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  1. Artists
  2. Guitarists

New year's resolutions for guitarists

News
By Rob Power published 1 January 2014

Start the new year right

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Learn the basics

Learn the basics

Sick of feeling like the guy behind the counter in the guitar shop knows more than you?

Then there's a quick fix - learn the basics! MusicRadar Basics can answer all those little questions you've got about the guitar, and clue you up for your next visit.

Check out MusicRadar Basics here.

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Invest in some new gear

Invest in some new gear

A great way to unlock some new creative avenues is to switch up your approach.

Only play electric? Get a decent acoustic! Never us effects? Grab the weirdest pedal you can find! You might be surprised at just how effective spending a little bit of cash on some new gear can be.

Check out our guitar gear of the year 2013 for inspiration.

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Get Lucky

Get Lucky

Need a new party piece? Stuck in a guitar-y rut? Need some funk in your life?

Learning Nile Rodgers' funk-tastic riff from 2013's all-conquering Daft Punk track Get Lucky is the answer to all these dilemmas and more. It'll loosen up your wrist, maybe teach you some new phrasings and plant a grin on your face that'll be difficult to shift. Trust us.

Learn Get Lucky here!

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Try some alternatives

Try some alternatives

If you've only ever played in standard tuning, it's time to get brave.

Break out that chromatic tuner and go rogue - there's a whole world of alternate tunings out there, and they'll transform your playing beyond all recognition. The guitar can feel like a completely different instrument, and once you've strayed away from standard you'll have a whole new set of sounds up your sleeve.

Check out ten alternate tunings here.

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Embrace Beatlemania

Embrace Beatlemania

2014 is a big anniversary for Beatlemaniacs, marking 50 years since the Fab Four broke the US and changed the face of musical history.

So, it's as good a time as any to check them out on the guitar. If you're new to The Beatles, you'll be astonished at the sheer variety of chords Lennon and McCartney worked into their songs, the fluid complexity of Harrison's guitar parts and Ringo's rhythmical dexterity. Seriously, these guys knew what they were doing.

Don't believe us? Learn how to play the best bits from five early Beatles hits with the cast of west end musical Let It Be right here...

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Record that masterpiece!

Record that masterpiece!

Have you yet to record your own particular brand of guitar genius? Well, it's time to get cracking.

Recording is a hell of a lot of fun, plus you'll learn new skills (and fresh appreciation for the skills of your favourite players) that can only be discovered by throwing yourself into the recording process.

Find out how to make a start here.

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Get out and play

Get out and play

The true test of any guitarist's mettle is playing in front of a crowd.

It can be terrifying, but as soon as you get up and do it you'll understand what all those guys who talk about the 'buzz' of playing are banging on about. It's addictive, hugely satisfying and, once you've conquered the nerves, a hell of a lot of fun. Check out your local bars for open mic nights, and get yourself involved.

Here's a checklist of things worth noting before you do.

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Subscribe!

Subscribe!

Of course, the best way to stay up to date with guitar news, reviews, interviews and some of the best tuition in the known (and, possibly, unknown) universe is to subscribe to our guitar mags.

Check out the latest subscription deals for Guitarist, Total Guitar and Guitar Techniques and unlock a whole world of guitar-y goodness.

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
Categories
Guitars
Rob Power
Read more
Jason Isbell plays a Martin dreadnought onstage in Norway
Jason Isbell has some advice for any young player who has just bought their first acoustic guitar
native instruments
"As nuanced as the real thing, but only if you know what you're doing": The ultimate guide to plugin guitars
George Harrison
How to play like George Harrison on The Beatles' Abbey Road
Music theory basics: understanding intervals, and how they define the distance in pitch between two notes
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Synth and gear
Why tech isn’t to blame for your lack of inspiration
Close up of a person holding an acoustic guitar bathed sunlight
Ignite your inner guitar god for just 27 cents a day with TrueFire’s July 4th sale - save 60% on online lessons
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