The electric guitar has been one of the coolest instruments for many generations. Many people have loved playing it because of its versatility. But before reaching that level, every guitarist has to undergo a learning stage.

Many people think it is easier to play the electric guitar than the acoustic because the strings used are softer. However, it isn’t as simple, so it is best to check some reliable websites to understand more about it, such as Ted’s List, as they offer a Beginner’s Guide To Learning the Electric Guitar.

Whether you have played an acoustic guitar before or it is your first time holding an electric guitar, you want to improve your skills. So we have the five easy steps to help you learn the guitar faster and better.

1.   Practice Your Chord And Scales

Similar to any other string instrument, chords are essential. If you are not familiar with the basic chords, you have to start with them. You can download some diagrams over the internet for your reference.

You can start with open chords first. Once you are familiar with them, you can add bar chords, such as B and F. You don’t need to memorize all the chords in one go. With practice, it’ll just come out naturally.

Studying scales is also essential. We recommend learning the Pentatonic Scale first, as many songs use this. It can help you create and learn simple riffs and lead.

2.   Understand Your Amp Channels

You need to plug it into your amplifiers using cables, unlike the acoustic. However, it isn’t just a simple plug-and-play. You need to adjust things according to your preferences and the songs you are playing.

A basic amplifier has three knobs where you can adjust the treble, middle, and bass. The higher the knob is, the more powerful it would sound. If you aim for a heavy bass sound, you might want to adjust the bass higher than the other two. Adjust it according to the music you are playing.

Aside from these, other basic amplifiers can make your guitar sound dirtier. They call it gain, distortion, and overdrive. They all do the same thing: they make your guitar sound fuzzier. This is ideal for most rock songs. But if you are going for heavy rock, you might want additional gadgets or effects.

3.   Hold Your Pick Right

When you play an acoustic or a classical guitar, you probably wouldn’t need to use a pick in most cases. But that is a different case with an electric guitar.

There are times that you need to use your fingers, but that does not mean you shouldn’t learn how to hold your pick properly.

We recommend placing it between the side of your thumb and your index finger. Keep in mind that if you play fast-paced songs, only the short part of the pick is visible. This will make it more effective and will not miss any strings as you strum.

Picks have three main sizes: light, medium, and heavy. The light one is thin, and the heavy one has a thick sound. If you are unsure what to choose first, grab medium and gradually adjust it according to your preference.

You should check an article from Buzzfeed before buying picks. It also includes other simple gadgets that can help you in your electric guitar journeys, such as guitar stands and straps.

4.   Pick Easy Songs To Start

Of course. You won’t learn any song unless you start playing one. One of the most common mistakes beginners make is not learning the basics; instead, they jump over to complicated songs right away.

There is a high chance that they would miss a lot of lessons, especially if they focus too much on techniques.

Play along with the songs you like or use backing tracks. Start with something simple. You don’t need to rush. As mentioned above, use simple chords first. You can use songs with a slow tempo if you are into rock. And gradually increase the speed as you get used to it.