How to Play A Genre on Guitar – Super Easy!

Are you a beginner guitarist wondering how to dive into different genres of music? Whether you’re strumming chords to a pop hit, riffing on a rock classic, bending notes in a blues solo, or fingerpicking a folk tune, understanding the fundamentals of these styles can help you explore their unique sounds. Let’s break it down by genre and get you started on your musical journey.

Pop Guitar: Simplicity Meets Catchiness

Pop music is known for its catchy melodies and simple chord progressions, making it an excellent starting point for beginners. Here’s how to approach pop guitar:

Techniques to Learn:

1. Open Chords: Most pop songs use a handful of open chords like G, C, D, Em, and Am. Mastering these will open the door to countless songs.
2. Strumming Patterns: Practice steady downstrokes and then progress to down-up strumming patterns. Experiment with dynamics to match the mood of the song.
3. Capo Use: Many pop songs are transposed to match a singer’s vocal range. A capo will help you play these songs easily without needing to learn complex chord shapes.

Beginner Tip:

Start with songs like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” or Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” Both feature easy chords and straightforward strumming patterns.

Rock Guitar: Power and Riffs

Rock music is all about energy, boldness, and memorable riffs. To rock out, you’ll need to focus on rhythm and technique.

Techniques to Learn:

1. Power Chords: These two- or three-note chords are the foundation of rock. Practice moving power chords up and down the fretboard.
2. Palm Muting: Create a percussive, chugging sound by lightly resting your picking hand on the strings near the bridge.
3. Basic Riffs: Many rock riffs are built around simple patterns. Learn iconic riffs like “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple to get started.

Beginner Tip:

Practice playing with distortion to capture the true essence of rock. Songs like “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes are beginner-friendly and fun to play.

Blues Guitar: Feeling the Groove

Blues music is expressive and soulful, often focusing on emotional storytelling through music. It’s also the foundation of many other genres, including rock and jazz.

Techniques to Learn:

1. 12-Bar Blues Progression: The standard chord progression in blues music often uses dominant 7th chords like E7, A7, and B7.
2. Pentatonic Scale: The minor pentatonic scale is your go-to for blues solos. Practice it in different positions on the fretboard.
3. String Bending and Vibrato: Blues is all about expression. Learn to bend strings and use vibrato to add emotion to your playing.

Beginner Tip:

Start with classic blues like “Crossroads” by Robert Johnson or “Sweet Home Chicago.” Focus on the rhythm and groove.

Folk Guitar: Storytelling with Strings

Folk music emphasizes storytelling and simplicity, often featuring fingerpicking and acoustic strumming.

Techniques to Learn:

1. Fingerpicking: Use your thumb for the bass notes and your fingers for the melody. Patterns like Travis picking (thumb alternating between bass notes while fingers handle the melody) are common in folk.
2. Basic Chord Progressions: Simple chord progressions like G-C-D or Am-G-F-E are staples in folk songs.
3. DADGAD Tuning: Experimenting with alternate tunings can create the rich, open sound often heard in folk music.

Beginner Tip:

Songs like Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” or Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” are excellent for practicing folk techniques.

Practice Tips for All Genres

1. Start Slow: Focus on accuracy over speed. Build muscle memory by playing slowly and steadily.
2. Use a Metronome: Keeping time is crucial, especially as you explore different genres.
3. Play Along with Songs: Practicing with real tracks helps you understand the feel of each genre.
4. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to mix elements from different genres to find your unique sound.

Final Thoughts

Exploring pop, rock, blues, and folk on guitar not only makes you a versatile player but also deepens your music appreciation. Each genre has its character and techniques, but they’re all interconnected in fascinating ways. So grab your guitar, choose a style that excites you, and dive in. The world of music is yours to explore!

Interested in taking your guitar skills to the next level? Click the below and book a free lesson with us! We’re committed to helping you express yourself freely on the guitar without endless scales and theory. Happy playing!

Author: Daniel Powers Jr, the founder of Real Brave™, serves as the chief inspiration to thousands of students in the Real Brave music instruction program. He’s also the visionary behind PracticePad™, an online platform for live one-on-one online music lessons, lesson tracking, and scheduling. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Daniel leads a non-profit organization that provides formerly homeless children with access to music education, making a profound impact on their lives. His unwavering dedication to music, innovation, and education continues to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential while creating positive change in communities. Follow Real Brave on all the socials:

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