So you want to learn electric guitar, huh? Is it because your favourite rock star looks so cool jamming on stage? Is it the prestige and confidence that comes with being able to say, "Yeah, I play electric guitar" to your friends? Alternatively, maybe you just want to challenge yourself by learning how to play music on an incredibly versatile instrument.
Whatever the reason for starting, there are five things that are essential for anyone picking up the guitar for the first time.
1. An electric guitar!
This is a bit obvious, but in order to learn how to play this instrument, you will actually need an electric guitar to practice on. No, a Guitar Hero guitar does not count!
You can get a decent electric guitar for 1 or 2 hundred pounds at any music store. The brand, quality and price will all depend on how serious of a player you want to be and the style of music you want to play.
2. Amplifier
Think of a guitar and amplifier as a married couple. The right pair will be able to enhance each other's strengths while the wrong pair will amplify (pun intended) their weakness.
For example, if you are a metal head and want to rock some Metallica-type sounds, then a Mesa Boogie amplifier paired with an ESP LTD guitar is a beautiful match. Playing a single-coil Fender Stratocaster through a Mesa Boogie amp hoping for the same? Not going to happen.
3. Metronome
A metronome is a device that helps you stay in time by making a "click" sound at various speeds. It is undeniable when you hear a guitar player who never practices with a metronome and using one, truly separates the wannabes and the pros.
If you really want to learn electric guitar, a metronome is a MUST. Drummers are not the only ones who need to be able to keep a steady rhythm!
4. Guitar picks
A guitar pick is a small, triangular-shaped piece of plastic (although there are metal picks as well) that is held between the fingers of your strumming hand and used to hit the strings so they can make a sound.
There are different thicknesses for different styles of playing. You can try out different widths and brands until you find the kind you like.
5.Guitar teacher
Last but not least is finding a good guitar teacher. I was "self-taught" for two years before I started taking lessons and I learned more in two months with my teacher than I had in the two years on my own. Yes, there are some amazing musicians out there who are self-taught and learn by ear. However, these people are the exception.
A good teacher can notice things that you may not be aware of in your own playing, and they can help dramatically improve your learning curve. As the saying goes, "You cannot see the picture when you are in the frame."
As with any new skill, learning how to play electric guitar will take time and patience. Just know it is an incredibly rewarding journey, and all you need to do is start!