There are few people who have not ever dreamed of learning to play guitar. Something about guitars draws the attention of everyone. So if you are looking to get started or to add to your skill level, then you are in the right place. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Better your listening skills. This skill is very underrated when it comes to playing the guitar, but it is one of the most important. Listen to other musicians play. Try listening to items like tone, strumming, and the type of sounds that come from certain guitars. Then, start listening to your own playing to improve anything that sounds off.

Make sure to take care of your hearing when learning to play guitar. Your hearing is precious and sensitive, so you need to protect it. Playing loud music constantly can harm your hearing. You can end up with hearing loss or tinnitus. Try playing at a lower level. Also, try to avoid blasting music with amps and headphones.

Don’t forget to have fun! Know that you’re trying to learn this because it interests you. Don’t let it become a chore. If you do, you can find yourself becoming tired and resenting practice time, which can cause you to give up playing. Practice the music that you enjoy.

Learn the open strings and start out playing simple songs. Memorize the single notes because that will make learning the chords and scales easier later on. Although it’s a good idea to try something more challenging on occasion, stick to playing simple songs for the first few months and practice daily.

While is certainly tempting to try to jump in and play some of your favorite songs on the guitar, you should initially stick with simple tunes that can be mastered with just a little bit of practice. Doing this will help you continue building skills without causing frustration and disappointment along the way.

Teach yourself to use different keys when playing songs. Knowing the way to play a song in different keys is great for learning various chords. It is also a way to get more acquainted with the music. You will understand and appreciate the music more.

Learn all your chords before you start playing songs. Do not try to play your favorite Jimi Hendrix tune your first week. Start with really simple songs and work your way up. Practice every single day. Taking a week off, when you’re first learning to play, will ensure that you forget everything you learned.

Don’t rush. When you want learn a song, take your time and learn it completely before trying to play it at tempo. Begin slowly and grasp each note, then work up your speed. If speed is your only priority, frustration is sure to ensue. Begin slowly and learn the song well. Once you have it memorized, you can play at tempo.

If you want to learn to play the guitar and are thinking of buying one, consider buying a used one. A used guitar will give you more bang for your money and will save you breaking it in. If you don’t have the money to buy one, you can rent one for a small monthly fee from a music store.

Use a tennis ball to make your fingers stronger. Warm up a bit before your guitar lesson or practice session by taking a tennis ball and squeezing it a few times. This is a great way to work the fingers you’ll need to play the guitar. By squeezing the ball, you’ll make your fingers strong enough to play different chords.

Learn a new chord each week. Chords are part of your overall guitar education, and with two or three chords, you’ll be able to start playing some of the songs you know and love. Start slow, and make sure that you can clearly hear every string in the chord when you play it.

To avoid the pain involved in learning to play the guitar, your fingers will get callused. Avoid picking at your calluses. If you have rough skin or snags that you need to get rid of, use an emery board to smooth your skin. You can soak callused fingers in rubbing alcohol but avoid using hazardous materials to toughen the skin.

Get a chart of chord fingering and use it during your practice. The chart serves as a reference tool for you to remind you how to play certain chords. Guitar books are good, but it is much more convenient to use a chart than to flip open a book when you are practicing.

As you see, there are many things to learn about guitar playing. You can expand your skill in many different way. So learning new tips, like the ones above is a great way to become and accomplished player. These tips, along with practice can bring you to a new level of playing.