The Bend

I recently wrote about learning simple guitar techniques for those of you learning guitar.  In that article I taught you how to Hammer On and also how to Flick Off.  I hope you gave these techniques a try.  I also posted a video showing how these are done.  If you are still finding it difficult, don't give up, once you master it, you will find it very easy.  So just keep on practising, you'll get there.
Another technique for you to try is called The Bend. This is achieved by playing a note then bending the string until you reach a higher note or 2 or 3.
Lets try placing your ring finger on the 2nd string 7th fret.  Play that note, once you play it Bend the string in an upwards direction and the note will go higher.  You can also use your other fingers to help bend the string.
Another technique is the Bend/Release.  This is achieved by Bending the string as we did previously and then simply releasing the Bend.  This will make three notes.  The original note, the Bent note and the Released note.
Try the Bend, Bend/Release on different strings and different positions on the fretboard. You will find it easier to bend the lighter strings rather than the heavier ones, so stick with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings for now.
The best tip for any guitar player whether a beginner or even one of the great guitar players of the world is practice.
If you want to get off to a great start playing guitar try Jamorama.

Guitar Techniques

If you want to increase your ability as a guitar player there are some simple techniques you should practice. The best guitar players in the world use these techniques you should give them a try too.

I find that being able to create a variety of sounds from my guitar gives me a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I can implement these techniques when improvising (making it up as I go.)

One technique is called the HAMMER-ON. This is achieved by picking the first note then hammering say two frets up.

Lets try putting your index finger on the 6th string at the 5th fret, pick this note only, then hammer the 7th fret (same string) with your ring finger. Practice this using different positions on the fretboard and different strings.

Another technique is called the PULL-OFF or FLICK-OFF. This is picking the first note then pulling the second note at a lower fret.

Lets try placing your index finger on the 5th fret, 6th string. also place your ring finger on the 7th fret, 6th string.Pick the note, then immediately  remove the ring finger leaving the index finger in place. Try this in other positions on the fretboard and on other strings.

There are more techniques that I will be covering soon.

The best tip I can give any aspiring guitar player is PRACTICE.
This is a great book to get you on your way Jamorama

I got Rythym

Recently I have met a few new people and when asked my interests I mention that one of my favourite pastimes is playing guitar. I usually get a response such as I always wanted to learn guitar but I never had time and it looks too hard. I tell them my story which was similar that I happened to be looking through a secondhand shop and I saw this fantastic looking acoustic guitar for only $20 only thing wrong it had no strings. Spur of the moment I bought it anyway took it home and it sat there for a bit then I thought I must do something with it but I didn't know how to string it, tune it or for that matter play it, being pre internet days I took a trip to the local music shop, purchased a set of strings, Beginners Learn to Play Guitar Book and a Beginners Music Book full of Beatles songs. The guy at the shop told me how to go about stringing it. Well I got the strings on the guitar and followed the books instructions on how to tune it. I think it took me several hours, much easier these days I use an electronic tuner most of the time although it is good ear training to tune manually.

Over the next couple of weeks I learnt some basic chords and pretty soon I could play songs from my book.

25 years on I still love playing the guitar, I have a collection of 2 acoustic guitars, a 12 string acoustic guitar and 2 electric guitars. I have also taught a number of students how to play.
My advice to anyone wanting to learn the guitar is to go and buy yourself a guitar and purchase an online guitar lesson program such as Jamorama which explains everything about playing very simply. I have looked at a few such programs and this is the one that I would highly recommend. If after a while you get more serious you may decide to have one on one personal tuition, but to give yourself the best start in playing try Jamorama.
 
GOOD LUCK & HAPPY GUITAR PLAYING