3 Easy Guitar Lessons for Total Beginners to Get Started

Picking up a guitar for the first time is like opening a door to endless possibilities. Whether you dream of shredding face-melting solos or strumming soulful ballads, every guitarist starts somewhere. So, let’s get you started with three basic guitar lessons designed for absolute beginners. Each lesson builds on the last, giving you the tools you need to craft your own musical journey.

Lesson 1: Holding the Guitar and Finding Your First Chords

First things first, you need to get comfortable holding your guitar. This might seem like a no-brainer, but trust me, a relaxed posture makes a world of difference. Sit up straight, rest the guitar on your right thigh if you’re right-handed (left for the lefties), and keep it close to your body. Your strumming hand should hover over the strings, while your fretting hand should be ready to tackle the fretboard.

Now, let’s introduce your first chords: E minor and A minor. These chords are the gateway to countless songs and are relatively easy on your fingers. Start with E minor:

• Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string (5th string).
• Place your ring finger on the second fret of the D string (4th string).
• Strum all six strings.

Next, try A minor:

• Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string (2nd string).
• Place your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (4th string).
• Place your ring finger on the second fret of the G string (3rd string).
• Strum from the A string downward, skipping the low E string.

Practice switching between these two chords. It might feel awkward at first, but with time, your fingers will develop muscle memory. Remember, patience is key. Everyone struggles with chord changes at the beginning, but persistence pays off.

Lesson 2: Basic Strumming Patterns

Once you have those chords down, it’s time to add some rhythm. Strumming can feel like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, but it’s crucial for developing your sense of timing.

Begin with a simple downstroke pattern:

• Count “1, 2, 3, 4” in your head as you strum down on each beat.
• Focus on keeping your strumming hand relaxed.
• Start slow, gradually increasing your speed as you get more comfortable.

Once you’re comfortable with downstrokes, try adding upstrokes:

• Strum down on “1” and “3” and up on “2” and “4.”
• Maintain a fluid motion, like you’re painting a wall with a brush.
• Use a metronome to keep a steady tempo. This is something we emphasize a lot at Riffhard, where the custom metronome is a favorite tool among our students.

Practice this pattern with your E minor and A minor chords. As you master these basic patterns, you’ll find that your confidence grows, and you’ll be ready to tackle more complex rhythms.

Lesson 3: Learning a Simple Song

It’s time to put those chords and strumming patterns to good use by learning a simple song. “Horse with No Name” by America is a great choice for beginners. It primarily uses two chords: Em and Asus2, which is a slight tweak of the A minor chord you’ve already learned.

Here’s how to play Asus2:

• Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string (4th string).
• Place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string (3rd string).
• Strum from the A string downward, skipping the low E string.

The chord progression is simple: Em for four beats, then Asus2 for four beats. Use the strumming pattern you’ve been practicing, and voila, you’re playing a song!

If you’re struggling with the rhythm or chord changes, don’t be too hard on yourself. Every guitarist has been there. Keep practicing, and consider checking out some tutorials from seasoned players on Riffhard. We have lessons from top guitarists who can offer insights and tips to help you improve faster.

How to Tune Your Guitar

Before diving into more lessons, it’s important to ensure your guitar is in tune. An out-of-tune guitar can make even the best player sound off-key, so learning to tune by ear or with a tuner is an essential skill.

Here’s a quick guide to tuning by ear using the fifth fret method:

• Start with the low E string (6th string). Assume it’s in tune.
• Press down on the fifth fret of the low E string and play the A string (5th string) open. Adjust the A string until it matches the fifth fret of the E string.
• Repeat this process for the D (4th string) and G (3rd string).
• For the B string (2nd string), press down on the fourth fret of the G string and match the open B string to it.
• For the high E string (1st string), go back to the fifth fret of the B string.

Of course, using a tuner is much easier and more precise. Many guitarists use phone apps or clip-on tuners, which save time and effort.

Finger Strength and Dexterity Exercises

To play guitar effectively, you’ll need strong and flexible fingers. Here are a few exercises to help build finger strength and improve dexterity:

• Spider Walk: Place each finger on a different fret on different strings. Lift them one at a time, moving up and down the neck.
• Finger Stretch: Spread your fingers across four frets and press down each finger one at a time, keeping the rest stationary.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Practice these techniques on each string to strengthen your fingers and improve speed.

These exercises might feel challenging, but they’ll pay off in the long run. Having a strong foundation will make learning new techniques much easier. For more advanced exercises, we have extensive resources at Riffhard, where world-class guitarists share their secrets to building finger strength.

Understanding Guitar Tabs

Guitar tabs are a simplified way to read music, especially useful for beginners. Tabs show you where to place your fingers on the fretboard, making it easier to learn songs without reading traditional sheet music.

Here’s a brief overview of how to read guitar tabs:

• The lines represent strings, with the top line being the high E string and the bottom line being the low E string.
• Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press. A “0” means you play the string open.
• Read the tabs from left to right, playing each note in sequence.

Using guitar tabs, you can quickly pick up new songs and practice your skills. Many resources provide free tabs online, but ensure they’re accurate by cross-referencing with trustworthy sources or video lessons.

Simple Picking Techniques

Once you’re comfortable with strumming, it’s time to explore picking techniques. Start with alternate picking, which involves down and upstrokes in a continuous motion. This technique is fundamental for playing faster, more complex riffs later on.

Here’s how to practice alternate picking:

• Choose a simple scale or pattern on one string to start.
• Alternate between down and upstrokes, maintaining an even tempo.
• Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed.

Picking might feel awkward initially, but with practice, it will become second nature. For more in-depth lessons on picking techniques, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the top metal guitarists, who can guide you through more advanced picking methods.

Playing with a Metronome

A metronome is an invaluable tool for keeping time and developing your rhythm. It helps you play in sync, which is crucial when playing with others or recording music.

Here’s how to use a metronome effectively:

• Start at a slow tempo, focusing on playing each note cleanly.
• Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
• Challenge yourself by practicing different rhythms and time signatures.

At Riffhard, we emphasize the importance of practicing with a metronome, especially for metal guitarists who need precise timing to nail those complex riffs and solos.

Setting Realistic Practice Goals

Setting goals can keep your practice sessions focused and productive. Start by identifying what you want to achieve, whether it’s learning a specific song, improving your picking speed, or mastering a new technique.

Here are some tips for setting effective practice goals:

• Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Set a regular practice schedule, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.
• Reflect on your progress regularly and adjust your goals as needed.

Remember, progress may be slow at times, but consistency is key. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and keep pushing forward.

Final Thoughts

Starting your guitar journey can be both exciting and challenging, but these three fundamental lessons will set you on the right path. As you build your skills, remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. If you’re looking for more guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists, helping you delve deeper into the world of guitar playing with ease. Happy playing!