How to Play Acoustic guitar

As a guitar player, everyone asks me "how can I learn to play the acoustic guitar." Most people want to start on an electric, which is ok, but I learned on an acoustic guitar.

Learning on an acoustic guitar has advantages. One of those being that your fingers will be stronger when you start to play an electric guitar. Sure the electric guitar strings may be easier to push down, but it will be a noisy and frustrating way to start out a new hobby.

You can learn without taking lessons, no matter what anybody says. I never had a lesson, but learned to play from friends who played. I will admit that you will need to have an ear for music and understand the basic fundamentals. ie: be able to tell if a note is higher or lower.

Also you should be able to tell when a chord doesn't fit. I have played with musicians who simply read music and when they hit a wrong note, they just keep on playing. They cannot hear the problem. Everyone else can, but they were oblivious. Most people can hear when they hit a wrong note, just make sure you can.

The first step is to get a guitar. Before I actually purchased a guitar, I played around on my uncles guitar. I was a teen at the time, and had no cash. But it did give me an opportunity to see if I really would stick to playing before I bought a guitar.

If you are looking to buy a beginner guitar, check for used deals at local guitar stores. Stay away from guitars made in China! Look for name brands such as Fender, Yahama, Taylor, Epiphone, Gibson, and Martin.

You will spend a little more for these, but they beat any Wal-Mart guitar hands down. Epiphone started making a series of acoustic guitars called The Masterbuilt Series. I highly recommend these guitars as they are affordable and of great quality that you will grow into.

Once you have the gear, start playing with other people. Hang around other players who are where you want to be. Pay for a few lessons to get you started if you need to. Just start playing all the time. It should be fun and playing not a chore. If you don't like it, quit. Who wants to do something they hate?

I have been playing guitar for 15 years and know you will have a great time once you learn the basics. Plus, you'll never forget that first song you learned to bang out!