#TIP004 - Things I Wish I Knew
Free Tabs + Pro Tips
GUITAR, DOES TAKE TIME TO LEARN.
I’ve been there myself—countless hours of practice, trying to get better and figuring things out. But after 15 years of playing and teaching guitar, I’ve realized something important:
It’s not about how much time you spend, it’s about how you spend it.
Whether you’re just picking up a guitar for the first time or have been playing for a while, you can make huge progress without feeling overwhelmed.
In this article, I’ve compressed my 15 years of experience into 7 essential tips—things I wish I had known from the start. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make learning guitar more fun and easy. So, let’s get right to it!
1. Guitar-ing with Proper Posture
When I started, I didn’t realize how crucial proper posture was. I ended up with a rounded shoulder on my right arm, something I still deal with today.
So, proper posture makes a world of difference in your long-term guitar journey.
There are three common ways to hold the guitar: classical, casual, and standing. I mostly use the casual method:
• Rest the arc of your guitar on your right thigh (if you’re right-handed).
• Keep the guitar upright and avoid slouching.
• Ensure your wrist isn’t bent at an extreme angle, and try to lean forward instead of tilting your guitar toward you.
Trust me, fixing your posture early on will save you a lot of trouble down the road.
2. Understanding Music Theory
A lot of beginners skip learning music theory, and that’s okay. However, understanding the basics of music theory can significantly speed up your progress. It helps you understand what you’re playing, communicate better with other musicians, and learn songs faster.
For example, in Laufey’s “From The Start,” knowing basic theory would help you understand details like rhythm, rests, and the use of a capo. Learning even just a little bit of theory can go a long way in making you a better guitarist.
3. Recording Your Playing
One of the best things I’ve started doing recently is recording my playing. It’s super easy with today’s smartphones, and it allows you to spot mistakes you might not notice while you’re playing.
I had an eye-opening moment with my most popular video, a Duvet tab cover. When I slowed it down to half speed, I realized I was playing slightly behind the beat. Recording lets you catch these small mistakes and refine your technique over time.
4. Slowing Down Your Playing
Early on, I made the mistake of trying to play everything at full speed. Over time, I realized that “playing fast doesn’t mean playing well”. Slowing down helps you focus on accuracy and develop muscle memory.
When you practice slowly, you give your fingers time to remember the correct positions, which ultimately allows you to play faster and more accurately. Take your time and build your speed gradually.
5. Using a Metronome
The metronome is one of the most valuable tools for any guitarist. I used to think I had a strong rhythmic sense until I started recording my own playing. I realized I had been unconsciously speeding up.
A metronome forces you to stay in time and trains your internal clock. It’s also a great way to track your progress. For example, I used to play scales at 90 beats per minute (BPM), and now I can play them cleanly at 120 BPM. That’s measurable progress!
6. Using Consistent Fingerings
One common mistake I see is using random fingerings. Using consistent fingerings helps build muscle memory, making your playing smoother and more reliable. Once your fingers “know” where to go, you can focus on speed and accuracy without getting confused.
For example, in my Duvet cover video, I used the same fingerings each time for the guitar solo. This consistency helps avoid mistakes, especially in faster songs.
7. Learning Something You Love
Learning something you love is crucial for staying motivated. It’s easy to get caught up in practicing scales and techniques, which are important, but it’s equally important to balance that with songs you enjoy playing.
When you enjoy what you’re learning, you’re more motivated, and the progress comes quicker. That, in turn, allows you to play more difficult pieces, creating a cycle of motivation and improvement.
These are the seven things I would have done differently if I could relearn the guitar. Can you relate to any of these tips? Let me know! I hope these insights help you avoid some common pitfalls and accelerate your progress.
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