- It may not be easy, but it's definitely doable...
Need to learn how to play the guitar in 90 days or less? Or maybe you need to put together the basics even sooner – like within the next two or three weeks. Well, it’s not an impossible task. While you won’t become a master in this time, you can nail down the basics.
4 Ways to Learn Guitar Fast
The guitar is an interesting instrument in that it’s fairly easy to learn the basics, but it can take decades to truly master. In this sense, it’s both rewarding and frustrating. But it’s the challenge of mastering the guitar that keeps people coming back for more.
If you need to learn how to play guitar in a matter of weeks, you’ll have to be very intentional in your approach. Here are several suggestions for speeding up the process:
- Learn Basic String Anatomy
Everyone wants to jump into playing songs right away, but before you can do this, you have to get comfortable with basic string and guitar anatomy.
There are six strings on a traditional guitar. Moving from the top of the fretboard down to the bottom, they are as follows:
- Low E String
- A String
- D String
- G String
- Bg String
- High E String
As you move down the strings, the strings get thinner and the notes become higher. However, each string’s tone and pitch can be changed by putting pressure on different “frets” on the guitar.
- Learn Basic Chords
Songs are played using chords. The good news is that most songs are simply unique combinations of a few basic chords. If you want to learn how to quickly play guitar within a few weeks, you need to focus on mastering these basic chords:
- G Major
- C Major
- D Major
- A Major
- E Minor
- F Major
If you can play these five chords, you can play almost any song. (The basic version of the song, at least.) Over time, you’ll also want to add in B Major, B Minor, and barre chords. However, for now, the five chords above will get you to a nice intermediate skill level.
If you’re learning the electric guitar and want to play a lot of rock music, you’ll also want to master the basic power chords. (Good news – these are even easier to learn!)
To learn basic guitar chords, we recommend taking beginner guitar lessons online. This allows you to practice from the comfort of your own home (and at your own pace).
- Practice at Least 60 Minutes Per Day
You can’t learn guitar without practicing daily. In addition to improving your memory and coordination, regular practice helps build up calluses on your fingers. This makes it easier (and less painful) to play.
Please note that there’s a difference between practicing and playing. When you’re playing guitar, you’re sitting around and strumming your favorite tunes. When you’re practicing guitar, you’re focused on improving your skills. This is a dedicated time (ideally 60 to 90 minutes per day) where you focus on learning new chords, picking techniques, strum patterns, etc. The goal is to challenge yourself.
- Jam With Other Guitar Players
There’s no substitute for practicing on your own. This is where 90 percent of the work happens. However, there’s also some value in jamming with other guitar players who are a notch or two better than you.
When you play with others, you get to see and hear their unique approach. They might even give you some tips to help you improve your own skills. There’s also some added pressure of knowing that other people are listening. It forces you to play under pressure (albeit in a pretty safe environment).
If you’re still trying to master chords and transitions, here’s a good game to play:
- Grab your guitar and hold it like you’re ready to play.
- Have a friend call out a chord (like “C”) and play it as quickly as you can.
- As soon as you play that chord, have your friend call out another one (and so on).
- Gradually increase the speed at which chords are called out until they’re coming at a rate of roughly one per second.
- Continue until you’re no longer able to keep up.
This exercise forces you to make chord transitions that you might not otherwise perform if you’re only playing songs that you know. It’s also a great method for increasing your reaction time.
Ready, Set, Learn
With an ambitious goal of learning how to play guitar in just a few weeks, you don’t have much time to waste. Start playing as soon as you possibly can (and as much as you can). When it gets tough or frustrating, take a quick break and re-center yourself.
Remember that you don’t have to learn everything at once. Focus on one chord at a time. One song at a time. One technique at a time. And at the end of the day, remember that the goal of any practice session is progress – not perfection.