As a beginner guitarist, there are a few essential techniques that you should focus on mastering:

• Finger placement and fretting: Learn how to place your fingers on the fretboard correctly and develop good finger strength.
• Strumming and picking: Practice different strumming patterns and picking techniques to develop rhythm and control.
• Chords: Start with basic open chords and gradually progress to more complex chord shapes.
• Barre chords: Mastering barre chords will allow you to play chords in different positions on the guitar neck.
• Scale patterns: Learn the major and minor scale patterns to improve your soloing and improvisation skills.
• Basic music theory: Understand the fundamentals of music theory such as reading tabs, rhythm notation, and chord progressions.
• Practice routine: Establish a consistent practice routine to build muscle memory and improve your overall playing ability.

Consistency is key when learning the guitar. Aim to practice at least 20-30 minutes every day, or as much as your schedule allows. Shorter, focused practice sessions are more effective than longer, sporadic ones. As you progress, you can gradually increase your practice time.

Both sheet music and tabs are valuable resources for guitarists. Sheet music provides a more detailed musical notation, while tabs are easier to understand and follow, especially for beginners. It’s beneficial to learn to read both, as it will expand your musical knowledge and versatility.

While it’s not necessary to take guitar lessons as a beginner, it can greatly accelerate your learning process. A qualified guitar teacher can provide guidance, personalized feedback, and help you avoid common mistakes. However, there are also ample online resources and self-study materials available for those who prefer to learn on their own.

The time it takes to become proficient at playing the guitar varies from person to person. It depends on factors such as the amount of practice time, dedication, and natural aptitude. Generally, with consistent practice and proper guidance, beginners can start playing songs within a few months and gradually progress to more advanced techniques over a couple of years.