Today I have something special for guitar players who take their progress seriously. This is especially geared toward players who are just getting into acoustic guitar, or who’ve been playing electric for a while but want to go acoustic.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make it easier to play acoustic guitar. You could call this a ‘survival guide’. These tips are valuable, even if you’ve been playing acoustic guitar for a while. I’ve broken them up into two main categories:
1. Tips for acoustic guitar gear:
- Get your guitar professionally set up
- Go down a string gauge if you need to
- Always carry extra strings
- Always have a tuner with you
- Always carry extra batteries for both your guitar (if it has electronics) and your tuner
- Use a variety of pick thicknesses
- Get (and use) a capo
2. Tips for acoustic guitar playing technique:
- Learn at least two keys to start with a capo
- If you are new, start with 8 fundamental open chords
- Learn partial bar chords
- Learn the simple downstroke strumming pattern
- Learn DDUUDU (a classic strumming pattern)
- Learn basic fingerpicking patterns (like the one in “Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol”)
- Learn how to accompany yourself with melodies on top
- Learn complete songs
Check out the video for all of the playing examples!
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