make sure that you are using only as much strength as necessary for it.
12. Set goals
Any kind of art when practised without any goal will not help you reach anywhere. You should have a clear plan and picture of your practice every day. When you have a plan, you will know where to reach by the end of the practice, that way, you are more likely to learn more in a short time.
These are some of the most common guitar mistakes that you should avoid as a beginner. As you are a beginner, it would be easy for you to avoid. When you get used to those mistakes, it can be a tough job for you to avoid them. So, start practicing the right way from today.
