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With a multitude of guitar colors to choose from, certain hues win the mark of merit for many guitar players. These guitar colors are black, white, yellow, red, and the timeless sunburst with different intensities, saturation, and even color combinations.

Jimi Hendrix, the most influential electric guitarist of all time, is wildly known for his white Fender Stratocaster. But did you know, from the year 1967 to 1969, Hendrix played this beautifully customized Gibson Flying V?

The “Love Drops” Flying V, at first, is just your standard v-shaped black and white guitar – not until Hendrix, himself, decided to use an array of colors (nail polish) to paint psychedelic patterns. And the final output is a masterpiece.

With this said, did you ever wonder about adding a bit more personality to your guitar? Or simply buying a new one, but wondered on what color to get?

Well, we have all the right goods for you.

How Color Matters in Guitar

On the surface level, guitar color doesn’t necessarily feel like an important point to spend time pondering on. With so much to consider (guitar type, strings, genre, price, and pickups), this may just end up at the bottom of your lists.

But to an extent, the color of your guitar matters.

If you’ve been in the guitar-playing game for a while, you’ll definitely agree that your guitar is more than just an instrument. For many exceptional guitarists, it’s an extension of oneself – much like how we like to dress up ourselves (and we don’t like wearing clothes that don’t fit).

A well-thought-of guitar can effectively exude your personality.

Before everything, let’s have a short trip down memory lane with your guitar types. Why? If you’re considering color, guitar types can greatly expand or limit your choices.

Let’s say wood-based guitars (this would be your acoustic and classic ones!). Many of these guitars retain their natural wooden texture in earthly tones of varying intensity. Conversely, choices are vast for electric guitars.

With these said, what are the (arguably) best colors for your guitar?

The Can’t-Go-Wrong Black Guitar

Let’s get the big one out of the way: you can never really go wrong with black.

A hue that absorbs all visible light across the spectrum. But what is it about this color that enables it to compliment anything? Black is associated with either strength or mystery. It’s a hue that inspires introspection and neutrality.

A gloss finish may accentuate this color, resulting in a cleaner, more sophisticated, and sexier guitar.

However, it’s never all sunshine-and-rainbows for this guitar color. Manufacturing black guitars can be significantly tricky. When not done right, missed spots, bleaching, damage, and scratches can be annoyingly obvious.

Not to mention, black guitars do not necessarily pop out on stage (especially when everything is dully set). Unless that black guitar is a fancy Squier Black, you might end up blending into the background.

Some prominent black guitar owners include Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, and B.B. King.

The Winsome White Guitar

Sure, we can consider black as a neutral color (as it goes well with anything). But nothing can be as neutral as white.

Though color association may not be as universal as we hope, white can be astonishingly transcending. It is often associated with purity and cleanliness (as cliché as this sounds). But on a visual level, white adds more space and dimension to things. In fact, designers would gravitate towards this color if they want something to appear bigger.

It can also evoke feelings of focus and concentration – pretty useful during practice sessions! White guitars are not difficult to spot as well. And unlike black, white would definitely stand out on a dark stage. But, it may not be as memorable.

Jimi Hendrix is also known for having a white Stratocaster.

The Warm and Cheerful Yellow

Take a quick glance at this butterscotch blonde Squier.

After looking at such marvel, it is undoubted that nothing screams joy and warmth like yellow.

People will remember you if you play a brightly colored yellow guitar at any gig – talk about making a lasting impression! Yellow is a vibrant and vivid hue, which may explain why it evokes such powerful emotions.

Yellow has the ability to attract attention instantly. Excessive usage of this color, however, can be harsh and cause feelings of fatigue.

A yellow guitar will most likely suit any genre you play, which is a significant bonus. Yellow also looks great on any electric guitar (if you happen to play one). It makes little difference if the yellow is faded, brilliant, or even burned.

The Fiery Red/Maroon/Cherry Guitar

If a color can be at par with yellow in terms of evoking strong feelings and making bigtime impressions (as well as standing out on live sessions) it would be red – and all of its shades.

One of the greatest things about this is that you would never run out of options for this color! Take for example the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster in Torino red.

The color red is connected with strong emotions like love and rage, as well as enthusiasm. It draws the greatest attention, is engaging and exciting, and has a significant relationship to heightened cravings and sensuality.

However, just a little of this color can go for miles. And hence, too much can also induce visual strain. This is something that is almost always linked with bright and warm colors.

Red guitar has a distinct edge over yellow guitars in terms of masculine perception (if that’s important to you!). Finally, as previously said, red exudes energy and dominance – Pete Townshend’s #5 Gibson Les Paul in wide red is a testimony to these.

The Classic Sunburst

Probably, the most reliable option out there (especially for those fond of acoustics) – the everlasting sunburst.

To say that this classic is “boring” or “plain” is surely a bluff. Sunburst isn’t a single hue. If you have any experience with guitars, you’ll probably know that there are probably thousands of sunburst finishes – ranging from different intensities, saturation, and even combinations (the typical shades used for this style are also the same colors listed here!).

The smoky Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar would surely bring in the luxury in sunburst guitars.

Despite being extremely reliable, a major downfall is that there are probably multitudes of guitarists with the same guitar color. Hence, you’ll probably need to do more to make a lasting impression!

In case you’re curious, here is how they do a two-tone sunburst:

Final Words: A Guitar Color That Says YOU!

There’s a lot to go about when choosing a guitar color. Maybe you might even be thinking of painting an old reliable one just to add a spec of personality. Probably this article can help you figure out if that’ll affect how your guitar sounds.

In this article, we delved deep into the importance of choosing a guitar color that matches you and the music that you play. Much like acoustics, visuals are a universal language that sends out a message.

We also listed down some of the best guitar colors (in our humble opinion) to help you out on deciding.

But do note that in personalizing your guitar, there’s a canvas way beyond colors. An important first step is introspection – know what you want and how you want your listeners to see and hear you.

If you’re just starting out with acoustic guitar playing, you may be looking for some good music to play that’s not too difficult but still sounds great and shows off your skills. If so, here are the top 10 acoustic guitar solos that you should learn. Each of these solos features an exciting combination of techniques and will be a challenge to learn, but the payoff is well worth it when you can play one of these classics!

Best Acoustic Guitar Solos

The following 10 acoustic guitar solos are among the most iconic in popular music history. They will help you improve your fingerpicking and chordal skills as well as your soloing chops.

1. Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here

This song is a staple of acoustic guitarists everywhere, especially those interested in learning some easy acoustic guitar solos. Written by Pink Floyd’s lead guitarist David Gilmour, Wish You Were Here is notable for its light but intricate fingerpicking style—and most notably, for its beautiful and straightforward two-chord structure. David Gilmour is one of the best living guitarists in the world today. If you’re just starting out on acoustic guitar, you should try practicing his iconic song Wish You Were Here as one of your first lessons.

2. Sublime – What I’ve Got

What I Got is a classic rock hit from Sublime’s self-titled album that introduced them to mainstream radio listeners in 1996. Like most of Sublime’s songs, it’s simple and easy to play by any musician looking for an acoustic guitar solo in D major. Even if you don’t want to cover a full version of What I’ve Got, there are many good licks within this solo worth trying out. If you’re stuck on your next solo or are learning how to improvise on acoustic guitar, you may also find inspiration here.

3. The Beatles – And I Love Her

The opening song for The Beatles’ 1964 album A Hard Day’s Night, And I Love Her is a straightforward acoustic guitar solo that also uses a simple chord progression. Some of McCartney’s best writing can be found in his songs like this one. And I Love Her was written about his girlfriend, Jane Asher.

While it’s not as easy as Yesterday, And I Love Her has a simple acoustic guitar solo that beginners can pick up quickly. Plus, it’s one of The Beatles’ most famous songs.

4. Eagles – Hotel California

This song is not only one of the most famous songs on an acoustic guitar but is also one of the Eagles’ signature tunes. The intro features a 12-string acoustic guitar strumming a D major chord three times. While it can be played with just one finger, for your first attempt at a 12-string acoustic guitar solo, try using all five fingers to play each chord.

This tune is a staple of every aspiring guitarist’s repertoire and deserves its spot on any list of easy acoustic guitar solos. This track has several acoustically-driven verses, as well as a catchy (and often-imitated) guitar riff that you’ll be playing for years to come.

5. Guns n Roses – Patience

Patience by Guns n’ Roses is one of the best acoustic guitar solos to learn. The entire intro is just a masterpiece from start to finish, complete with everything from natural harmonics and slides, arpeggios, and even a bit of double picking for good measure.

It’s certainly not an easy solo to learn, but it’s definitely worth it. We recommend learning about half of it on each string before moving on to other solos to master some of Patience’s techniques and gain confidence.

6. Eric Clapton – Layla

Layla is a love song written by Eric Clapton and performed by Derek and The Dominos. In 1970, inspired by his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his best friend and fellow musician George Harrison, Clapton penned Layla.

While Layla is far from Clapton’s best-known tune, it boasts one of his most beautiful guitar solos—both for its execution and staying power. Many acoustic rock musicians cite it as a favorite. It lends itself well to being played with just about any instrumentation. Once you learn it, keep an eye out for similar fingerpicking patterns in your other favorites, so you can internalize them. It will elevate your playing style significantly.

7. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana is a hit song covered many times since its 1991 release. This grunge rock staple was written by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic and performed by Cobain with his band Nirvana. The song is one of several listed in Rolling Stone’s top 500 songs of all time. This song features a slowed-down verse followed by an almost punk-like chorus featuring loud guitar chords and strained vocals.

8. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication

Californication is a single released by Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1999. The song was a worldwide hit and even won two Grammy Awards. It is also ranked 40th on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of all time list and remains one of its most well-known songs.

Indeed, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of rock’s most iconic bands, known for their unique sound and frontman Anthony Kiedis’s rapid-fire lyrics. Their hit single Californication is an excellent lesson in fingerpicking—it features catchy but straightforward guitar lines throughout. It’s an excellent acoustic guitar solo to learn, but it takes a long time to master. Use it as an exercise in working out complex melodies on a single string.

9. Radiohead – High and Dry

There are hundreds of acoustic guitar solos to learn, but there are a few that you simply must get under your fingers. For the beginner, High and Dry by Radiohead is one of the best acoustic guitar solos to learn. It’s a very well-known acoustic guitar solo for beginner guitarists. It’s straightforward and beautiful, with chords that you’ll want to revisit over and over again.

High and Dry is off Radiohead’s third album, known as OK Computer. It was released on June 16th, 1997, and sold over four million copies in its first year. The song came out as a single, reaching number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996.

10. The Animals – House of the Rising Sun

The Animals didn’t just offer one of the best acoustic guitar solos ever. They basically made one that could be repeated indefinitely with seemingly limitless expression and feeling. Originally a folk song, House of Rising Sun has been covered by many artists over time, but perhaps none are more iconic than The Animals. This song has one of The Animals’ most famous riffs, and it’s an excellent place for beginners.

In this song, Hilton Valentine’s now-famous electric guitar A minor chord arpeggio opens the tune. You can play House of The Rising Sun using open chords only: Am, C, D, E, and F. Many guitarists like to strum this song with short down strums on all beats, emphasizing the first and fourth beats. If you want to play a fingerstyle version, you can easily do it since the pattern is simple too.

Conclusion

From classics played by the Beatles and Eric Clapton to alternative rock fits from Radiohead and Nirvana, these songs are great for beginners, intermediate players, and even advanced players looking to get in some practice on their solo-playing chops. These acoustic guitar solos will really help open up your sense of music and help you expand your repertoire.

What makes a good guitarist? The best attributes that make a good guitarist include a good grasp of music theory, musical aptitude, dexterity, discipline, dedication, commitment, curiosity, creativity, and of course, substantial knowledge of the instrument and how it works.

Trying to define what makes a guitarist good can be tricky because it is subject to individual opinions.

Perhaps many would say that a good guitarist possesses all the technical abilities to play flawlessly. Maybe, for others, a good guitarist is someone who can play any part and improvise. Others may hear a really wicked solo and think, “Hey, that’s one hell of a good guitarist right there!”

Yes, the answer to the question “What makes a good guitarist?” is contingent on subjective assessment.

But, really, to be considered a good guitarist, one does not necessarily need to know how to play like Jimi Hendrix (because he is not a good guitarist—he’s the greatest!). Certain traits separate a good guitarist from the average one, and these are:

A Good Guitarist Knows His Guitar Really Well

First of all, a good musician knows his weapon. A good singer is aware of her vocal range and knows how to use it. A good pianist understands the piano and knows how to blend different notes together to create a moving piece. A good drummer recognizes each and every component of his percussion set and knows how to use them to construct expressive beats.

A good guitarist knows the guitar—from the instrument’s hollow body up to its neck and headstock. He knows how the individual parts work, and he knows when any of those parts don’t work! He knows it like the back of his hand; he has a deep understanding of the instrument.

Has a Good Finger Dexterity

Playing the guitar is going to be harsh on your hands, especially on your fingers. You will be doing finger gymnastics that will absolutely leave you with hand cramps, calluses, and a whole feeling of awkwardness realizing how your fingers can do those things while you sometimes fumble with your front door keys.

A good guitarist is someone who has developed good finger, hand, and wrist coordination. This means that he can play with good accuracy and rhythm, executing every note clean and clear.

Has a Good Level of Musical Aptitude

Musical aptitude can be defined simply as having a fine ear for music, which means the skill of being able to recognize pitch, melody, rhythm, harmony, and other elements of music. When a guitarist knows the interplay between all these elements, trust that he can always come up with something good!

This attribute also brings us to the next section; when a guitarist has the makings of a musical genius, then he most likely…

Understands Music Theory

Yes, we know this one has been a subject of debate for the longest time now. And this section is going to be a little lengthier than the rest, but it’s a point worth exploring.

Do you really have to have a good understanding of music theory to be called a good guitarist—or a musician, for that matter?

We can almost hear the choruses of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, David Bowie, and many other outstanding musicians of the modern world who didn’t know (or study) music theory.

But!

These musical geniuses do know how music works, and that, in theory, is music theory! As one former Redditor beautifully put it, “Good musicians who don’t “know theory” or were never trained, actually do know theory, they just don’t know the universally standard words to describe what it is they know.”

Also, these talented musicians had been exposed to musical experiences where applied music theory is intrinsic in those experiences’ nature. Paul McCartney, for instance, had years of experience singing in the choir, and this must have been the secret as to The Beatle’s delicate vocal harmony.

These artists have, within them, this innate sense of musicality that’s characteristic of what music theory demonstrates. They just didn’t have a reference point to know the theory labels, but they know. When you observe them carefully, you will see what we mean.

In addition, these artists may also have eventually picked up some pointers from other musicians and people in the industry they have worked with—pointers that are the crux of music theory.

And now, going back to the main discussion, a good guitarist is someone who has a good grasp of music theory. Because, by understanding music theory, by understanding why some chords sound good together, how pitch and rhythm work together to create melody, why augmented chords work so well for specific pieces, how syncopation adds another dimension to the music, and many others, the guitarist is able to:

  1. Enrich musical development;
  2. Helps achieve mastery of the instrument with proper understanding of how music works;
  3. Communicate and work with other musicians seamlessly;
  4. Improves skills in improvisation, critical listening, song arrangement, and composition;
  5. Develop a deeper appreciation of music.

These are only some of the many benefits of understanding music theory. If you want to know more about this, here is a practical guide:

Has a Strong Sense of Discipline

And having a strong sense of discipline entails patience to keep going when the going gets tough (you know you could be having fun with the boys at the bar, but here you are with your guitar, polishing those last bits of your first solo).

Having a strong sense of discipline also means having the will to learn something new each day. You can’t go stagnant; you have to do something, learn and relearn—a riff, a chord pattern you first thought was boring, a new finger exercise routine, whatever it is.

A good guitarist sticks to practice and playing routine, and tracks his progress as well so he knows where he falls short of and where he excels. With a strong sense of discipline, the guitarist becomes committed to growth.

Curious, Committed, and Creative

Curiosity is a natural precursor to being committed. Being committed is a natural precursor to creativity.

When he is curious, then he will more likely listen, observe, and take note of how high-caliber guitarists play. He has a natural desire to learn and to improve. This enthusiasm leads to him being committed—or dedicated—to this journey.

Being committed to this art means devoting some of his time to honing his skills. He takes time to evaluate his strengths and weaknesses. He wants to be a good guitarist, so he has got to earn it. There are no shortcuts.

Soon, he finds himself doing improvisations. He becomes creative. He gets excited at what other things he can execute on his guitar.

And that’s how a good guitarist is born.

Here’s a video that is a great complement on this topic:

The Makings of a Good Guitarist: Final Thoughts

As a guitarist, you probably wonder where you fall in the guitar playing goodness scale. But if you find that you are lacking on, let’s say, discipline department, or maybe, finger agility, don’t get discouraged. More often than not, what stops us from becoming good at something is just all in the head.

Knowing what your weaknesses are gets you one step forward to becoming a good guitarist! However, you should not stop there; take the next few steps as you work on your finger dexterity, or figuring out the best times for playing when you know you will be at your most motivated self!

Anyone can become a good guitarist if they will put their heart and mind into perfecting the art! While some artists are born, others are made. You can do it!

Who is considered the best acoustic guitar player? Currently, there’s probably no better acoustic guitar player than Tommy Emmanuel. He can play multiple genres on the acoustic guitar, but his fingerstyle playing is what really earned him the top spot. Nonetheless, there are other names that are worth mentioning as well.

Perhaps the most common, most played, and most recognizable instrument in the world today is the acoustic guitar. Countless musicians began their journey by learning how to play the acoustic guitar before moving on to other instruments like the electric guitar, bass guitar, and piano, among others.

On the other hand, some artists never abandoned the instrument. Instead, they kept on improving their skills of playing the acoustic guitar before finally making a name in the musical landscape.

If you are to ask us who is the best acoustic guitar player of all time, a lot of names come to mind. Of course, there is one artist that we can confidently say has the best acoustic guitar-playing skills.

Tommy Emmanuel, The Best Acoustic Guitar Player

Who is Tommy Emmanuel? How did he become the world’s greatest acoustic guitar player? If you haven’t heard about him before, it’s high time that you do. Here’s what you need to know about this musician.

Early Life

William Thomas Emmanuel, otherwise known as Tommy Emmanuel, was born on May 31, 1955, in Australia. As early as the age of four, he received his first-ever acoustic guitar. His mother taught him how to play the instrument, but apart from that, he never took any formal lessons.

Instead, he listened to the radio and tried to play the guitar. At the age of six, he heard another guitar legend on the radio, Chet Atkins. He was immediately fascinated by Atkins’s playing style. From then on, Emmanuel focused on learning how to play the guitar using the fingerstyle technique.

Playing Style

Emmanuel, even at a young age, wrote to Atkins about how he saw him as his guitar hero. Eventually, Atkins replied and encouraged Emmanuel to keep on practicing and perfecting his craft. They say the student often surpasses his teacher, and that’s exactly what happened.

Emmanuel incorporated a wide array of genres and musical influences into his playing style. He played jazz, folk, rock, blues, and bluegrass pieces on the acoustic guitar, inevitably earning him millions of fans and followers all over the globe.

He often carries three acoustic guitars when he tours. One is a Maton EBG808 in the standard tuning, while the other is the same model but tuned to D-G-D-G-B-E, otherwise known as G6 tuning. The third guitar is a TE1 which is tuned to C#-F#-B-E-G#-C#.

He is one of the most famous guitarists to popularize using the thumb not just as leverage against the back of the fretboard but also as a playing finger. He curls it around the fretboard and plays notes on the lowest string.

He also uses a thumb pick and a flat pick to play, and he’s most famous for quick virtuoso licks and harmonic progressions. Despite using an acoustic guitar, you can somehow akin his playing style to an electric guitar’s tremolo system.

Awards

He won thrice in the Australian Recording Industry Music Awards, otherwise known as ARIA Awards. His works “Stevie’s Blues,” Determination, and The Journey won Jazz Composition of the Year in 1992, Best Adult Contemporary Album in 1992, and Best Adult Contemporary Album in 1994, respectively.

Tommy Emmanuel is also an inductee in the Australian Roll of Renown, and he won four times in the Country Music Awards of Australia or CMAA. His works “Tall Fiddler,” “Gameshow Rag,” and “Wheelin’ and Dealin’” won Instrumental of the Year in 2005, 2007, and 2019 respectively. Additionally, his “Finger Picking Good” also won Bluegrass Recording of the Year in 2021.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t won a Grammy Award yet, but he was nominated twice. His works “Smokey Mountain Lullaby” and “Gameshow Rag” were both nominated as Best Country Instrumental Performance in 1998 and 2006, respectively.

Other Influential Acoustic Guitarists

Aside from Tommy Emmanuel, there are, of course, other acoustic guitarists who should be mentioned when talking about the instrument. They are just as legendary as Emmanuel, and who knows, maybe you’ll even appreciate their music more.

Andy McKee

Another self-taught artist, Andy McKee, is an American guitarist known for his fingerstyle playing. His road to fame began when his videos went viral on YouTube in 2006. He went on to develop his technique and soon released two EPs, one live album, and six studio albums.

What really made McKee a popular musician is his way of making an acoustic, steel-string guitar sound like a whole orchestra.

John Mayer

Although he’s more famously known for being a prolific electric guitarist and an overall great musician, no one can deny that John Mayer is also a legendary acoustic guitarist. Perhaps what really appeals to the listeners is how Mayer incorporates his guitar-playing skills into his songs.

Despite the riffs and melodies being tremendously difficult to play on the acoustic guitar, Mayer does this perfectly, even while he’s singing.

James Taylor

If you’re an avid fan of guitarists, you should’ve heard the name James Taylor before. He became popular in the 1970s and has won five Grammy awards with his hits. Additionally, Taylor was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

He also received the National Medal of Arts in 2011. On top of that, the French government, as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame, named him Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, which is one of the highest recognitions in arts and literature one could receive in France.

Chet Atkins

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Emmanuel’s hero. Chet Atkins began his musical journey by learning how to play the ukulele. He then switched to the acoustic guitar, which inevitably became his obsession. As legend has it, Atkins regularly falls asleep while holding his guitar.

He’s also a prolific songwriter, and he has won 14 Grammy Awards, 9 Country Music Association Awards, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Conclusion

Countless artists began their journey by playing the acoustic guitar. However, it takes lifelong dedication to really be recognized as the best acoustic guitar player in the world. There are numerous musicians who are amazing at playing the instrument, but Tommy Emmanuel probably does it like no other.

How hard do you press on guitar strings? Some guitar newbies make the mistake of pressing too hard on the string, which can result in a wayward tone and worn-out fretboard. How much pressure to put on the strings can vary on the guitar and the note, but in most cases, you don’t need to apply bone-crushing pressure!

Playing the guitar requires a lot of practice and skill that even something very specific such as the pressure you apply to the strings matters. Beginners rarely consider this, and just press the way they believe is right.

When you press too light, you may not be able to produce a successful tone. Meanwhile, when you press too hard than what is necessary, you might wear both your guitar and your hands.

So, what is the right amount of pressure to apply on the strings?

The answer is a sweet spot that lies somewhere in between the two.

Pressing Too Hard: The Beginners’ Common Mistake

Beginners know that pressure should be applied to the strings to produce a tune. But what some of them eventually find out is that it’s just not any pressure.

When they press the stings very lightly, the tune would sound incomplete. To solve this, they will eventually add more and more pressure to the strings until it begins to sound so much better. Most newbies tend to press on the strings too hard than necessary, and they naively believe that putting too much pressure is the right way.

This incorrect practice would lead to problems over time—blisters and callouses may form in their fingers, their hands and wrists might get crampy, and their guitars might wear out faster than they should.

Apart from getting your hand hurt when you apply too much pressure, your performance becomes shaky and harsh rather than fluid and smooth. Placing your hand on the fretboard too tight would retard your pace of moving in between chords.

Guitar players that start with acoustic guitars are those who tend to press too hard and experience these distresses. The strings of acoustic guitars are thick which leads to its new users having a notion that they must press more than usual to counter the high tension these strings possess. On the other hand, those who start with electric guitars differ, they are accustomed to pressing lightly due to the material (which is nylon, by the way) of its strings.

How Hard is Hard?

So, if the “will turn my fingers red” hard is not the appropriate hard, how hard is hard, then? In reality, there is no well-defined standard of “hard” since it varies from one person to another. Yet, some exercises are created to find the right amount of hardness that suits you.

To help you discover the right pressure that suits you, follow these steps:

  • First, on your fretting hand, press any note at the fifth fret on any string that you are comfortable with. Ensure that the note is located to the fifth fret and not in the middle of the space between the fourth and fifth fret.
  • With your picking hand, pluck the note. At this point, no solid tone should be produced since the string is not positioned against the fret yet. Increase the pressure you apply on the string in very small amounts. As you add pressure, continuously pluck the string. There will come a point when you actually play the correct tone. Remember to take note of how hard you pressed to produce this sound.
  • Now, if you add more pressure beyond this point, you will notice that it will not change how the tone sounds, which proves that putting extra pressure does not come with any benefit but only with disadvantages.
  • Repeat this process with your middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger on any of the strings on the sixth, seventh, and eighth fret, respectively. Once completed, repeat this process, but now with chords.
  • Start with playing the chords lightly, build up pressure until you are able to create a clean tone across all the guitar strings.

Now you know the feel of how much pressure you should exert on your strings. The next objective is to be familiar with the amount of pressure until it becomes muscle memory. You can achieve this by doing the exercise earlier as a warmup before every session. Before you know it, your fingers are recalibrated to press that way.

Here is a helpful video on this topic:

When the Guitar is the Problem

You’ve done all the necessary steps, but still, you can’t seem to find a comfortable way to press your strings.

It could be that the problem is not with the user, but with the instrument he is using. One way to figure out if this is the case is to check your guitar for possible defects, and there are two common areas to this:

The Strings. Check if the strings are old or rusted. Having rust on your strings due to the oil and salts from your fingers will compromise the sound of your guitar, resulting in dull or muffled notes.

If this is so, you will have to replace your strings immediately. There are many inexpensive but good-quality guitar strings available in the market. Brands such as Ernie Ball and D’Addario sell great affordable strings that would make your guitar sound a hundred times better.

Strings vary in thickness; some provide stronger tension than others. If you feel like you need to press too hard, just to produce a full note, you should consider buying light gauge strings such as 0.9s or 0.10s. With these, pressing is a lot easier.

Don’t know how to attach your strings? Worry not, setting up these strings on your own is not a problem since there are loads of tutorial videos, such as this:

The Nut Board. Apart from the strings, the nut board can also be an issue. The guitar action is highly reliant on the height of the nut. If it is placed too high, you need loads of effort to be able to produce the right sound; if it is placed too low, the guitar will produce a buzzing sound almost all the time. Having the nut board fixed by a guitar technician is very affordable and is highly recommended.

If problems still persist, you can have your guitar checked by a guitar expert. He will then adjust the neck, action, bridge, or any parts necessary to make your guitar playable to the way it was intended. However, a guitar setup is quite expensive. If you are using a low-end guitar, it is more practical to replace it with something better instead.

Final Thoughts

In the quest of finding the right pressure, don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself!

Don’t be too hard (no pun intended) on yourself. Finding the right amount of pressure is one thing and practicing it on every single song is another. With dedicated practice, and a number of callouses along the way, playing the guitar wouldn’t be that hard anymore.

Should I get a guitar? The answer will depend largely on how committed you are to owning and learning the instrument. But to take you out of the guesswork: when you find yourself absorbed by this question, then it most likely means it’s time to consider getting your very own guitar!

It is very likely that you are reading this article because you are left under an unending loop of deciding whether you should or shouldn’t get a guitar of your own. If you have money to spare, then with no further questions asked, you should buy one.

With a guitar, you can play a song that you like anywhere and anytime you want. You don’t know the full prowess of a guitar until you own one.

During sad rainy days, you can just grab your guitar and play your favorite tune, and boom! Mood boosted. In scenarios where boredom lingers all over the room, you can cheer everyone up by aggressively strumming your guitar to a hit track; sooner or later, you will see everyone vibing with you.

But then, the fun stops when you begin to realize that you don’t want to play the guitar. So, the real answer on whether you should get a guitar depends on how passionate and determined you are to learn and play one.

First Things First

Okay, let’s say you’re all pumped up and finally committed to entering the guitar game. Now, what’s the next step? Should you learn how to play the guitar first before buying one or should you get a guitar first, then learn? The honest answer is, it really depends.

Some guitar professionals recommend that if you’re still hesitant whether playing a guitar suits you, it is oftentimes better to borrow a guitar first. Ask your friend if he has a spare unoccupied guitar that you can adopt for some time. And if he says yes, go test it out.

As you go through the process of learning how to play the guitar, your interest in it will reveal. If you eagerly wake up every day to practice, then a guitar is the instrument for you. On the other hand, when dust forms on your guitar for being untouched for a week or so, it is best to stop for a while, and then try it out again once the burst of enthusiasm resurfaces.

By testing your friend’s guitar, you could save loads of money than buying an instrument that will end up sitting on one corner of your room as display.

Another benefit of trying out others’ guitars first is knowing the hits and misses on their guitar that you want improved or retained once you choose your own personal guitar.

Now, if you don’t have the luxury of a friend who has a guitar that you can try out first, then you have no choice but to take the route of buying your own guitar. Even an inexpensive one will do. When you have the power to choose what guitar to buy, you’ll choose the one which ticks the most checkboxes on your mind.

However, the biggest risk of buying a guitar straightaway is losing interest along the way. So before buying your own, think about it carefully; if you really like it and are truly passionate about owning and learning the guitar, then go get one.

Getting Your Very First Guitar

Now, you are about to buy your own guitar (Yay!). With a wide array of options in the market, choosing which one to buy can be overwhelming. Guitars are built differently depending on how they would sound, so you should first decide what type of music you want to play.

Two great options as a first guitar are either acoustic or electric guitar. If you’re leaning to rock, metal, or jazz, an electric guitar is the one for you. Electrics are among the easiest guitars to play for any beginner; however, it requires additional equipment such as an amplifier and connector cable to reach its full potential. More equipment equals more money, so put this in mind if you’re planning to buy an electric.

Acoustics, on the other hand, don’t require any additional equipment to produce rich, quality sound. Go for acoustics if you plan on playing loads of folk, country, and R&B, but its wider neck and thicker strings make it a more challenging guitar choice for beginners compared to electrics.

After deciding what type of guitar to purchase, there are still loads of makes and models to choose from. The first aspect to look at is playability. Find the guitar size that fits you. A guitar that is too big or too small for you can affect your learning flow and performance. Usually for oldies like you—assuming you’re a fully-grown adult—a full-size guitar (40”) is oftentimes the best option! The color, finish, and other personal preferences are left for you to decide.

Here’s a helpful video on this topic:

Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Buying a guitar is not as simple as it seems. Guitar newbies make usual mistakes that make them lose more money than they should. In order to save you from experiencing this frustration, here are some things that you should observe.

  1. Inspect if there are physical deformities or factory defects on the guitar that you want. Check if the neck of the guitar is straight, having a bent guitar neck would make playing the guitar more difficult. If your guitar has knobs, buttons, or plugs, make sure that all of them are working. Also, check if the machine heads are made nicely. Due to the way some of these are created, most budget-guitars have problem staying in tune, so let the store owner tune the guitar for you and play a few chords to check.
  1. Most beginners get blinded by big brands and neglect products from small companies. However, big companies sacrifice lots of its quality just to get that low price tag attached to their guitar. In reality, big and small companies have the same playing field in the budget-guitar competition, so it is highly recommended to test the guitars you have your eye on regardless of their brand.
  1. Resist the urge to buy pro-level guitars. As a beginner with limited music knowledge, you do not need most of the features they offer, and so you would not get most of the value when buying one. And often, these guitars can overwhelm novice players. Start simple, and then transition when you are ready!

Have a Happy Musical Journey: Final Words

Purchasing a guitar is not an easy-peasy decision; you need to consider what type of guitar you want, your preferences, and of course your budget.

Musical instruments are investments, and so, you might see the need to spend a generous amount to get yourself the best guitar you can possibly afford. This certainly calls for careful decision-making as you don’t want to end up regretting your purchase.

It’s time to evaluate if you are truly ready to commit to owning a guitar that will be with you on your musical journey. If you do figure out the answer, the next time you enter that guitar outlet, you’ll be leaving with a guitar bag on your shoulder.

Fast guitar songs have been around since the dawn of rock and roll, but not all of them are as easy to play as you’d think. Whether you’re teaching yourself how to play or just trying to mix things up, it’s important to know your fastest guitar songs and be able to play them quickly with fluidity and accuracy.

Here are five of the top fast guitar songs for any serious guitarist looking to learn how to play some quick riffs.

Fast Guitar Songs – Are you up for the challenge?

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – “Flight of the Bumblebee”

Flight of the Bumblebee is a classic piece of music composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1899. The piece was originally composed as an interlude in the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. It has since become a staple for classical musicians such as classical guitarists and violinists. The song is a favorite for classical guitarists because of its incredible speed and technical skill required to perform it.

Although it’s not always possible to play every note at full speed, experienced guitarists can play it at speeds that would make a beginner’s head spin. Playing this song is a great way to show off your technique, and it’s a lot of fun to play.

Steve Vai – “Eugene’s Trick Bag”

Eugene’s Trick Bag is a song by Steve Vai on his Fire Garden album. It is full of fast licks that are fun to play and great practice for speed picking. The only distortion used in the song is a wah-wah pedal, which means that you need to really be on your toes when it comes to picking hand technique, as well as fretting hand muting.

This song is one of the greatest fast pieces ever recorded, and it is one of the most popular songs to play at guitar shows. Played in the key of G minor, the song begins with a slow, descending arpeggio that sets up the main theme. The main theme builds in intensity as Vai blasts through some really fast alternate picking and legato playing.

After about two minutes, there is a brief pause before the next section begins. This section features a series of fast licks that change direction every couple of measures. If you are looking for a challenge, this is one of the best songs to learn on guitar.

Guthrie Govan – “Fives”

Guthrie Govan is a UK-based guitarist who has played for acts like Hans Zimmer, Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), and others. He’s also widely regarded as one of the best guitarists in the world today. His playing style is incredibly diverse, capable of switching from jazz to funk to rock to country and more.

Fives is taken from his 2005 solo album Erotic Cakes, which took the world by storm when it was released. It’s a masterclass in fast guitar playing that’s rarely matched in terms of sheer speed. The song starts off slow and fairly tame but then explodes into a flurry of fast notes that are almost impossible to keep up with. It’s just three minutes long, but it will leave you breathless.

Buckethead – “Big Sur Moon”

Big Sur Moon is a track from Buckethead’s fourth album Colma, released on March 24, 1998. The song is performed on an acoustic guitar with a delay pedal set to 500ms of repetition time, 80 percent level/blend, and 50 percent feedback. Big Sur Moon also features some nice sweep picking. To play this song, you need to sweep pick arpeggios. It’s not the easiest technique to master. But if you can get it, it’s a whole lot of fun.

This song has three parts: the intro, the solo, and the outro. The intro is in 5/4 time and includes some chord arpeggios and tapping. The solo is 7/8 and uses sweep picking, string skipping with hammer-ons, and very fast palm muting. The outro is similar to the intro in that it uses chord arpeggios with tapping.

The song starts with a quick E minor riff followed by a fast arpeggio before going into the chorus. The chorus is just three chords, each played twice. After that, we have a bridge section and go back into the verse again. This might seem like a lot to take in at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to pick up other songs like this easily.

Rodrigo y Gabriella – “Tamacun”

Spanish guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela are masters at crafting intricate, layered acoustic guitar music full of energy. Tamacun was one of their most popular songs. This song is the perfect example of how two people can make music with just an acoustic guitar. The sound is full and somehow makes you feel as if there are more instruments than just two guitars. Tamacun is a Spanish word that is a mixture of Mexican, Indian and Spanish culture.

The techniques used in this song are quite simple but can be a challenge to play at the speed they play it at. It uses a lot of barre chords, chord slides, and hammer-ons. The song is played in D major, and it’s mostly about practicing your picking technique throughout the entire song. This piece is played entirely with the thumb and fingers, so you won’t need a pick for this one. So, you’ll need to build up callouses on your fingertips before playing this song.

Conclusion

Guitar music is not all with soft romantic in slow tempo or scary growling from heavy metal bands. Many of the most popular songs throughout music history have been fast, guitar-driven rock and roll songs that get your heart pumping and your feet tapping as you sing along to the lyrics. A guitar can rock with immense speed and accuracy without going overboard, giving you a treat for ears to listen to and for your fingers to learn.

Listening to these fast guitar songs will help you improve your speed on the guitar. The fast tunes will force you to practice at a faster tempo, and each day you’ll notice that your skills are improving.

An emotional guitar solo evokes emotion, whether it’s awe, inspiration, sadness, happiness, or any other feeling in between. While many guitarists can play technically proficient solos, it takes a great guitarist to create an emotional connection with their audience.

Guitar solos are usually a chance for the guitarist to show off their technical abilities, but some solos put emotion over technique. Here are five of the most emotional guitar solos ever recorded:

5 Emotional Guitar Solos To Learn About

Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb

Comfortably Numb is a song by English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, written by David Gilmour and singer Roger Waters. The song was released as a single in 1980, and it is one of their most popular songs. Comfortably Numb appears on their 1979 album The Wall and it peaked at number 21 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and number 18 on UK Singles Chart.

What David Gilmour pulls off during his solo is a masterclass in emotions. This solo was played with just 4 notes, 3 main and one passing note; yet anyone who listens to it knows exactly how David felt while playing it.

Guitarist magazine named Gilmour’s solo as the finest guitar tone. In 2021, Guitar World magazine voted Gilmour’s solo the 3rd best guitar solo of all time.

Funkadelic – Maggot Brain

Formed in 1967, Funkadelic was one of George Clinton’s funk-rock bands and arguably one of his most famous acts. Their hit song Maggot Brain peaked at number two on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart in 1973.

The song is a 10-minute bluesy ballad with audacity and emotion. It begins with short, eccentric poetry from George Clinton, but the song’s overall focus is on Hazel’s expansive fretwork, which has since become a legendary guitar solo. In 2012, a Rolling Stone reader poll voted it the best guitar solo of all time. It beat out solos by Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton.

Guns N’ Roses – November Rain

In a list of Top 5 emotional guitar solos, there’s simply no way you can leave out Guns N’ Roses and their classic November Rain. Slash delivers one of his best performances on this nine-minute epic from Use Your Illusion I. The song’s story speaks about the pain of being separated from a loved one, and Slash’s solo reflects that anguish through its anguished bends and soaring notes.

This song was first released in 1991 on Use Your Illusion I and has become known for Slash’s emotive guitar playing. If you’ve seen Slash live, then you know that he always plays November Rain with his signature top hat and Les Paul slung low like a true rockstar.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven

This is Jimmy Page’s crowning achievement and one of rock’s most famous guitar solos. The seven-minute epic opens with an acoustic guitar. It builds in intensity until Page takes over his electric guitar on a solo that pulls on the heartstrings.

This emotional guitar solo by Jimmy Page, also known as the forbidden riff, makes you feel his pain and is a perfect example of an ascending guitar line that just reaches higher and higher. This song is so emotional because Page’s playing speaks to an experience everyone has had, loving someone more than they love you. Stairway to Heaven really captures that pain. And if that isn’t enough for you, then there are those mysterious lyrics and a haunting Robert Plant voice to top it all off.

Prince – Purple Rain

Prince was one of the most melodic, bluesy, and seductive guitar players in rock history. But he could also play some seriously emotive guitar solos. One of his best was in Purple Rain, the title track from the film and soundtrack album. The song is a big power ballad, but Prince’s guitar solo lifts it to another level.

This is one of the best emotional guitar solos ever written and performed. It is difficult to play and has been covered many times but never quite matched. Originally written as a slow ballad, Prince rewrote it into a rock song after performing it live. Here, Prince used many techniques to make listeners think he’s feeling sad and upset while playing the guitar solo.

What is a guitar solo?

A guitar solo is an art form in and of itself. It’s a chance for the guitarist to shine, to take center stage, and to show off the mastery of their instrument. It’s also a chance for guitarists to show off their emotional side — to really connect with the music they’re playing and the audience for which they’re playing it.

That said, some solos strike deep chords and make a real connection with listeners. Some solos are also so powerful that they can change lives and inspire people to take up guitar in the first place.

How can you add emotion to a guitar solo?

One of the most important parts of a guitar solo is the emotional aspect. It’s not enough to simply play fast or have the most complicated technique. To make a guitar solo sound good, it has to convey emotion in its melody and phrasing.

To make a guitar solo emotional, you can use numerous techniques that add character to your guitar playing. Variations in the amplitude, timbre (how hard/soft you’re hitting the strings) of each note, and the time you place in between each note are all ways to convey emotions while playing guitar. If you change them up, you’ll get more expressive music.

Indeed, the lyrics might do the storytelling in songs, but the guitar emphasizes the emotion behind it–whether it’s happiness, sadness, or anger.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a guitar solo to blast when driving down a lonely highway or listening to as you get ready for a night out, this list provides excellent choices. They have an emotional impact on listeners, evoking love, longing, and melancholy. Hopefully, they’ll become part of your go-to collection of guitar solos that will give you goosebumps for years to come.

Can a lefty play a right-handed guitar? It’s possible for a lefty to play a right-handed guitar, but it will take some effort to get accustomed to the instrument built for the right-handed players. One workaround is to rearrange the strings in reverse. Or better, just go get a left-handed guitar!

Okay, let’s play a short game. Swiftly think of these five iconic guitarists:

Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, Paul McCartney, Kurt Cobain, and Courtney Barnett.

What’s common among them? Well, aside from being part of the most talented guitarists of all time, all of these legends are left-handed.

As seen, despite the adversities in traversing a career designed for right-handers, left-handed musicians were still able to make a name for themselves.

In this article, we’ll be hovering over the day-to-day struggles of being a left-handed guitarist, their chances in playing right-handed guitar, and the conveniences of a left-handed guitar.

To the Left, To the Left

On a scale of 1 to 100, lefties assessed themselves as more artistically adept in a 2019 study of greater than 20,000 participants. This might be attributed to the fact that left-handed people have to acclimatize to a right-handed milieu on a regular basis.

We can’t dispute, though, that left-handed artists have it tough. When a lefty has no other choice but to flip the strings on a conventional, run-of-a-mill of a mill guitar and perform it that fashion, you (right-handers) would soon realize that you had it better!

“Why do lefties feel the need to adjust in the first place, given left-handed instruments exist” a typical right-handed musician would wonder.

Well, it all boils down to some key reasons: left-handed guitars are rare and expensive, there are fewer teachers who are experienced in playing left-handed instruments, and, of course, personal preference and aesthetics.

So what are some common day-to-day struggles for lefty guitarists?

Ergonomics. Let’s pretend our left-handed musician is forced to play a right-handed guitar. This option has several faults.

Because of the manner by which the left arm rubs across the knobs, they’ll notice the tone and loudness to start tinkering as soon as they start playing. Furthermore, their left elbow would clash with the output jack cable, thereby ruining the welding.

Some string intonation issues may also arise due to the counter-conventionally slanted bridge. Finally, because all six tuning pegs are on the opposing side of the headstock, they would be difficult to access.

Chord Charts. Because what you see on paper a chord chart is essentially what you catch when you pass a glance at your guitar’s fretboard and your chord hand, the ordinary right-handed individual has minimal difficulty reading chord charts.

For lefties, things become a lot worse. Consider the low E string: they see the low E string on the chart where the high E string is based on their fretboard’s layout. Are there any left-handed chord charts? Yes, but they’re exceedingly difficult to come by. Later on, left-handed artists would develop a second nature of consciously swapping up strings to adjust.

Playing Live. If a musician plays a left-handed guitar and is arranging a live show, they might want to consider standing on the stage right (with the headstock facing center stage).

If they fail to do this, their guitar’s headstock is more likely to clash with the headstock of another player’s guitar. Mind you, headstocks are exceedingly delicate, and breaking one would be a pain in your wallet.

Furthermore, few stage technicians are left-handed or have experience working with left-handed instruments. Unless you have someone who is well-versed with how lefties prefer to play, the most typical practice is to learn how to set it up on your own.

The Lefty with a Right-Handed Guitar

As mentioned earlier (as stressed in the ergonomics section), playing a right-hand guitar could be messy for novice left-handed guitarists.

But is it possible?

Of course, with some extra elbow grease and patience.

To reiterate from earlier, there’s an actual logic on why many lefties opt to play a right-handed guitar. Left-handed guitars are just difficult to come by and would cost some extra bucks. Not to mention, you’ll never know when an opportunity demands that you play someone else’s guitar (which would most probably be right-handed).

The guitar is a delicate instrument that demands finesse and accuracy. In order to play the guitar properly in the first place, you will be required to practice with both of your hands. Individuals who have spent their entire life doing things with one hand may find it difficult to do so with the other.

Some left-handed musicians play right-handed, but with the neck turned to the right so that the lowest string is closest to the ground. They are taught the chord forms backward.

Here’s a tip from an actual left-handed guitarist:

“To avoid spending money on a lefty guitar, you could try him out on a right-handed guitar restrung with the strings the other way around.”

If it proves to be more than a one-time trial, you’ll want to have your right-handed guitar established for that arrangement. However, when it becomes an annoyance, it’s time to get a left-handed guitar. It sure is a lot easier than trying to play the guitar upside down like Jimi Hendrix did!

Left-Handed Guitar: The Lefty’s Best Bet

Okay, probably our trick did not work you hoped. What now? Probably, it’s time for you to resort to the more logical (and expensive option): get a left-handed guitar.

So, what’s so special about them?

As the name suggests, left-handed guitars are designed specifically for left-handed players.

Basically, the thickest string on this guitar (your Low E in standard tuning) is the one farthest to the right. Conversely, that Low E (again, if you’re in standard tuning) will be the initial string on the left on a conventional, right-handed guitar. Moreover, the left-handed guitar is constructed so that a lefty would be able to utilize their right hand to grasp the instrument’s neck and their left one as a strumming hand.

Similarly, components such as tone knobs, switches, vibrato bars, and volume knobs are reversed on a left-handed guitar – giving lefties the opportunity to add that extra kick during their jamming sessions.

Check out this video of a guitar teacher discussing the challenges of being a lefty guitarist, her tips for the lefties, and why getting a left-handed guitar is worth it:

A Lefty in a Right-Handed Dominated World: Final Words

According to a study by experts, only 10 percent of the world’s seven billion (plus) population is left-handed. It must always be a hustle to adjust for the overwhelming majority of right-handers.

It’s also no secret that the world of music is not necessarily designed for left-handers. But this won’t stop you, will it?

In this article, we gave you a brief rundown on the typical struggles of lefty guitarists from the underlooked ergonomics to the additional stress during live sessions. We’ve also talked about some tips when trying to play a run-of-a-mill right-handed guitar as a lefty.

Lastly, we delved into understanding what makes a left-handed guitar a lefty’s best bet.

As we always say, the choice would always be up to you—your playing style, your time, and of course, your resources.

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