John Pape Online Blog

Would you like to learn the play worship songs on the guitar like a pro?

This unique “play-as-you-watch” process is illustrated in vivid, yet simple, step-by-step detail in this Christ-centered
DVD course.

View an 8-minute audio for an overview and description of the program.  Most of the songs are familiar worship songs to most churches.

https://wgc.infusionsoft.com/go/wcgs/a83

7 Good Reasons To Learn To Play the Guitar
with Jean Welles’ Worship Guitar Class

1.  It Will Bring You Lifelong Enjoyment.
Playing provides a creative outlet, joy, and comfort.

2.  You Will Be Able To Be a Blessing to Others.   Play for and with others, with their take-anywhere instrument.

3.  You Can Use It To Worship the Lord.  “Praise Him with stringed instruments” (Psalm 150:4).

4.  You Can Experience Immediate Success.  No previous music background is necessary.

5.  You Can Learn in the Convenience of Your Own Home.   No need to spend time going out to lessons.

6.  You Can Start Anytime.  And at any age, it’s never too late to start!

7.  You Will Save Money.  Save hundreds of dollars compared to private lessons.

For more information visit:
https://wgc.infusionsoft.com/go/wcgs/a83

You can watch the first lesson free.

https://wgc.infusionsoft.com/go/wcgs/a83

If you are quite the enthusiast when it comes to musical instruments and you have your heart set on that beautiful guitar you saw last week, better start brushing on those fingers. There are some ways you can learn on how to become an excellent guitarist. But first, the basics.

First and foremost, you must have your own guitar. How can you learn to play without the proper instrument at hand? You have to determine first what type of guitar to play. Borrowing a guitar would be okay, but what if you can’t borrow it on a regular basis? Your training and practice will be hampered.

Then choose a particular song that you like, something that always sets you in the mood for a good vibe. Better yet, something inspiring. Inspiring enough to encourage you to try and play the chords over and over again.

Once you have decided on which particular song gets you going and yet you don’t have any idea on how to put on a tune, ask someone who has the knowledge in playing a guitar work it out for you. Let him read the tabs. If you don’t know how, let someone interpret it for you. Here, teamwork is essential. The same person may also be able to help you in determining which finger goes where to achieve the right sound.

A very good advice on learning is listening by heart. It doesn’t depend on the chords themselves but the musician. He creates a melody just by listening to every strum of his guitar.

Statistics show that almost 90% of those who plays the guitar admit they learned it the hard way. In fact, playing the guitar is quite harder than it looks like. It is by far easier to hear than to comprehend. Learning without some background or even a slight help from someone is difficult for a newbie.

If you can’t afford a personal instructor, might as well buy a book about the do’s and don’ts of learning a guitar. Aside from that, it would also be challenging on your part to guess where to put the most important finger on the most important string. Buy a step by step guide on acquiring the basic and most vital chords that usually appears on almost every song and melody.

Then you ask, do you still need a guide. It is necessary though. You need someone to listen to you. He or she must determine if your fingers are positioned in their proper places. A reference material or an online tutorial will surely be of big help but it won’t be able to hear if you’re out of tune or if you’re really playing on the right track. Call out for help and monitoring.

First, focus yourself on the basic chords and not the hard ones. Chords like G, E minor, C, A minor, D are easier to work on. There are varieties of songs which contain only these chords. Mastering your fingers to change strings every change of tempo enables a beginner to develop a faster pace.

Take your time. A lot of great guitarists acquired the skill only after a long period of time. Apply no pressure on yourself. Be patient when you’re not getting it right. The trick in learning is to create a positive attitude.

When playing any musical instrument, you need to learn how to play the notes. If you want to play any instrument, you have to have one and this is especially true if you want to play a guitar. The notes are played on the guitar’s fret board. Learn to play guitar notes now and you too can conquer the guitar’s fret board.

You don’t have to be scared of the fret board. Even if it seems that it’s hard to learn the notes, if you really want to learn how to play the guitar, this should not discourage you.

Playing the very first songs on your guitar will be easier if you know the notes on the first guitar string. On this string, there are three notes – E, F (first fret), and G (third fret). The second string is B, C (first fret), and D (third fret). Now that you know the notes, you have to conduct some exercises. Slowly play these notes and make sure that you concentrate to learn notes well.

You don’t have to say all the notes out loud when you’re practicing. You can do this inside your mind and then slowly play them. You must know the notes as well as their names, and most especially their sounds. Know them by heart. You can start by playing simply melodies like that of nursery rhymes.

After mastering the notes on the first two strings, you have to proceed on the third string. G is the open string and the other note is A (second fret). When you know these notes already, start playing them together with the other notes you’ve learned previously. Again, you must stick with simple songs. You don’t have to work on all the notes at once. Try to master each of the notes and learn them consciously. Even small children can learn guitar notes easily. Follow these steps and in no time, you can play the notes on the guitar.

Learning to play guitar notes will be very hard if you don’t have your own guitar. You can’t depend entirely on the music sheets that you have. You have to hear the notes being played on the guitar’s fret board. Many beginners fail to learn because they don’t have guitars on their hands. Once you learn the notes, you can now read advanced music guitar sheets.

Everyone knows nursery rhymes and even if you’re all grown up, you still know these songs. It will be a lot easier to learn the notes by using these simple songs. Once you master and memorize the notes, you can now play the songs that you like.

Guitar notes are not really hard to learn as long as you know what to do. You don’t need an expert teacher in order to learn these things. You can teach yourself these note lessons by using DVD programs or internet guitar programs. You can also use an instruction book. Still, if you can afford the expensive guitar teachers, you can always hire them. But let this serve as a reminder, no matter how good your teacher is, if you don’t have the right attitude in learning, you will not learn anything.

You see, guitar playing is like the lessons that you learn in school. You must know the notes by heart, you have to be motivated and you must be persistent.

Learning to Play the Chords

To learn reading the chords of a guitar, one must have the basic knowledge on what a chord is and how is it produced.

Introduction

A chord is a set of tones producing a melody and is played on a guitar. The chords of a guitar can be made up of different notes that are played one string at a time whether doing it on a plucking or strumming method. Chords are played with two or three notes, can be more than. Some are played with only one note.

Categorically, there two kinds of chords – minor and major. And the basic primary chords herewith are the C,A,G,E,D or CAGED. If you are new on playing the guitar, mastering the CAGED pattern must be the first and foremost thing you should do. A lot of artists who mastered these basic chords confessed that it paved the way for easy manipulation of the other difficult chords.

Reading a Diagram

The very basic thing that you should know when learning the chords have to be learning on how to read the chord chart or chord diagram. Without these, you’ll be left in a dilemma.

A chord diagram is an illustration with instructions on how to play a particular chord. To be able to achieve a successful guitar manipulation, there should be a good interpretation of each chord stated in the diagram and the musician must read it in the most accurate way.

Following the CAGED pattern

Imagine yourself looking at a guitar. Now put your attention at the fret board. You’ll notice that a whole fret board is composed of 6 strings attached to it. Well, not basically “attached” but on top of it. These strings are the ones making it possible to produce the chords and melody. If you’re going to focus on fingering first, might as well memorize the different chords produced in every fret. There are five basic and easy chords that will enhance you to learn other harder chords.

Troubleshooting

Oftentimes a lot of beginners complain how sore their fingers are after finishing one session with their guitar, its a normal reaction. You should be surprised if you’re not hurting even a bit, this means that you’re not playing it right. The proper way to carry out fingering is pressing your fingertips hard enough on the strings. When you notice that there is a buzzing sound or the echo is not going the way it should sound, try to press harder on the strings.

Tips

1) Cut those long fingernails. They will make it difficult for you to press the strings correctly.

2) Don’t let your fingers lie down while playing for they tend to mute some strings. This is the most common mistake done by newbies.

3)Be sure that your fingertips are the ones that are in contact with the strings and not the place where fingerprints are taken. Maintain the straight arch. Aside from the fact that this is exhausting, this is also painful and difficult but will pay off as soon as calluses are produced.

4) Remember that you should press the notes altogether. Make sure that no strings must be left out.

5) Practice. Memorize each chord pattern.

6) Don’t rush yourself. If you do, it’ll just frustrate you if you don’t get it. Choose songs that are easier to play.

Here are some tips to help you learn on how to become an excellent guitarist.  But first, the basics.

Get a Guitar

First and foremost, you must have your own guitar.  This may seem obvious, but it is by far the most important element in learning to play guitar.   How can you learn to play without the proper instrument at hand? You have to determine first what type of guitar to play. Borrowing a guitar would be okay, but what if you can’t borrow it on a regular basis? Your training and practice will be hampered.

Pick a Song

Then choose a particular song that you like, something that always sets you in the mood for a good vibe. Better yet, something inspiring. Inspiring enough to encourage you to try and play the chords over and over again.

Get someone to help you.

Once you have decided on which particular song gets you going and yet you don’t have any idea on how to put on a tune, ask someone who has the knowledge in playing a guitar work it out for you. Let him read the tabs. If you don’t know how, let someone interpret it for you. Here, teamwork is essential. The same person may also be able to help you in determining which finger goes where to achieve the right sound.

Listen to the song

A very good advice on learning is listening by heart. It doesn’t depend on the chords themselves but the musician. He creates a melody just by listening to every strum of his guitar.

Statistics show that almost 90% of those who plays the guitar admit they learned it the hard way. In fact, playing the guitar is quite harder than it looks like. It is by far easier to hear than to comprehend. Learning without some background or even a slight help from someone is difficult for a newbie.

If you can’t afford a personal instructor, might as well buy a book about the do’s and don’ts of learning a guitar. Aside from that, it would also be challenging on your part to guess where to put the most important finger on the most important string. Buy a step by step guide on acquiring the basic and most vital chords that usually appears on almost every song and melody.

Then you ask, do you still need a guide. It is necessary though. You need someone to listen to you. He or she must determine if your fingers are positioned in their proper places. A reference material or an online tutorial will surely be of big help but it won’t be able to hear if you’re out of tune or if you’re really playing on the right track. Call out for help and monitoring.

Learn basic chords

First, focus yourself on the basic chords. Chords like C, F, G, A minor, E minor, and D will take you a long way . There are varieties of songs which contain only these chords. Mastering your fingers to change strings every change of tempo enables a beginner to develop a faster pace.

Skill takes time

Take your time. A lot of great guitarists acquired the skill only after a long period of time. Apply no pressure on yourself. Be patient when you’re not getting it right. The trick in learning is to create a positive attitude.

Here are some of the numerous tips to help you learn to play your guitar. All you need is a pick, a guitar, and a lot of patience. Well, a couple of manuals, songbooks or other resources will help, as well as many internet sites.

Get in tune

First, you have to make sure that your guitar is properly tuned. Nobody would dare listen to a complete mess. If you don’t know how, find someone who knows.

Search for resources to help you

You can choose from the wide variety of resources. You could search for a private teacher, go online, or settle on being alone with your references like books and manuals.

Examples of private tutors are those whom you know…

• friends
• neighbors
• your relatives or
• someone who is paid.

An online opportunity is endless. Some sell you copies of their video recorded lectures others are on the spot. Still, your choice.

Get in the right environment

Find the right spot to play in. It has to be comfortable. Your guitar must be supported, if not by your thighs. Hold it steady maintaining your right hand on the strings just above the sound hole and the left hand on the fretboard.

Listen to the music

Now, a lot of suggestions were implied by numerous guitarists who had your position once before, a beginner. They suggested that, above everything else, you have to use those two organs hanging on the side of your head just below your temporal lobe, your ears. Right.

Of course you have to use other important senses, like your eyes. That would be a very positive view. But what about those who are blind? Haven’t it occurred to you that at some way they have mastered the art of playing a guitar without even seeing what it looks like. They just follow their instincts and feel the chords. Yes, they listen.

Listening. One of the most effective ways of learning.

Remember you’re handling a guitar. It doesn’t require any of those extra contraptions just to make music work. You need more than an amplifier to change your voltage of music current.  All you need to do is effectively listen to the melody and determine whether you’re getting the tunes right.

Learn basic chords

In the event that practicing goes wrong and absolutely mystified, you could always go back to the drawing board. Memorize the chords. The emphasis on your memorization must be on the basic. The C, F, G, Am, Em, D, E and A chords are considered as the building blocks to your bountiful success in guitar playing. Not only are these chords easier to achieve but they are included in most of the songs played nowadays.

Keep on practicing with these basic chords. Try it without looking. That would be able to help you figure out if you’re strumming the wrong way. Feel your strings tremble and stop. You have to take control of your music.

Guitars come in shapes and styles.  Trying to choose one can be confusion.  In this post I hope I’m able to help you with making an informed decision when selecting a guitar.

To start with here are some question to ask yourself.

• What is your taste in music?
• Do you liket Rock, Country, Folk, or Alternative?
• Are you the moody type?
• Are you alternative type?
• Are you more on the jazzier side or just plainly characterized by the Spanish feel?
• Choosing the right guitar depends on the kind of music you listen to or appreciate.

Every beginner has some confusion in selecting the finest guitar they could posses.  To get over with the hassle, below are some tips on picking the best type of guitar that would fit your desire for melody and tune:

1. Reflect on your music.

This is by for the most important issue that you need to consider.  In fact, it is the music that we listen to that influences us to play something. When you hear the strumming of a guitar, do you consider yourself  listening to the lighter side of things or more on the hard core part?  The music that you listen to is the very basis of your choice.

2. Check your budget.

There is a variety of guitars ranging from cheap to expensive.  You could pay as little as $50 to several thousand dollars to obtain a guitar.  A lot of the cost will be in relationship to quality and reputation of the brand you choose.  How much would it cost? Is it worth the savings? Try to question your better judgment on how to determine a cheap yet good guitar. If you have a limited amount on your hand, go with the one that matches your money. Don’t settle with something you love yet the price isn’t that friendly. But if you saw something that made your heart melt, and you’d really, really, really like to have it, ask someone who works inside, a salesperson, perhaps, who could help you work out on something, like paying for it on an installment basis. Good communication results in better understanding.

3. Decide on the type of features that your guitar would have.

Once you have gathered your resources, specifically financial resources, it’s time for you to get your hands on that guitar you’ve set your eyes for months. With a wide variety of guitars nowadays it’s hard to determine whether you have made a good choice, from electric, acoustic or classical, and so much more to choose from. Most beginners elaborate more on the tone, while others side with the style.

Still, if you can’t decide between two great choices, have a friend who is adept on playing a guitar accompany you and let him determine which one would be more appropriate. Never be secluded on your decisions.

4. Choose between acoustic or electric.

There are two sides when choosing which is which. The pros and the cons are oftentimes weighed. Compared to an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar is easier to operate but is more complicated with all those strings attached and buttons to push. Once you play an electric guitar, you need to buy other equipments like an amplifier, cable and pick.

The only disadvantage with an acoustic guitar is that it is harder to manipulate than that of the electric guitar. Aside from that, it is the most advisable type of guitar to play with. No picks needed. You can play with it just by strumming the tip of your fingers on its strings. And, it’s cheaper than an electric guitar.

Some of the top guitar brands are in no particular order:

• Gibson
• Dean
• Epiphone
• Martin
• Taylor

Now that you have your options, start deciding on what you think will suite you. Choosing is not difficult but you have to consider a lot of principles.