So you've decided you want to play the acoustic guitar. What are the first things you need to do to get off to a good start with your guitar playing? Let's start with the most important things, like what kind of music will I be playing. Do I want to play guitar for a living? What kind of amplifier do people who play the acoustic guitar use, and what kind of strings work best for what kind of music?
After we've talked about these things, you'll have a clear idea of how to move forward with your guitar playing.
So, what songs are you going to play on your acoustic guitar? What kind of music made you want to play the acoustic guitar in the first place should be your guide here. Folk music is the type of acoustic music that most people think of first. In the 1960s, this style of music became very popular, and now there is a huge amount of material for you to choose from. Many musicians who want to sing ballads choose to play the acoustic guitar because it's so easy to pick up and start playing. As long as your guitar is in tune, that is. But in general, the acoustic guitar is a great accompaniment for a ballad singer because it won't get in the way of your voice.
While we're talking about repertoire, don't forget that the acoustic guitar is perfect for making your own simple arrangements of popular songs from many different styles. "Layla" by Eric Clapton and "Light My Fire" by The Doors, which Jose Feliciano changed into an acoustic ballad, are two examples of rock and roll songs that became hits again when they were played on an acoustic guitar.
To make sure your audience can hear you, you can either play your guitar into a microphone like classical or flamenco guitarists do, or you can use a pickup and an amplifier. The best way to figure out which amp to use is to try out different ones and talk to other guitarists who have used them before. Most of the time, you wouldn't need any effects for acoustic guitar music. It just needs to be loud enough to be heard in a restaurant or hall. So just remember that you want your amp to have a nice, clear sound that will help your vocals stand out, not one that will compete with them.
For a beginner acoustic guitarist, it's clear which strings to choose. Learn on nylon strings until your fingers are strong enough for steel strings. During the first few weeks of playing, calluses will form on the tips of your fingers. After that, you can start playing a steel string guitar without cutting your fingers. When it comes to how the different kinds of strings sound, nylon strings have a soft, unobtrusive sound, while steel strings have a sharper sound that gets people's attention. This can make your voice sound better and give you the option to sing solos if you want to.
Now that you know about the basics, all you have to do is enjoy your journey as an acoustic guitar player.
