5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started Out On Guitar | Guitars Limited

Looking back on my guitar journey, there are a handful of lessons that took me far too long to learn. If I'd understood some of these things earlier, I would have progressed faster, sounded better, and saved myself a lot of frustration.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for a while, these five insights will help you level up your playing quicker and avoid the mistakes I made.

1. Not All Chords Use All Six Strings

I spent way too long thinking every chord had to involve strumming all six strings. Spoiler: they don't! 

The lesson: Many chords only use four or five strings, and strumming all six can make them sound off or muddy. For example, a D major chord should only use the top four strings (D, G, B, and high E). Hitting the low E and A strings muddies the sound and clashes with the chord.

Why it matters: Understanding which strings belong in each chord shape makes your playing sound cleaner and more intentional. It also helps you develop better strumming accuracy.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the 'X' marks on chord diagrams – they're telling you which strings not to play. Practice strumming only the strings that belong in each chord.

You can actually play a chord with just three strings. A major chord just needs the root note, the 'third' and the 'fifth'.

Which leads us to...

3. Learn some really basic chord theory.

• Learn the 7 musical notes (CDEFGAB) and their 'sharps' and 'flats'
• Learn the 'Intervals'
• Learn the Major Scales in each key (the Minor Scales also become easy to learn once you know the Major Scales)
• Learn the construction of Major, Minor and Dominant Seventh Chords

Its sounds harder than it is - but trust me - many things will 'click' easier of you know these.

2. Muting the notes Is just as important as playing them

When you're learning guitar, all the focus is on which strings to fret (guitar speak for pressing the strings down) and where in a way that gets a clear buzz-free sound.

You'll probably use  chord charts that might have an 'X' above one (or more) of the strings which indicates you should not play those strings. I remember trying to strum an 'A' chord but found it hard not to play the thick E string (which has an X above it when you are playing an A chord) when I strummed across the strings.

It was some time before I learned that the easiest way to do this is to reach around with the thumb on your fretting hand, to stop it from sounding. This is just one example but as time passes, you will develop the best way for you to mute strings when you don't want them to sound.

It's a subtle art - and far less easy to explain than where you put your fingers to play the fretted notes that make up the 'right' notes chord. Just be conscious of the need to start thinking about it as soon as you start getting those fretted notes sounding good. Its the next step to perfect sounding chords.

The lesson: Muting unwanted strings is essential for clean, professional-sounding playing. Whether it's using your fretting hand to lightly touch strings you don't want ringing out, or using your palm to mute. So you are actively controlling what shouldn't sound just as much as making the sounds that should be heard.

Why it matters: Without proper muting, your chords sound muddy and your riffs sound messy. Once you master muting, your playing instantly sounds tighter and more controlled.

Pro tip: Practice muting with your palm (palm muting) for rhythm playing, and use your 'spare' fretting fingers (and thumb) to dampen adjacent strings when playing chords or single-note lines.

 

3. Use a Capo to Learn Up the Neck (Where the Frets Are Closer Together)

When I was starting out, I struggled with barre chords and playing higher up the neck because the fret spacing felt awkward and my fingers weren't strong enough yet.

The lesson: Using a capo to move up the neck (say, to the 5th or 7th fret) makes the frets closer together and easier to reach. This is especially helpful for beginners or players with smaller hands. Your chords will sound like chords, just at a higher pitch.

Why it matters: Practicing open chord shapes with a capo higher up the neck builds finger strength and dexterity in a more comfortable position. Plus, it teaches you how chords sound in different keys without having to learn new shapes.

Pro tip: Try playing your favourite open chords (e.g G, C, D, Em) with a capo on the 5th fret. You'll find the frets easier to navigate, and you'll start to understand how the capo changes the key.

4. Open Chord Shapes Can Be Moved Up the Neck Once You Learn to Barre

This was a game-changer for me. Once I learned barre chords, I realised that the open chord shapes I already knew (E, A, D, G) could be moved anywhere on the neck to create new chords.

The lesson: An open E major shape becomes an F major when you barre the first fret, a G major at the third fret, and so on. The same applies to A, D, and G shapes. Suddenly, the entire fretboard opens up.

Why it matters: Instead of memorising hundreds of chord shapes, you can use a handful of movable shapes to play in any key. This is how professional guitarists navigate the neck so effortlessly.

Pro tip: Start by learning the E and A barre chord shapes – they're the most versatile. Move them up and down the neck to play major and minor chords in every key.

5. Go Beyond the Intro – Stick to the Task and Finish Songs

I used to learn the intro to a song, play it a few times, then move on to the next one. I had a collection of half-learned songs and no real sense of accomplishment.

The lesson: Learning a song all the way through – intro, verse, chorus, bridge, solo, and outro – teaches you so much more than just noodling around with the catchy bits. It builds stamina, timing, and musicality.

Why it matters: Finishing songs gives you a sense of achievement and makes you a more complete player. You'll also develop better rhythm, dynamics, and the ability to play with others.

Pro tip: Pick one song you love and commit to learning it from start to finish. Play along with the recording until you can perform the whole thing confidently. Only then move on to the next one.

Bonus Tips I Wish I'd Known

A little more advanced but soon you'll be onto understanding:

• Anchor fingers: Sometimes a finger may need to slide to a different fret - but on the same string - for the next chord. Spot this when it happens and use that finger as an anchor (as it's already on the right string) to help you form the next chord.
• Escape notes: Adding little melodic runs or single notes between chords (escape notes) makes your playing sound more musical and less robotic.
• Diversify your practice: Don't just focus on one technique. Mix in fingerstyle, strumming patterns, alternate picking, and chord changes to become a well-rounded player.
• Stand Up! - Do 10% of your early practice sessions standing up. This will help as you get to the point where you feel you can perform your music to people.

Final Thoughts

Guitar playing is a journey, and everyone learns at their own pace. But if I could go back and tell my younger self these things, I'd be a much better player today.

The good news? You don't have to make the same mistakes I did. Take these lessons on board, stay patient, and keep practising. You'll be amazed at how quickly you improve.

Need gear to support your guitar journey? Check out our range of capos, tuners, strings, and picks to keep you playing your best.

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