Playing Music with the Guitar

Playing Music with the Guitar

By ed2go online Instructor Edward Burns

(More about this Instructor below)

Do you have a guitar stashed away in the back of your closet? Do you always think – “I’m going to learn how to play that guitar someday” but you never get around to it? This scenario is as common as Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. But, it’s never too late! Learning to play guitar is truly a gift you can give yourself that will sooth and meditate your soul. In fact, studies show that playing music actually makes you smarter, happier and more productive at any age.

Here are a few fundamental qualities you should have to make music with the guitar:

Desire
Those who become one with their guitar have an intense love of music. They’re not only music lovers but they feel a need to partake in its creation and explore their musical potential.

Patience
Playing guitar involves fine motor skill control. For a beginner, it’s important to learn simple music that’s somewhat easy to accomplish in a short period of time.

Perseverance
Guitar players want to play the music they hear in their head. They want to get it right, and to get it right takes practice. The rewards of regular practice are extremely gratifying and realized more frequently as playing actually gets easier.

In addition, having a sentimental connection with your guitar is helpful. Maybe it was handed down to you by a family member or once belonged to someone close to you. The music you make with your guitar can tell stories so having a sentimental bond with your instrument allows you to communicate your emotions.

If your guitar has been in that closet for a long time, it’s going to need some TLC. So clean it up and replace the strings to ensure that it sounds beautiful.

Learning about proper playing posture is essential too. When you’re holding your guitar in an ergonomically correct position you’re not only comfortable but your guitar is positioned in a way that makes it easy to get up on your fingertips and create clear beautiful notes.

Listening to music is good but actually playing music is even better, because it’s fantastic mental exercise that activates every known part of your brain. Playing music also allows you to release your creative side which is necessary to living a healthy balanced life.

About this Instructor

Edward Burns, a university graduate in classical guitar performance, has a gift for helping students discover their inner guitarist. A “born musician,” Edward has an extensive musical background as a professional performer, instructor, composer, and recording artist. He has published two guitar methods and composed several guitar technique studies designed to develop specific skills. Edward has created and taught guitar and music theory courses for colleges, music academies, and conservatories.

Learn about his 6-week online class, Intro to Guitar

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