1 . Learn the basics thoroughly.
A good guitarist must be an expert in the fundamentals of guitar playing. The fundamentals include posture when holding the guitar, proper left and right hand finger positioning, and plectrum or pick usage.
2 . Study musical notation.
Though reading guitar tablature is easier, it generally has one drawback: it does not show timing. The beginner should at least be familiar with reading musical notation. Granted, some very talented guitarists are able to play without ever needing tablature or sheet music; they learn a song just by listening to it. But unless you are one of these people, you'll be better-off mastering musical notation so you'll have access to a wide collection of compositions.
3 . Practice every day.
Do drills and exercises to polish your skills and technique. Strengthen your fingers, and aim for a clean and clear tone. Avoid muted sounds unless the music calls for it.
