A guitar.
The term guitarist is a general term that essentially refers to anyone who plays the guitar. That means becoming a guitarist is as simple as buying a guitar and learning how to play it well. However, the steps to becoming a professional guitarist are more difficult and require an investment of time and persistence, as well as a fair amount of talent. Before you venture down the path of becoming a professional guitarist, spend a lot of time learning how to play the guitar well.
An electric guitar.
Some musicians play for several years before finding work as professional guitarists, while others have a natural aptitude for the guitar and adapt to the professional environment immediately. In either case, one must develop significant skill and proficiency in their playing ability. If you’re new to guitar and starting to become a professional guitarist, it might be worth signing up for some guitar lessons. Even if you are not a beginner, but an intermediate player, you can benefit from lessons that will take you to the next level of your game. Once the guitarist has done that, you need to decide in which environment to best use your talents.
Playing for a live audience can be a way of making a living for a guitarist.
One option for the aspiring professional guitarist is to become a studio musician. As a studio guitarist, he can participate in recording sessions for a variety of artists that run the gamut of different types of music. You will play the guitar as a lead guitarist or rhythm guitarist and you will be able to collaborate with other musicians to write and perform songs. Studio musicians interact with many other musicians while recording or even perform as temporary live musicians, which can often lead to more permanent gigs. Contact local studios to request an audition. While this option may not provide a steady job, it is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Most people need years of lessons to master the guitar.
Another option to consider when becoming a professional guitarist is to simply join a band and play live. While it’s not easy to make a living doing it, playing with a band can be a fun and rewarding profession that can allow you to make crucial connections in the music business. The best way to get a job as a professional guitarist is to make yourself heard, so playing live can be a crucial way to get your name out there to other musicians. Open mics and battles of the bands are great places to start.