I’ve been teaching music for the last 10 years now, and one of the most important aspects of learning to play the guitar is having the right size guitar. Did you know you can buy 1/2 size and 3/4 size guitars?
Ok, so maybe you knew that, but how do you determine the correct size for your child? The best indication is arm-length to fretboard length (the neck of the guitar). The student’s arm should not have to reach very far to be able to play the first 3 frets. Use your best judgment to determine the correct size.
If the student can’t reach (or struggles to reach) the first few frets, then the guitar is too big.
However, it is equally important to not have a guitar that’s too small!
Recently one of my students had a growth spurt and still has his 3/4 size guitar. Well, it’s small enough that it is constantly falling off of his leg (where the guitar rests) and he has difficulty sitting up straight because of it. This of course affects his playing, technique, confidence, and willingness to practice.
If you’re still not sure what size guitar to buy, go to your local music store and ask them to size a guitar for your child.
Much Respect,
Andrew
The Musician’s Toolbox
Setting up your guitar’s action means adjusting the height of the strings off of the fretboard. Why do you need to set up your guitar? Because it will make your guitar easier to play, improve your confidence, your “feel” of the instrument, and it will allow you to practice for longer periods of time.
If the action of your guitar is too high, your strings are likely too spring-like. Do you feel like it takes an uncomfortable amount of pressure to press down your strings? You need to have your guitar set up.
Call your local music shop. Ask if they have a tech there who can “set up” your guitar. It might cost a few bucks, but it will be cheaper than buying a new guitar, and you will be investing into your practicing habits. Remember: “Perfect Practice Makes Perfect.”
Don’t worry, it’s not major surgery. Likely what the tech will do is adjust the torsion rod in the neck (if your guitar’s neck is bowed at all, the metal rod inside will help straighten it out), adjust the height and intonation of the bridge, and inspect the other elements that contribute to a good feel.
Take care of your stuff, invest in your practice habits, and get your guitar set up. You’ll be happy you did.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
Using a music stand while you practice will improve your posture (no more slouching and straining your neck to look down at your music) by bringing your sheet music or guitar tabs to eye-level. The music stand is often the most overlooked tool in a beginning guitar player’s er…. toolbox… (ahem).
What good is practicing your music without good lighting? Get a clip on light for your music stand, and save your eyes the trouble. Why make it more difficult for yourself than you have to?
You’ll be glad you invested in a music stand, trust me. You’ll be able to practice for longer periods of time because you won’t be slouching (hopefully) and getting all worn out like a lazy sack of potatoes. And we all know that perfect practice makes perfect, and that there is no substitute for diligent practice.
Wait… you knew that, right?
The Musician’s Toolbox
No one’s going to practice the guitar for you. And there’s no magical button to press that will make you into an enchanted guitar elf with magical guitar elf skills. (Sorry, been playing too many video games). Ahem…
Learn to play your guitar by actually practicing. What a thought. Everyone else will tell you that all you have to do is this “trick” here, or just subscribe to my “I’ll Make You A Guitar Hero In 10 Minutes” blog.
Oh, Please.
That kind of advertising may have worked on our parents, but not us. We know better. Yes, Yes, we KNOW it actually takes work to get good at something. Just look at the Karate Kid. Man, did that guy have it rough for a few months. But you know what, that Crane Kick move was pretty epic, and he got the girl. How?
Practice.
Alright, so, here I am, yelling it from the rooftops, and there’s only one thing left for you to do. Stop surfing the mindless web (except of course for when you read our fabulous blog to get a kick in the, well, motivational area…) and go practice for a half an hour.
You’ll get better if you do.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
Wow, that sounds really wise, like an old Chinese proverb or something. Well, it might be, but it’s the starting point from which you will really start to see progress. Here’s the practical side of practicing “better.”
1.) Where you practice is important, so limit your distractions. If you’re not concentrating, you’re not going to make progress.
2.) It’s better to practice 15-30 minutes a day for 5-6 days a week than it is to practice 2 hours only one day a week. Why, you ask? Because it’s the repetition that builds confidence, muscle memory, and accuracy.
3.) Use a metronome or a drum loop of some kind while you practice your warm-ups, scales, guitar chords, etc. Learning to keep a consistent beat will take you far, and you can’t do it with just your imagination.
4.) Keep your guitar tuned at all times. Don’t be lazy with your tuning! Why, you ask? Because you’re building your listening skills as you practice whether you know it or not. Train your brain to hear the notes in tune! Your band will thank you later.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
