Starting Guitar: Advice for Beginners

by Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff

Learning to play the guitar is an exciting and rewarding journey. Whether you’re starting on an acoustic, electric, or classical guitar, the basics are the same — and the foundation you build early on will shape your success.

At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we encourage every student to approach the guitar not with pressure to “be the best,” but with a mindset focused on steady progress, enjoyment, and musical growth. Here’s some of our best advice for getting started:

1. Choose the Right Guitar

Start by selecting a guitar that fits both your budget and your body comfortably. Don’t worry about flashy designs — focus on finding an instrument that feels good to play and sounds great. If you purchase a new guitar, make sure the shop provides a full setup and adjustment. If you buy used, we recommend having a qualified guitar technician calibrate the instrument to make sure it plays its best. A properly set up guitar makes practicing much more enjoyable.

2. Focus on Being a Student First

Instead of labeling yourself a “guitar player” right away, think of yourself as a guitar student. When you stay focused on the learning process instead of the outcome, you’ll enjoy each step more. Skills will come naturally over time through consistent practice and curiosity.

3. Understand that All Musicians Are Guided by Others

Even so-called “self-taught” players have learned by listening to recordings, reading books, or observing others. True musical growth happens when you combine self-directed practice with outside guidance — whether through lessons, books, videos, or live examples. No one learns entirely in isolation.

4. Work with a Teacher

A good guitar teacher can make a tremendous difference. Group classes are a fun way to get started, while private lessons provide individual attention and customized instruction. Your teacher will help you find the right balance of challenge and encouragement based on how much time you can realistically commit to practicing each week.

Communication with your teacher is key: the more honest you are about your goals and practice habits, the better your teacher can support your development.

5. Enjoy the Process

The most important advice: enjoy the journey. Learning to play the guitar should never feel like a chore. Celebrate every small achievement — mastering a chord, playing your first song, learning a new scale. Each step forward builds not just skill, but a deeper love of music.

At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we believe that music should be a source of joy, confidence, and lifelong fulfillment.
Whether you’re just beginning or picking the guitar back up after years away, we’re here to guide you through every phase of your musical path!

Canton Campus

5880 N. Canton Center Rd. Suite 425

Canton, MI

48187