In this lesson we look at various bend types, bend duration and bend targets. After studying  this lesson you will be able to brighten up your solo's by applying your new-found techniques to your lead guitar playing.

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Following on from the first String Bending video, we look to extend the bending technique.

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Double stops are when you play two strings at the same time with one finger. This effect really fattens up the overall sound and can be found in many songs across plenty of genre's. When we apply a bend to a double stop, we get a really thick sounding bend with an interesting tone. One of the most famous songs to make good use of the double stop is Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry. In this lesson we take a look at the intro and how the double stop bend is used.

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Finger Tapping is one of those guitar techniques usually associated with rock and metal style guitar. Whilst it may appear impossible to play for many new guitarists, we break it down so it's simple to understand and easy for you to digest. I'm pretty confident that you'll have no problem tackling this skill after this short series of finger tapping videos. As always, strengthen your muscle memory by really slowing things down until the fingers know what they're doing – speed and power will naturally follow. Now go and produce some smoke on that fretboard.

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In part 2 of finger tapping, we explore the more melodic side of finger tapping to introduce you to the possibilities. Always try and come up with something original. This is a great way to cement the concept into your memory bank and get creative at the same time.

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In this lesson we further explore the finger tapping technique. Maximising the left hand stretch and pushing you to improve speed and agility. Supercharge your finger tapping here.

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As you learn to play guitar, you will be taught how to hold your guitar and pick, the names of the different parts of your guitar, how to tune your guitar, finger-picking, scales, chords, modes, strumming patterns, theory, song composition, how to play a couple simple guitar songs, and even how to repair a broken guitar.
 
To start guitar lessons, you will need a guitar with six strings, guitar picks, and a chair without arms. Choose your favorite type of guitar: acoustic, electric, bass, classical and more. Start with at least ten guitar picks so you can try different brands and sizes, and so you will have extras if you lose picks. Most beginners prefer to learn how to play guitar with medium gauge picks. 
 
Be sure to get your guitar tuned before your first lesson. Ask anyone who plays guitar to show you how to tune your guitar for the first time. Or, purchase an inexpensive guitar tuner, which has blinking lights that indicate how to tune each guitar string.
 
Within a few guitar classes or sessions, you will learn three major chords: G major, C major, and D major. After you have mastered the three major chords and how to switch between chords, you will be able to start learning songs written in these chords. Plan to practice what you learn in your lessons for at least 15 minutes every day. Practice tuning your guitar, playing scales, playing chords, and switching chords. It is normal for fingertips to become slightly sore at first from the guitar strings. Your fingertips will gradually develop calluses that will make them less sensitive. If the soreness or sensitivity continues, you might want to get lighter strings until your fingers develop calluses.
 
As you advance to higher levels of guitar lessons, you will learn strumming patterns, minor chords, and more songs. Before you know it, you will learn power chords, sharps and flats, string bending, sliding, bar chords, hammer-ons, pull-offs, major chord inversions, palm muting, and more. You’ll soon be strumming like a pro!
 

Okay, so you have decided to learn how to play the guitar. Taking that first step is the most important because you have to have the desire in order to achieve the outcome. Whatever kind of guitar player you want to become and wherever you want to take it – just for enjoyment or for a professional purpose – you have to begin somewhere, and so finding a good teacher is vital.

There will come a time when you will need to go your own direction, when you take what you have learned and apply it in your own unique way, but before you get that point it’s a good idea to acquire a firm grasp on the fundamentals. Having a knowledgeable teacher to show you technique and give you various tips on music theory and approach is a good way to start.

There are many methods for learning the guitar, from online instruction to individual coaching. The way that works best for you depends upon your learning style – how you best learn. One way to go is crash course. Crash course guitar, as the name suggests, means you go fast, faster than you would at a normal driving school with a conservative instructor. Your first lesson won’t then just be learning how to hold the pick, tune the guitar, name each string, and play three chords. No, it’s going to be all that at lightning fast speed and so much more. A crash course is going to give you a lot of information all at once, and your mind will have to catch up with it. It’s going to require that you take what you learn and apply it time and again through practice on your own time.

Much of the introductory information can and should be written down, things like learning the strings, finger positions for chords – lots of chords, basic scales in several keys, and of course, knowing how to tune the guitar and change strings when you break one (because you will break strings!) You will learn about guitar tabs and alternate tunings. You will see the finger charts for an E chord in several different locations on the guitar neck. After this, when you catch your breath, the task will be yours to practice, practice, practice. The outcome will be determined by the effort you put into it.

Playing the guitar, like many things, is easy to learn but takes a long time to master. With a crash course, you will get what you need at once, and then it’s up to you.
 

Whether you are learning to swim, speak a foreign language, or play a musical instrument, lessons are instrumental to success. The structure they provide is an invaluable tool in getting a hang of the basics. You would not just jump into the deep end of a swimming pool without knowing how to swim. Likewise, when you first pick up the guitar you are not going to be performing at Carnegie Hall. Everything takes practice, and the guitar is no exception. When you set for yourself a diligent practice schedule, eventually the instrument will begin to sing in your hands, pleasing you and those whom you play for.

It is no secret that playing a musical instrument is a rich asset in life. Aside from all of the other reasons, it is a skill that will make you happy. There is nothing like playing the guitar to calm your nerves, make your children smile, or woo your sweetheart. The guitar also happens to be one of the easiest instruments to learn. Like anything worth doing well, it may take a lifetime to master, but don’t think about that. Think about each moment as it comes to you and the pleasure you take in making music right now.

Beginner guitar lessons are affordable and especially rewarding because after your first one you will be able to play a song. Chances are, the first two chords you learn will be D and A, and they just happen to go together magically. As you progress, you will build on that, learning more and more chords, new ways to make those chords, and the relationship the individual notes have with one another. Perhaps you would like to be a lead guitarist one day. Have patience and learn the basics, and you will get to that point. With practice you can be certain of it.

You can expect to pay between $15 and $30 for a half hour lesson or more if your desired teacher is in great demand. But don’t think you need a virtuoso to show you the ropes. There are many experienced and patient teachers with whom to learn – wherever you are – and you should take a little time to find the one who best fits your needs. When you are just starting out, you may not know exactly what you want to learn, and that’s okay. It will come to you, just stick with it.