Do You Know How to Play Guitar Notes... the right way?
Learn how to play guitar notes the right way in this easy guitar lesson. For the purpose of this lesson, guitar notes means how to properly press down on the strings. Are you here to learn how to read guitar notation or tablature instead? Click here to go to that page and find out how. Otherwise, stay here and learn some basic guitar playing skills.
This is important because that's how you get a good clear sound from your guitar. It doesn't matter if it's an electric guitar or acoustic guitar. You've probably noticed that when you play some of the basic guitar chords some of the notes(strings) don't ring.
Use the fleshy part of the fingertip. As you advance, you'll begin using other parts of your fingers. For now, keep it simple.
Do your best to keep all the joints in your fingers "arched" and strong. Don't allow them to flatten or collapse. See photo below.
Check that your fingers aren't stopping other strings from ringing - as best you can.
Keep your finger close to the fret that you are playing. If you're playing the 3rd fret, keep your finger close to the 3rd silver fret wire.
Be patient and persist. This will allow you to build the callous on your fingertips that you need. You'll also be developing more strength and control in the muscles of your fingers and hands.
Here's a fantastic guitar exercise to strengthen your fingers...
Press the 5th fret on string 1 (high "E") with you 1st finger. Pick the guitar note to get a clear sound.
As you keep you 1st finger down press down on the 6th fret with your 2nd finger. This is still on string 1 (high "E"). Pick the note.
As you keep your 1st finger AND your 2nd finger down, press on the 7th fret with your 3rd finger. Pick the note.
As you keep your 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers down press on the 8th fret with your 4th finger. Pick the note.
Are you ready to go backwards now? ;-)
Release your 4th finger and pick the note now being played by your 3rd finger.
Release your 3rd finger and pick the note now being played by your 2nd finger.
Release your 2nd finger and pick the note now being played by your 1st finger.
Additional Tips and Guitar Instruction
As you practice the exercise above, pick toward the floor (downstrokes). Do your best to keep your fingers no further than 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the guitar fretboard. You can also try moving the same exercise to the 2nd string then the 3rd string, etc. Remember to be patient while you build the necessary callous.
Callous is a thick protective layer of skin that comes with some experience playing the guitar. It helps guitarists to play guitar notes clearly and also protects their fingers.
In order to develop the callous on your fingers, play everyday. Even 5 minutes of practice on one basic guitar chord adds up :-) As you improve from regular practice, you'll be inspired to practice even more. Sounds good to me!
I hope you found this lesson on how to play guitar notes both enjoyable and helpful. If you're uncertain about anything, please contact me and I'll do my best to assist you.
