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Congratulations! You just got a new guitar. Whether it was a gift from a loved one for the holidays or a present to yourself, a new instrument is a great way to kick off the new year by tackling a new skill.

So ... now what?

Intermediate and advanced players already know the drill. Pick that instrument up and get acquainted with the first (or latest) addition to your collection!

But if this is your first guitar (or bass), here are a few quick tips to help you get started on your musical journey:

Peel Off Your Pickguard Film

First things first, and this one's easy. You might not even notice the thin piece of plastic on the pickguard, but it’s only there to protect it until it's yours. Once you’re ready to play, just carefully remove it.


Add an Amp

If you have a new electric guitar or bass, you’ll need an amplifier. Something with an 8- or 10-inch speaker at around 10 to 15 watts like the Mustang 1 (V.2) or the Champion 20, both of which feature a host of onboard effects, would be great for bedroom practice. If portability is an issue then a mini amp might be the best option. However, if you know you're going to be playing with a band and you'll need to compete against live drums you might want to consider something like the Mustang GT 200 or the Bassbreaker 30R.

A new bassist may want to check out the Rumble LT25 for bedroom practice or jamming with your friends and the Rumble 100 for a band setting.

And if you're unsure about whether you want to go with a tube or solid-state amp, Fender amp expert Rick Hines can help you determine what kind of amp is right for you.



The Straps, the Picks, the Strings

You definitely need the right pick - and it's important to learn the correct way to hold a pick.

It's good to be prepared with an extra set of the right strings in case your first set breaks. Lighter gauge strings will be easier on the fingers if you’re a new player, and you should test out a variety of pick sizes before settling on what feels comfortable. (Learn everything about Fender's electric guitar strings here.)

You'll also want to pick up a strap if you want to play standing up.


Don't Forget Batteries

If your guitar or bass has active electronics, like the Deluxe Active Jazz Bass, the Flea Signature Active Jazz Bass or a built-in tuner/preamp, like the Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought, it will come with a 9-volt battery. But it couldn’t hurt to pick up an extra so your practice time won’t be interrupted due to a power outage.


Learn How to Clean Your Instrument

A little maintenance will help your guitar or bass last longer, as sweat, dirt and other nasty bits can age it faster. Just get the right equipment — like a lint-free cloth and approved cleaning agents — and check out this article on the dos and don’ts of cleaning your guitar.


Store It Properly

One thing that regularly gets overlooked is how to store guitars and basses when they’re not in use. If you plan on playing every day, a stand or wall hanger will keep your instrument at the ready. Otherwise, a gig bag or hard case will keep it shielded from the elements on transit or long-term storage. (Learn more about how to store your guitars and basses here.)


Consider a Setup

While most guitars sound good from the beginning, consulting a trained technician for a setup will ensure that it’s properly intonated and has a comfortable action. And if you're not sure what a setep is and why it's so important, you can get that information here.


Tune Up

Whether you’re using a tuning app or the harmonic method, you should know how to keep your instrument in tune. You’ll never know when it will get knocked out of whack, sometimes it happens when you’d least expect.


Get to Playing

Now that we’ve shown you the basics of guitar care and prep, it’s up to you to start playing. Luckily, it’s not hard with Fender Play, where you can learn fundamentals like how to strum, play basic chords and create the building blocks of songs. You can even learn many of your favorite songs in minutes.

For more information, check out Fender's ultimate new guitar guide. And if you're ready to start your guitar journey, sign up for a free trial of Fender Play.

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