Today I have something special for guitar players who take their progress seriously. This is especially geared toward players who are just getting into acoustic guitar, or who’ve been playing electric for a while but want to go acoustic.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make it easier to play acoustic guitar. You could call this a ‘survival guide’. These tips are valuable, even if you’ve been playing acoustic guitar for a while. I’ve broken them up into two main categories:
1. Tips for acoustic guitar gear:
Get your guitar professionally set up
Go down a string gauge if you need to
Always carry extra strings
Always have a tuner with you
Always carry extra batteries for both your guitar (if it has electronics) and your tuner
Use a variety of pick thicknesses
Get (and use) a capo
2. Tips for acoustic guitar playing technique:
Learn at least two keys to start with a capo
If you are new, start with 8 fundamental open chords
Learn partial bar chords
Learn the simple downstroke strumming pattern
Learn DDUUDU (a classic strumming pattern)
Learn basic fingerpicking patterns (like the one in “Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol”)
Learn how to accompany yourself with melodies on top
Learn complete songs
Check out the video for all of the playing examples!
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