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Here Are Your First Steps.","subHeadline":"A simple guide for the next steps after making this momentous decision. ","author":"Mike Duffy","title":"How to Play the Guitar: First Steps to Learning to Play Guitar","socialTitle":null,"description":{"description":"You've decided to learn how to play the guitar, now what? Here's a handy list of the things you need to know once you've made the decision to play guitar."},"layout":"Lesson","body":{"json":{"nodeType":"document","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Congratulations! You just decided that you want to learn how to play the ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"guitar","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":". ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Perhaps watching all those ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.youtube.com/user/NirvanaVEVO"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Nirvana videos","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" on YouTube finally got you motivated. Perhaps you’ve been at a recent festival and seen an artist or two experience the pure joy of playing their instrument. Or you just want a new hobby and need to express yourself through song.","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Whatever the inspiration, there’s never a bad time to start learning ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/play/how-to-strum-beginner-guitar-tips"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"how to strum","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":", no matter the level of aptitude you want to reach.","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"So what do you do once you’ve made that momentous decision? ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Here is a guide to your first steps toward becoming an astute player: ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"hr","data":{},"content":[]},{"nodeType":"heading-3","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"1. Choose Your Guitar - Electric or Acoustic","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/play/acoustic-or-electric-which-one-is-best-for-you"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"What’s the best guitar for beginners","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":"? Should you start with an ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/collections/acoustic-guitars"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"acoustic guitar","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" or an ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/collections/electric-guitars"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"electric","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":".  ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/gear/7-electric-guitars-for-the-beginner"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Electric guitars","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" have thinner strings that require less pressure to fret chords, which will keep you from feeling a lot of ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/5-tips-to-fight-finger-pain"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"pain in your hands and fingertips","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":". ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/gear/6-acoustic-guitars-perfect-for-beginners?"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Acoustic guitars","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" are less of an investment. You can pick up an acoustic guitar and play, while electrics need a corresponding amplifier. The heavier strings might present a challenge, but they will also make for an easier transition to an electric guitar. ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"hr","data":{},"content":[]},{"nodeType":"heading-3","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"2. Gear Up","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Don’t forget the other gear you’ll need, like an ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/collections/guitar-amplifiers"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"amp","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" and ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/collections/cables"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"cables","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" (if you’re playing electric guitar), ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/collections/picks"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"picks","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" and a ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/collections/straps"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"strap","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":". ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"The amp and cables will ensure that you’re projecting your sound properly on an electric guitar, while the ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/how-to/get-a-grip-how-to-hold-a-pick"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"right pick is all about what feels right for you","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":". You might want to grab a pick with medium thickness (between .73 mm–.88 mm), as it guarantees you a solid grip without being too overwhelming to hold.","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"And for the strap, you need to be mobile, right? Good luck playing the guitar standing up without a strap. Hook one that is comfortable for you on the two endpins of your guitar and sling it around your shoulder. ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"hr","data":{},"content":[]},{"nodeType":"heading-3","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"3. Tune Your Instrument","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Once you’ve picked out your guitar, you’ve got to tune it, and tune it often. You should always ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/online-guitar-tuner/"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"tune your instrument","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" before you practice. There are also unexpected ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/how-to/5-times-to-tune-your-guitar"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"times when you need to tune","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" to make sure you’re sounding the best you can (after traveling or using a capo).","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Luckily, you can ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/collections/digital-tuners"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"buy a tuner","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":", use ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/online-guitar-tuner/"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Fender's free online tuner","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":"  or download the ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/online-guitar-tuner"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Fender Tune app","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" to dial everything in. ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"One additional point is that you should get your guitar set up by a professional so your ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/intonation-101"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"intonation","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" is on point. ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"hr","data":{},"content":[]},{"nodeType":"heading-3","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"4. Start Playing","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"You can usually find instructors through your local guitar dealer, but there are are also online instructors that offer video lessons, such as ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/play"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Fender Play","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":". ","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Learning how to play the guitar takes time, and you won’t be ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/articles/how-to/rome-and-jimi-hendrix-werent-built-in-a-day"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Jimi Hendrix","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":" in a week, but if you stick with it and adhere to solid practice habits, you'll be playing along to your favorite songs in no time.","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Want to start learning with Fender Play? Get started with your ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.fender.com/play/"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"free trial","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":"! 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Choose Your Guitar - Electric or Acoustic\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/articles/play/acoustic-or-electric-which-one-is-best-for-you\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"What’s the best guitar for beginners\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"? Should you start with an \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/collections/acoustic-guitars\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"acoustic guitar\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" or an \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/collections/electric-guitars\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"electric\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\".  \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/articles/gear/7-electric-guitars-for-the-beginner\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Electric guitars\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" have thinner strings that require less pressure to fret chords, which will keep you from feeling a lot of \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/5-tips-to-fight-finger-pain\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"pain in your hands and fingertips\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\". \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/articles/gear/6-acoustic-guitars-perfect-for-beginners?\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Acoustic guitars\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" are less of an investment. You can pick up an acoustic guitar and play, while electrics need a corresponding amplifier. The heavier strings might present a challenge, but they will also make for an easier transition to an electric guitar. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"hr\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"2. 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You might want to grab a pick with medium thickness (between .73 mm–.88 mm), as it guarantees you a solid grip without being too overwhelming to hold.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"And for the strap, you need to be mobile, right? Good luck playing the guitar standing up without a strap. Hook one that is comfortable for you on the two endpins of your guitar and sling it around your shoulder. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"hr\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"3. Tune Your Instrument\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Once you’ve picked out your guitar, you’ve got to tune it, and tune it often. You should always \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/online-guitar-tuner/\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"tune your instrument\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" before you practice. There are also unexpected \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/articles/how-to/5-times-to-tune-your-guitar\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"times when you need to tune\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" to make sure you’re sounding the best you can (after traveling or using a capo).\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Luckily, you can \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/collections/digital-tuners\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"buy a tuner\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", use \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/online-guitar-tuner/\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Fender's free online tuner\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"  or download the \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/online-guitar-tuner\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Fender Tune app\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" to dial everything in. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"One additional point is that you should get your guitar set up by a professional so your \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/intonation-101\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"intonation\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" is on point. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"hr\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[]},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"4. Start Playing\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"You can usually find instructors through your local guitar dealer, but there are are also online instructors that offer video lessons, such as \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/play\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Fender Play\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\". \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Learning how to play the guitar takes time, and you won’t be \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/articles/how-to/rome-and-jimi-hendrix-werent-built-in-a-day\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Jimi Hendrix\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" in a week, but if you stick with it and adhere to solid practice habits, you'll be playing along to your favorite songs in no time.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Want to start learning with Fender Play? Get started with your \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.fender.com/play/\"},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"free trial\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}]},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"! 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