Music Styles to Start Playing the Guitar

I often receive questions about which styles of music to focus on when starting out. Are there some styles that are better to learn than others? Is it possible to approach all musical styles as a beginner? We will try to answer these questions as precisely as possible, because indeed, some styles are more accessible than others.

1. Music Styles Most Conducive to Learning:

It would be logical to orient yourself, at first, toward a style of music that will not require a lot of technical knowledge in order not to discourage you. Rock or pop music can be a good compromise when you start playing guitar. You will learn to play the right chords at the right time, to find your way in the structure of a song, all without having to manage an excessive tempo accompanied by technical prowess.

You will quickly understand that starting the guitar by trying to play your favorite "Dream Theater" piece might be complicated. From a pedagogical point of view, it is much more interesting to start with simple songs in order to acquire a solid foundation that will accompany you throughout your life as a musician. Songs like "Back in Black" by "ACDC" or "Smoke on the Water" by "Deep Purple" will be much more beneficial to a beginner than a "Wes Montgomery" standard that will probably take you many months to play.

However, you might not want to play any of the songs listed above, simply because you do not like those songs or that kind of music. We understand. You might be tired of those songs because they have been played so much that you don’t want to hear them ever again, especially from yourself! Obviously, pick something you like even if it is a different genre of music and make sure to learn a simple version.

It is important to understand the musical ideas, rhythm and what fluidity is called for when playing the guitar in order to be a well-rounded guitarist.

2. References and a Basis for Work

As in many other activities, you will be confronted with various stages that you will have to surpass in order to progress. These stages can be technical or theoretical but in any case, it will be preferable to learn to play your instrument without missing what is essential to your guitar-playing education. Choosing the right pieces to work on the essential technical aspects is also part of the learning process. These pieces must be adapted to your ambitions and goals so you will progress by increasing the difficulty as you advance.

A teacher will be able, through his or her experience, to suggest pieces that are adapted to your level and that will help you progress little by little. Once again, don't skip any of the stages and you will save a lot of time in the long run.

We have prepared a list especially for you in order to guide you toward beginners' pieces that you can find in scores or tablatures on the net:

• Knockin' on heaven's door - Bob Dylan (Guns ‘n Roses’ cover is very popular)
• Love me do - Beatles
• Creep - Radiohead
• Highway to hell - ACDC
• Hells Bells - ACDC

This is a good base of songs to study that will allow you to work on important aspects of your instrument. For those who prefer other music, please go ahead and search for simple versions of the songs you’d like to play. In any case, everyone, no matter what kind of songs they p