How to Play Acoustic Guitar – 3 Beginners Guitar Tips

When you get the inspiration to take up the guitar you just want to pick the instrument up and get playing. If you are a beginner you want to know very quickly how to play acoustic guitar. I say acoustic guitar because that is by far the best way to start if you are just starting out. A classic guitar is not the same as a steel strung guitar. It is the steel strung type you want as you can more easily transfer your playing skills to electric guitar, classical guitar or other styles when you are ready.

Play guitar right handed

When you start you must start playing right handed. You will use both hands with equal complexity over time as you get good so it doesn’t matter that you learn right handed. I am left handed but couldn’t find anyone with a left handed guitar so i just learnt right handed. I admit that my left hand fret work and chord shapes come to me easy but that’s a benefit. Playing as a right hander will also give you a huge range of guitars to choose from.

Start with strumming the guitar

Instead of trying to play solo lead guitar from the start you should start with simple strumming with your right hand. While you are strumming with the right hand you can be learning and finding the chord shapes with the left hand. You need to have a good 20 chords memorised and safe before trying out something different with plucking and solo lead lines.

Learn the full chord versions

I never understand people who waste time with chords that only work for 3 or 4 strings. I know six string versions are harder but they sound better and you only have to do the learning once. You can then decide which parts of the chord you are going to play. At least you have all six possible tones to choose from.