Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the guitar but have just not really known where to begin? Well, it’s time that you figured that part out, and it’s time for you to take the first step. This article will provide you with some great advice on how to get started learning your favorite musical instrument.

If you want to learn how to play the guitar, you need an instrument that is not too expensive to practice on. As you get the hang of things, and you decide that this really is the instrument for you, you can upgrade. If you find the guitar too frustrating or you just do not like it, you will not be out that much money.

Keep yourself motivated. Many people think they want to learn how to play the guitar. They buy a guitar, practice for a few weeks, then shove their instrument in the back of a closet to gather dust. Try to keep yourself enthusiastic about learning to play. Never let yourself get discouraged.

Never underestimate the importance of taking the time to listen closely to what you are playing. A good ear will take you very far. To help develop your ears, pick out easy songs and try to play them without any sheet music or other aids. You will start to distinguish between melodies and chords in time.

Try not to spend too much money when you’re just starting out. It can be alarmingly easy to overspend on a guitar and all sorts of gear you don’t really need as a beginner. Find an affordable guitar to start with. Try not to go over $100 until your absolutely sure guitar playing is something you want to stick with.

When you are learning to play guitar, instead of learning all of the chords at once, try to learn the primary chords in each particular key. For instance, start with the key of C Major, and using a chord chart, learn all the chords in that key. This will help you to learn songs faster, as you will be able to play the chords needed for a particular song, based on the key it is written in.

Try and aim to learn one simple song per week. Practicing your scales can get old. Don’t obsess over learning the basics too much. Make sure you apply what you’ve learned to actual music. Learn how to play children’s rhymes or Christmas carols and work your way up from there.

Train the muscles in your fingers. Playing guitar can wear your hands out and cause them to cramp. This is especially true if you’re practicing often or playing for long periods of time. It’s important to have strong fingers if you want to play the guitar. Learn exercises for your hands and do them regularly.

Don’t spend too much on your very first guitar. You may be so excited to learn guitar that you want to run out and get the best guitar you can afford, but that would be a mistake. It may be that you do not even like guitar playing. Also, it’s possible for cheap guitars to make some great sounds. You must know how much you want to invest in one instead of just guessing.

Get yourself a guitar playing friend. Consider those who have the skill and talent that you admire, and ask if you can play with them. They can let you learn some techniques you may not know yet. When you play with someone else, it can make learning all the more fun. Practice buddies that are at your level can make for someone that you can trade techniques and advice.

The key to becoming a better guitar playing is to practice as much as possible. It can be boring to practice alone all the time. So turn your practice sessions into an enjoyable time by adding friends to it. You can practice with a friend who plays guitar or jam with a friend who plays a different instrument. You can also play to a small audience of younger children or a loved one who will be delighted at your budding skills.

Take a day off after you have played for a while. Do not burn yourself out while playing. You want to maintain your motivation. If you have been practicing for what seems like forever, take a few days off. Taking a break can restore your interest. But keep the breaks in moderation!

It’s important to know how to care for you new musical instrument. Understanding the right way to clean and care for your instrument will make sure it has a long life. You should also learn how to change out the strings and tune it. When you take the time to learn how to care for your guitar, it will last longer.

Figuring out the guitar can seem difficult if you’re not sure how to approach the instrument. Certainly this article has helped you figure that out some, and now you’re ready to start learning some music. Pick up that guitar, and make the decision that you’re going to learn how to play.