Learn How to Play Easy Guitar Songs - 6 Fundamental Steps to Learning a Song

To learn how to play easy guitar songs, it doesn't take a lot of prior knowledge about the instrument, but what it will take is plenty of practice and repetition on your part. Even easy guitar songs are difficult to play, but that's only if you lack the motivation and ambition to work to the end.

Think about this. If you work on one little part at a time instead of taking in the problem all at once, the task at hand appears much simpler. So, to help you organize your chords, riffs, frets, strings and everything else involved, here's 6 simple steps to learning a song on the guitar.

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1. Understand its difficulty level and how much learning it requires. The first piece of the puzzle is to pick a tune that you know is in your difficulty level. If a song contains any riffs that are for professional soloists, hold off on them until later. Try to attempt a song that has four chords at the maximum and doesn't have a very fast tempo.

2. Learn the base chords of the tune. You can learn how to play easy guitar songs of any kind, but the foundation of it all centers around the chords. Get on to some tablature sites and learn what the correct fingerings are. When you're sure you have a correct posting, strum each chord in order while paying attention to details like posture and keeping track of the fret markings.

3. Practice the transitions and rhythm of how the chords fit together. The chords might be easy to play, but the rhythms and transitions are where you usually get tripped up. The best thing to do is to switch between the chords over and over until your fingers adapt to the movement.

4. Drill through the song with a metronome while increasing the tempo appropriately. Every guitarist should own a metronome in one form or another and if you don't have a physical one you can actually use a virtual metronome through a search on Google. The idea is to learn how to play easy guitar songs but within the constraints of a tempo. Set the bpm on the tempo to something slow and then increase it gradually as you find playing along with it beginning to simplify.

5. Focus on the details and be meticulous. What separates a good guitarist from a great guitarist is the attention to detail. Of course, it's very important to have your eye on the big picture, but the more detail-oriented you can be with these songs the better. Take this step to clean up bad transitions, fix your hand posture, and to nail all the riffs exactly how they are supposed to be played.

6. Repeat the tune until you can go from start to finish without hesitation. If you're deathly afraid of messing up on stage then you definitely need to go through this step. It's quite simple really. You repeat the song until you can do it without stopping, hesitating, or making a mistake. Wanting to learn how to play easy guitar songs is all about getting to this point.

Learn How to Play Easy Guitar Songs - 6 Fundamental Steps to Learning a Song

Really, it can be tough and sometimes you can't think of it as guitar playing made easy for everyone, but there are tons of effective tools to improve your skills. One of the popular ones is Jamorama. Check out this review on Jamorama to hear what you can expect.

Learn Guitar Fast Online

To learn guitar fast online is very possible through a little research. Saving money by taking lessons online can be a proven method with fast results. With all the books out there you need to find a publication that is well rounded, and has all the pieces of the puzzle in one nice easy to understand step by step package. Online lessons save you time and money, and you have them to use when your schedule allows, and for years to come. Yes you are going to have to have self-motivation to practice that's with traditional or online lessons.

Guitar players practice wither you are a beginner, intermediate, or even advance player. Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Well, with the speed of the internet, just about everything is being made quick and easy. Students can go to school online and receive a degree in less time and now you can learn guitar fast online. It's all done at your own pace, so the whole process is completely convenient for you. Then it's in a private setting - in your own home, so you can have full concentration on your lessons. No classroom or set log-in times, so you can do everything when you want to. Most programs are created by a professional guitarist and teacher. It is important that you play it smart when looking around for the best guitar lessons online. Don't only settle for a program because it has good tracks, but see what their testimonials have to say. Make sure to take your time and browse around to make sure this is something you really want to do.

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Tablature is a good way to learn guitar for beginners. After understanding how to read tablature, go online for easy guitar tablature and pick a familiar song and practice playing it. You will be amazed at how easily you can pick-up, and read tablature, even while it takes a bit of a time to familiarize yourself to read and play guitar tablature. Listening to a song while you are trying to learn it makes it a little easier to learn. Learning the guitar using tablature makes it quite a bit more fun. It won't take long to learn a few songs, and you will be able to play them for your friends and family, or while you're alone so you can enjoy them just for yourself and your own relaxation.

Learn Guitar Fast Online

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Major Scale Patterns on the Guitar Fretboard

Guitar players play melodies, riffs, lead guitar solos and bass lines using major scale patterns. The notes of these patterns cover the whole fretboard. To learn the whole scale template, players break it up into smaller pieces. This article will discuss how this is done and address common issues concerning scale patterns, fingering options, alternate picking and transposing to new keys. With this information, you'll be on your way to successfully using and applying major scale patterns, which is necessary in order to develop a strong knowledge of guitar theory.

Major Scale Patterns

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When learning the major scale, it's necessary to break up the notes into positions or patterns. Usually this is done with five pieces but some players prefer seven. It really doesn't matter whether 5 or 7 patterns are used as long as the whole guitar fretboard is covered. Also, don't think of patterns as separate scales. They're not. They're just the same notes in different positions.

You can find major scale pattern diagrams by going to Google.com and searching "major scale patterns." Many web sites will come up that have pattern illustrations available for free. Major scale patterns are also drawn out in many instructional guitar theory books such as Fretboard Theory and Fretboard Logic.

Memorizing the Patterns

Major scale patterns should be learned one at a time. Visualize the pattern on the fret board and play up and down it until it's completely memorized. It's not necessary to start or end on the root of the scale, but rather just be sure to touch on every note available in a given position.

Major Scale Fingerings

Contrary to what is often taught, there are no correct or perfect fingerings for major scale patterns. With that being said, there still are some bad habits that should be avoided. Never do something silly like play through a whole pattern with only one or two fingers (unless you want look and sound like a hack). You've got four fingers so you might as well use them. Work on getting three or four fingers involved. Also, don't shift your hand but rather leave it set and then reach with your fingers. You may need to position your thumb behind the neck of the guitar so that you can spread your fingers and play with the tips.

It's good to settle on an effect fingering that works for you and then use it consistently as you practice, but you'll no doubt use other fingerings when you start actually playing music. For example, techniques such as slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and bends may require you to use your fingers differently.

Alternate Your Pick

Don't spend your practice time reinforcing negative habits. For example, plunking through the scale entirely with downstrokes. Instead, be sure to alternate your pick as you rehearse the scale patterns. This is a good way to kill two birds with one stone because you can develop your alternate picking technique while you master the scale patterns.

To sharpen your picking technique, choke up on the pick, keep your hand planted on the guitar body and alternate continuously without skipping or repeating any strokes. Your right hand should rest just above the string you're picking. As your right hand moves across the strings, it should slide over and rest upon the strings that are not being played in order to keep them quiet.

Reference Chords

Every time you learn something new on the fret board you should try to peg it to something familiar. This trick can really help you to develop a good working knowledge of music theory especially when applying guitar theory to the fret board. This pegging idea can be put to good use with major scales by associating each pattern to a reference chord. For example, patterns one and four can be played right around common barre chords. Other patterns can be associated with barre chords derived from the CAGED chord system. If you know how to navigate the fretboard with chord forms, and you link these forms to major scale patterns, then you'll be able to instantly jump into the major scale from any chord or any position. Google search the "CAGED Template Chord System" to learn more about chord forms on the guitar fretboard.

How Major Scale Patterns Connect

After you have completely memorized a pattern you can move positions and start on the next. With each new pattern you complete, be sure to go back and review the others that came before it. This process should be continued until the whole guitar neck is covered. Then you can practice connecting the patterns in both directions across the neck. For example, connect pattern one to pattern two, two to three, three to four, four to five, and then reverse your direction by connecting pattern five back into pattern four, four into three, three into two, and two into one. There may even be room to continue moving backward by connecting the original pattern one back into pattern five and so on until you reach the open strings. Don't forget that these open string can be used too.

As you move across the fretboard try to focus on how a portion of each pattern is reused in the neighboring position. Visualizing how these pieces connect is critical to navigating the fretboard, mixing and matching music elements, and understanding guitar music theory.

Playing Major Scales in Different Keys

Once you use all the patterns to cover the entire fretboard in one key you can transpose and play in a new key by simply shifting everything to a new starting position. Don't let the fret numbers throw you off in the new key. Instead, focus your attention on the pattern shapes and fingerings. Connect all the patterns in a new key until the fretboard runs out or it's not possible to play any higher. Don't forget about the area of the neck before pattern one begins. You may be able to fit in a pattern five there, possibly more. Continue this process until all twelve keys are covered. Then you'll surely have the patterns down pat!

More Guitar Lessons to Come

More guitar lessons will be added soon including great ways to practice and helpful ways to begin applying the major scale to music and songs. This information is needed in order to complete the major scale learning process, and develop a deeper understanding of guitar theory

Guitar Theory Podcast and Major Scales

To find and listen to free audio lessons on the major scale and music theory go to iTunes or TalkShoe.com and search "guitar theory" or "Desi Serna."

Major Scale Patterns on the Guitar Fretboard

Play Until Your Fingers Bleed!

Mr. Desi Serna (Google me!)

Author of Fretboard Theory

http://www.Guitar-Music-Theory.com

Scales, Chords, Progressions, and More

Guitar For Beginners - Basic Music Theory - Key Signatures

Sooner or later, almost every beginning guitarist develops the desire to progress. Many are confused with regard to direction. In other words, many ponder their educational path. With so much information available, it's no wonder that the world of guitar playing begins to seem more like a giant puzzle rather than a well defined musical highway.

Here's a question to ponder. When is a beginner no longer a beginner? Is there some secret ceremony that is conducted by the guitar spirits thus, presenting one with a certificate proclaiming that an intermediate guitar player has now entered the room? Is there a local college professor who proclaims one an intermediate player due to his/her subjective view on levels of musicianship? Perhaps there is. Perhaps there is not. Are there actually levels of musicianship? In short, yes. However, this concept is nothing to be concerned with at this stage of the game. Let's just drop the labels and progress.

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More than likely, many guitarists are left to progress on their own. Many cannot attend college or an institute geared for the guitarist. However, progressing doesn't mean that one has to enroll in the local university. Today, there are great guitarists who have never set foot in a music classroom. By the way, many of them are generating millions and millions of dollars as a result of their own personal progress on the guitar. This is great news. Just think for a moment, personal progress without judgment, labels, or a time frame. This is a winning proposition for all.

For purposes of this article, it is presumed that you have already learned and are playing a few guitar scales, some simple guitar chords (perhaps some difficult guitar chords), and have been learning some of your favorite songs. In other words, you're relatively satisfied with your progress thus far. Further, you've developed some good facility and mechanical strength. You're no longer clumsy on the guitar. You're ready to truly progress.

Educating one's self regarding key signatures is a great place to start. Knowledge of key signatures is essential to one's understanding of tonality (tonal centers, etc.). Think of it this way, without knowing what notes, tones, or chords actually belong to any particular tonality, how can one play the guitar freely without creating a musical train wreck? Guessing is a fool's game. Knowing is a winner's game.

Can millions be made without knowledge of key signatures or music theory? The answer is yes. However, one would have to surround him/herself with very knowledgeable musicians in the recording studio and in creative sessions. The rich and famous can afford this type of luxury. I'm betting that most cannot. Education is a beautiful thing folks. Why risk an entire career based on a roll of the dice? Don't guess at music, know it.

For those who are not willing to bank on fame and fortune, let's get started on some explanations regarding key signatures. First, there are fifteen major key signatures. Certain key signatures employ sharp signs (#), and some employ flat signs (b). Now, I have no intention at this juncture to itemize every key signature for you in this article. However, I will give you a few tips on tonality and recognition of key signatures. The rest will be an assignment for you to complete.

The first example we'll study is the key of C major, also referred to as the key of no sharps, no flats. The key of C major does not contain any sharp signs or flat signs. All of the notes are natural. Taking this one step further, each and every major scale represents its own respective major key signature. For example, by reciting the notes contained in the C major scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C), we discover all of the notes contained in the key of C major. Any other note, is considered chromatic (does not belong) to the key of C major. For those who are interested, any major scale (Ionian) contains half steps between the 3rd and 4th degrees and also between the 7th and 8th degrees of the major scale. This is the specific criteria for a major scale.

There is a specific order in which sharps or flats are entered into a key signature. In short, there is an order of sharps and an order of flats. The order of sharps is F-C-G-D-A-E, and B. The order of flats is B-E-A-D-G-C, and F. The order for each is always from left to right. For example, the key of G major is also referred to as the key of one sharp. In other words, we know that the key of G major contains one sharp sign. What note is going to be sharp? Look at the order of sharps. We match the number of letters (notes) from the order of sharps to the number of symbols contained in the key signature.

Since the key of G major contains one sharp sign, only one note will be sharp (look at the order of sharps). Because we always enter the order of sharps from left to right, what is the first letter (note) that we run in to? F is the answer. Therefore all F's will be sharp in the key of G major. Therefore, the diatonic notes (notes that belong) contained in the G major scale are G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G. Notice that the F note is sharp. Hence, we now know exactly what notes belong to the key of G major.

The key of D major is also known as the key of two sharps. What two notes will be sharp in the key of two sharps (D major)? Look to the order of sharps. What are the first two letters (notes) in the order of sharps? Looking from left to right at the order of sharps, we discover that all F's and C's will be sharp in the key of D major (key of two sharps). We matched the number of notes in the order of sharps to the number of symbols (sharp signs) contained in the key signature. Two sharp signs, two notes from the order. Therefore, the D major scale is D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D. Once again, we've discovered all of the diatonic notes for the key of D major.

Do key signatures that employ flat signs work any differently? The answer is no. The same principle applies. For example, the key of F major is also referred to as the key of one flat. Look at the order of flats. Which note, in the key of F major is flat? That's right, B. Therefore, the F major scale contains the notes F-G-A-Bb-C-D-E-F. All B's are flat. Now, let me explain why key signatures will play such an important role in your career as a guitarist.

Imagine walking on to a stage with some other very talented musicians. Suddenly, you're in formed that you're to solo in the key of six sharps. The next thing you hear is the drummer clicking off the tempo.

As a guitarist, it's your job to know where every single note, diatonic to the key of six sharps, is on the ENTIRE fingerboard. What if this was your big opportunity to audition for the band of your dreams? At this point, all of the fancy guitar videos, that just teach a few licks and tricks, will not help you. A good and solid foundation in guitar theory (music theory) will.

The necessity for knowing (not guessing) just gets deeper and deeper, depending upon your goals as a guitarist. Whether your goal is to perform, record, arrange, produce, release CD's, or to play backyard BBQ's. The more you know about the guitar and music theory, the better you'll become as a guitarist. Once again, this is a winning proposition.

The real challenge for most guitarists, is locating a guitar curriculum that really puts it all together. Once one locates the means to the end, the journey will be as it should be; enjoyable.

© 2008 Michael E. Fletcher. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Guitar For Beginners - Basic Music Theory - Key Signatures

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