How to Start Practicing Guitar Amidst an Overload of Information?

How to Learn Guitar in the Information Age? The Answer: Master the Core First.

Think of the entire knowledge system as a tree. The tree has a thick trunk, which branches into smaller trunks, and then into even smaller branches, and finally into leaves. The core of the knowledge system is that trunk. Everything else—branches and leaves—originates from it. No matter how intricate or unusual a branch or leaf may seem, it always connects back to the trunk. That’s the core knowledge.

Let’s apply this to music. Many people dislike studying music theory. Why? Because it’s too complicated. Open any article on chords, and you’ll find a list of variations and formulas. But without understanding the relationships between these concepts, how can you apply them effectively? The foundation of music theory is scales. Chords are built from intervals within scales, and chords form diatonic progressions, which are the backbone of a song (the trunk). From there, you can explore variations, extensions, substitutions, and passing chords. If you don’t grasp the core, reading a book on extended chords will feel like deciphering an ancient manuscript.

The same applies to techniques. The four basic left-hand techniques are hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and bends. Tapping is essentially an extension of hammer-ons and pull-offs. To master vibrato, you first need to nail bending. And all of this ties back to finger independence, which is built through finger exercises (like dddhhhspider walksdddhhh). So, if you’re not diligently practicing finger exercises, don’t expect to master advanced techniques.

How to Find the Core in the Information Age?

Now that you understand the importance of the core, how do you find it amidst the information overload? Here are a few principles to guide you:

1. The Law of Large Numbers

This principle suggests focusing on the most common intersection of concepts. For example, you’ll find more tutorials on hammer-ons and pull-offs than on sweeping. This indicates that hammer-ons and pull-offs are more fundamental.

When practicing scales, you’ll notice that pentatonic and major/minor scales are more widely used than modal scales. Start by mastering pentatonic and major/minor scales, and you’ll find modal scales easier to grasp later.

Similarly, if everyone is learning a particular song, it’s likely because it’s a classic with educational value. Browse through books, and if you see the same song, technique, or concept repeated, make it a priority to learn.

2. Start with Simple Things

Experience shows that core concepts are usually simpler. If a technique or song looks overwhelmingly complex, it’s likely an extension rather than the core. For example, if a song uses unusual chords that feel awkward to play, it’s probably built on variations of basic chords. Master the basics first, and the advanced concepts will follow naturally.

3. Find a Teacher to Help Build Your Core

Some students ask, “With so much information online, are guitar teachers becoming less valuable?” I laugh and reply: The price of guitar lessons may be dropping, but the value of a good teacher is rising. In an age of information overload, a skilled teacher is more important than ever. Think about it: even though smartphones can now take photos that rival DSLRs, photographers haven’t gone out of business. In fact, talented photographers are more sought after than ever.

A good teacher digests the information, distills the essentials, and knows the core concepts and fundamentals that need to be solid. For example, in drumming, there are core techniques and approaches that apply across all musical styles. Don’t jump from one flashy technique to another. Focus on the fundamentals first.

In the past, learning was often limited to a single teacher or school, which could lead to gaps in knowledge. Today, the abundance of information allows for broader learning, but it also risks shallow, scattered progress. Combine the mentorship of a teacher with the wealth of online resources to build a solid foundation while exploring diverse techniques.