Become familiar with the main bits and pieces that make up a guitar. A crucial first step for all aspiring guitarists.
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Beginner
ELECTRIC GUITAR
BEGINNER ELECTRIC
GET STARTED
Every great guitarist started in the same place—the beginning. But in just a few short lessons, you'll be well on your way to playing chords, riffs, and basic songs.
Become familiar with the main bits and pieces that make up a guitar. A crucial first step for all aspiring guitarists.
VIDEO
Tuning Up Your Guitar
Tips to getting and keeping your guitar in tune using a D'Addario headstock tuner.
VIDEO
YOUR FIRST ELECTRIC GUITAR LESSON
You just got your first electric guitar and want to get started? This beginner electric lesson was made just for you.
VIDEO
ONE FINGER POWER CHORDS
In this video, you’ll learn your first power chords—the chords responsible for the sound of many famous rock songs.
BEGINNER ELECTRIC
YOUR FIRST LESSONS
From here on, you're getting into some of the most fun and important foundational aspects of playing guitar. By the end of this short section, you'll have a couple common chords and a few classic tunes under your belt.
By adding a second finger to one finger power chords, you'll be able to play tons of awesome tunes you know and love.
By adding a second finger to one finger power chords, you'll be able to play tons of awesome tunes you know and love.
VIDEO
The A Major Chord
You're ready to play every song ever. But wait, you've got to learn some chords first. Start with the A major chord, detailed in this excellent beginner lesson.
VIDEO
The D Major Chord
Continue learning the basics with this lesson on the D Major Chord.
VIDEO
First Songs Using A + D
There are quite a few super easy songs that just use the A and D chords you’ve just learned.
Practicing the right things for the right amount of time can make all the difference when starting out.
Practicing the right things for the right amount of time can make all the difference when starting out.
BEGINNER ELECTRIC
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
In this section, you'll learn how to develop an effective practice routine, plus some more important chords. By the end of this section, you'll have at least 8 common chords in your repertoire, which means hundreds of possible songs to play!
VIDEO
EASY ONE STRING RIFFS
Now that you know the chord shapes that make up many rock tunes, it’s time to learn the other side of the equation—riffs!
VIDEO
MORE EASY ONE STRING RIFFS
Here are a few more single-stringers to add to your repertoire!
VIDEO
THE G MAJOR CHORD
G Major chords... they're everywhere! Learn this essential chord that will show up in so many songs throughout your guitar journey!
Chord charts are a helpful practice tool you can use to learn any tune.
Chord charts are a helpful practice tool you can use to learn any tune.
VIDEO
THE A MINOR + E MAJOR CHORDS
Adding these two common chords to your arsenal—both of which use the same hand shape—will unlock tons more popular songs you already know and love.
VIDEO
ONE MINUTE CHANGES EXERCISE
JustinGuitar promises that his one minute changes exercise accelerates progress in beginners more than anything else.
VIDEO
THE C MAJOR CHORD
The C chord is another integral part of many, many songs. Master this chord and you’ll add another large segment of popular music to your repertoire.
We can’t forget about the strumming hand! Here you’ll learn the five most common strumming patterns for beginner guitar playing.
We can’t forget about the strumming hand! Here you’ll learn the five most common strumming patterns for beginner guitar playing.
VIDEO
Songs Using A Minor + E Minor
Get to practicing the chords and strum patterns you’ve just learned! Here are a few songs that feature the Em and Am chords.
VIDEO
THE F MAJOR CHORD
Want to learn the F Major Chord? You're in the right place. Check out this beginner guitar lesson for the infamous F Chord!
ARTICLE
GUIDE TO C-A-G-E-D
Hear note-to-chord relationships, and use chords and licks purposefully in your music.
In this lesson, we explore using the Anchor Finger concept for the E and A chords and why it's so useful!
In this lesson, we explore using the Anchor Finger concept for the E and A chords and why it's so useful!
ARTICLE
MAKING YOUR PRACTICE SESSION MOST EFFECTIVE
For the D minor chord, we’re going to learn it here using the 1st, 2nd, and 4th fingers.
VIDEO
THE DM CHORD
Learn the 8 most important aspects of practicing with Matt Smith.
VIDEO
HOW TO READ GUITAR TAB
A brief rundown of how to read tab for beginners.