Your First Guitar
By Kathy Unruh, Fri Dec 9th

Congratulations, you just bought you first guitar! Now thatyou've met the love of your life and made that big commitment,you're probably excited about building a good relationship withyour new partner. But where do you begin? You've just come homefrom the music store with this beautiful, mysterious stranger,or perhaps even rescued an abandoned orphan from the flee marketor pawn shop. Cradling it lovingly in your hands, you admireit's graceful form and captivating voice. Before you lay severalitems that you acquired along with your purchase- a case, strap,picks, and of course, that book or video explaining "everythingyou need to know in 10 easy lessons." You stare at it blankly,wondering what lanquage it is.

This is often the experience of a new guitar enthusiast. "Loveat first sight" engenders high hopes of playing like a Rock Starovernight. Then reality begins to sink in and you reallize thatit's going to require some effort and hard work to make thishappen! But that doesn't mean it can't be fun. A positiveattitude will go a long way in helping you meet your goals. Infact, setting some short-term and long-term goals is one of thefirst things you should do. Here are a few suggestions:

GET TO KNOW YOUR GUITAR

- Familiarize yourself with its various parts - memorize thename of each string and how they are numbered - Understand whattype of guitar you have - Learn how to take proper care of yourinstrument

GET TO KNOW YOURSELF

- What type of music do you enjoy? - Do you like to sing? - Doyou want to be in a band or play professionally someday? - Doyou just want to play for your own personal enjoyment?

I often receive calls for help from individuals who arefrustated because they are having trouble understanding the bookor video that came with their purchase. If this is the case foryou, consider taking some lessons from a private instructor. Itcan be a great way to get moving in the right direction. If youset up a weekly guitar lesson, then you will probably begin toestablish a regular practice routine too. This is because youwill feel a sense of obligation and accountability to yourteacher. A teacher can also watch your progress and offerhelpful advise and critique so that you will be able to developgood technique. This is an invaluable asset which you will beunlikely to get from a book or video.

Local music stores often have

someone who teaches right out oftheir store, or they may be able to provide you with a list ofteachers in your area. If there is a college or universitynearby, be sure to check the bulletin boards and schoolnewspapers. you could also contact the Music Department to seeif they know of any instructors who may be offering private orclass lessons during after school hours.

Most importantly, be sure to take the time to do a little"personal inventory" and get to know your instrument byanswering the questions in this article. Then, you will be ableto establish a good mental picture of where you are now andwhere you want to be in the future.

About the author:Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of ABC LearnGuitar. She has been writing songs and providing guitar lessonsto students of all ages for over 20 years. For free guitarlessons, plus tips and resources on songwriting, recording andcreating a music career, please visit: www.abclearnguitar.com