New Guitar? A Few Tips on How to Get Used To It…

Got Yourself a New Guitar? Here Are a Few Tips on How to Get Used To It…

Authored By: Natalie Landecker-Haywire Guest Author

There is a lot of excitement involved in getting a new guitar. This is why it can be such a disappointment when your instrument doesn’t feel the way you thought it would. Although it is a great piece of equipment, you might have trouble getting used to it. Of course, as a result, you will find that your sound begins to suffer as well.

Now, before you get discouraged and ditch the guitar, know that you are not alone. Even the best guitarists in the world had to take a while to get used to their new instruments. After all, there is a good chance that the new guitar has been designed differently from the one you are used to. So, with this in mind, here are the top tips to follow when you’re getting used to a new guitar:

Get It Set Up

There are quite a few myths out there about new guitars. A number of guitarists feel like a difficult-to-play instrument is a rite of passage and that eventually, the kinks will work themselves out. Others feel that if you haven’t paid a high enough price, then the poor playability is just part of the package. Well, if you are having trouble playing your new guitar, it is probably none of the above.

See, factory-manufactured guitars don’t really cater to individual players. This is why they need to be set up. So take your guitar to a professional who will be able to adjust the guitar neck, nut, and bridge for something more suitable for you. Not to mention, sorting out the guitar’s action and intonation will make it a lot easier to play as well.

Work on Your Posture

There was a specific way you held your old guitar. Since this posture has practically become muscle memory at this point, you are going to unconsciously try to hold the new instrument in this manner as well. However, as discussed, your current guitar is probably shaped, weighted, and designed a little differently. Therefore, your old posture may not work as well anymore.

In this instance, it is time to figure out how to hold your guitar so that it feels like an extension of yourself. This will involve you holding the instrument in different positions while playing. Of course, there is a good chance that these new positions are going to feel equally uncomfortable. Nevertheless, give yourself some time to become accustomed to them. If it really doesn’t feel like it’s working, move onto the next position.

Play Old Material

When you have a guitar that feels a bit uncomfortable, now is not the time to be trying out new material. Rather, stick with the songs you are most familiar with. For instance, are there a set of scales you feel like you can play blindfolded? If so, this is what you should play on the current instrument. By playing a piece of music that comes easily to you, moving your fingers across an unfamiliar landscape will be simpler rather than trying to tackle new songs.

Give Yourself Time

Last but certainly not least, you will need to give yourself time. Yes, in the beginning, it will feel strange and perhaps even downright uncomfortable. Your playing may sound rather mediocre as well. Despite this, it is important to continue practicing on the new guitar. Specifically, stay away from your old instrument for a while so that you give yourself the incentive to get used to the new one.

These are the main points to keep in mind when you play a new guitar. After a while, it will become second nature and you will forget all about your initial issues.

Author Bio:

Natalie Landecker grew up surrounded by music and guitars. So, it wasn’t surprising when she decided to pursue a lifelong passion for music. These days, she spends her time researching new artists, equipment, and trends in the music industry and sharing them with others.