Do you have all the guitar tools you need?
If you are not sure, keep reading.
As a performer and guitar player, I often get asked questions about playing guitar.
So I figured I would get them out of my brain and in writing.
Today, let's talk guitar tools.
Here are a few that I use that make life with my ax easier and more productive.
1. Electric Tuner – It is ideal knowing how to tune your guitar by ear but if your pitch is a little off, your guitar – and therefore your songs – may sound a little off. Tuners are very inexpensive (as low as $10-$15) and they will ensure that your instrument and your songs are sounding their best..
2. Metronome – If you ever want to play in a band or are looking to record anything, it is a good idea to practice with a metronome. These handy little devices will help you stay in time. Again, these are a pretty inexpensive devise to have around ($10-$15). Also, there are some great beat generators that are free to download too. The cool thing about them is that they sound a little more like a drum beat. HammerHead Rhythm Station is one I can think of off the top of my head and you can usual set something up in a DAW's .
3. Digital Recorder – This little device can really help you improve by keeping you honest. You may think you are sounding good but when you listen to a recording of yourself, you might find out otherwise. Digital recorders always tell the truth and will help you hone your skills. Also, if you are thinking about doing some songwriting, this thing will become your closest friend. You always want to record your ideas because they can escape your mind almost as fast as they came in to it.
4. Small Tool Kit – Get yourself a small tool box or small plastic container and fill it with the following items: string winder, wire cutter, peg puller, cotton cloth, extra picks, extra strings, toothbrush and toothbrush.
5. Notebook – It is a good idea to keep one of these around. You can jot down a few notes after each practice session to keep tabs on your progress. And, like the digital recorder, if you plan on doing any songwriting, you will need one to keep track of all those timeless nuggets flowing from your inner genius.
6. Music Stand – To keep your music organized and positioned right where you can see it.
7. Capo – A capo isn't absolutely necessary but you will come across tunes that require one.
There ya go. Once you cross everything off this list, you'll have everything you need to be the best guitarist you can be.
>> Click Here To Discover The Great Guitar Theory Trap <<
Good post. I think you covered it all. It would also be a good idea to have a collection of music to take inspiration from, but that is quite obvious (to me at least).
I just want to add a little to point 8, if that’s okay.
There are many good lessons on youtube. One guitarist in particular comes to mind: http://www.youtube.com/user/musichopper.
His newer videos don’t contain too much lessons, but if you watch his earlier videos, there are some really good lessons on music theory, songwriting and technique. Some are made for beginners, others are for intermediate/advanced level.
Another site that I have used is this one: http://www.cyberfret.com/
You can find something good there whether you are a beginner or an advanced guitarist.
Lastly I just want to say that while there are many good resources online, the best way to learn, i think, is by having a competent teacher who will teach you based on how you progress and how you learn best.
For some more tips (if you are a beginner), feel free to check out my article on how to get started playing an instrument: http://listenmusicdaily.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-get-started-playing-instrument.html
Thanks for adding that info Markus!
Good, but a lot of people are just using apps these days. The qualityon the apps tends to not be that high.
Zac
@FretZeroMusic
Thanks Zac,
Funny you should mention them, I was actually thinking about doing a post on app’s. Any apps that you can recommend? Or maybe you want to do a guest post and tell us. Pimp your site a bit???