Pre-Lesson
Last Updated: 15th April, 2009
This lesson is to give you all the need to know stuff before you start your guitar lessons. We will discuss lots of important imformation that you need to know before you begin.
Its worth refering back to it every now and again to jog your memory.
And Remember, take the lessons at your own speed, there is no rush, good luck!
Whats involved in this lesson
In this lesson we are going to learn some of the need to know things before we dive into playing the guitar. It shouldn't take long, and it will greatly benefit you if you can remember some of the key points on this page.
Contents:Equipment
Guitar Parts
How To Sit
The Strings and Frets
Finger Numbers
Using a Plectrum
Summary
Equipment
For these tutorials, you will need a guitar and a plectrum. You can use any standard 6 string acoustic or electric guitar.
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Guitar Parts
So... first of all it will be useful if you know what I am talking about when I refer to certain parts of the guitar. So here is a labelled diagram:
Try and remember the names. All lessons may refer to these different parts so it's important you embed these names in your mind. If it doesn't stick right away, don't worry, you can come back and have a look at any time.
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How to Sit
When you play the guitar, you should sit up straight (no slouching - you will encourage bad habits!). It might also help if your chair was arm-less. Your guitar neck should be parallel to the floor whilst the thinnest string should be the closest to the floor.
Right handed players (with right-handed guitars) should sit their guitar on their right leg... where left handed players (with left handed guitars) would put their guitar on their left leg. Bear in mind this is the most common way of playing the guitar, but some styles of music teach you to play with the guitar rested on the other leg. For these lessons we will stick with the common techniques.
Now we shall look at how your fretting hand (left hand - for right handed guitarists) should be placed. The thumb should be placed behind the neck, whilst your fingers should be placed in front of the strings. Your fingers should be curled at the knuckles when playing. There are exceptional circumstances, and you will be instructed of these when the time comes.
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The Strings and Frets
Let's look at the notes of each string. The thickest string (the closest to you and furthest from the floor when sat properly) is E. The 2nd thickest is A then D, G, B, E. Notice there are two E strings? We call the thickest E string 'low E' (because it is lower in pitch) and the thinnest 'high E' (similarly because it is higher in pitch).
Look at this diagram to help you:
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Finger Numbers
Each finger on your fretted hand has a number that is referred to on chord diagrams and various other materials. Below is a diagram to show you how they are numbered.
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Using a Plectrum
We will be using a plectrum in these tutorials, so it is important you know the correct way to hold it.
With your strumming hand, pick up your plectrum between your thumb and your index finger. The point of your thumb and the point of your plectrum should be roughly at a right-angle (90 degrees).
Try not to rest your hand on the body or strings. With a loose arm you should be able to strum up and down (its no good being tensed up - it will get more comfortable with time). I would advise using a medium gauge plectrum, so its not too heavy or too light.
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So, to summarise:
- No one should expect perfection at first. Learning the guitar takes time. And I can guarantee the more time you put in the more progress you will make... but don't overdo it!
- Try to learn the different parts of the guitar as well as the techniques discussed. You can always come back to this lesson to revise what you have learnt.
- Take regular breaks! And good luck!
After going through this pre lesson information you should be ready to move on to lesson 1. Good Luck!
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