Learn How to Pronounce guitar

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guitar

Definition:

(nou) a stringed instrument usually having six strings; played by strumming or plucking

Phonetic Transcription:

ɡɪˈtɑː

Examples:

He played the mandolin and the guitar.

He plays the guitar and the piano.

I play the violin and the guitar.

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guitar

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: guitar

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Common mistakes of guitar pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "gui-TAR". The correct stress is on the second syllable in US English /ɡɪˈtɑr/ and UK English /ɡɪˈtɑː/. Tip: Practice saying "guitar" with emphasis on the "tar".
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some people pronounce "guitar" with a long "u" sound, saying "goo-tar". The correct pronunciation uses a short "i" sound /ɡɪˈtɑr/ (US) and /ɡɪˈtɑː/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the "i" as in "bit" to get it right.
  3. Overemphasizing the "g": Learners might pronounce "guitar" with a strong "g" sound, saying "guh-tar". The initial "g" should be soft, similar to "g" in "give". Tip: Start with a gentle "g" to sound more natural.
  4. Omitting the "u": Some may skip the "u" sound entirely, pronouncing it as "tar". In reality, "guitar" includes the "u", pronounced /ɡɪˈtɑr/ (US) and /ɡɪˈtɑː/ (UK). Tip: Remember to articulate the "u" clearly for better clarity.
  5. Confusing with other instruments: Learners sometimes mix up "guitar" with "guitarrón" or "guitarlele", leading to mispronunciation. Each word has distinct sounds. Tip: Familiarize yourself with each term's pronunciation to avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "guitar" in American English?

In American English, "guitar" is pronounced as /ɡɪˈtɑr/. The stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "tar."

What is the British pronunciation of "guitar"?

In British English, "guitar" is pronounced as /ɡɪˈtɑː/ with a longer vowel sound in the second syllable. The stress remains on the second syllable as well.

Are there any silent letters in "guitar"?

No, there are no silent letters in "guitar." Each letter is pronounced, and the "g" is voiced at the beginning of the word.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "guitar"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying /ˈɡɪtɑr/ instead of /ɡɪˈtɑr/. Additionally, some learners may confuse the vowel sounds, pronouncing it too close to "gitter."
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