Learn to Play the Guitar (15 items)

Last updated: about 12 years ago

To Do (15 left)

  •  If you are right handed, have the neck of the guitar in your left hand so you will be able to strum with your right and vice versa. (You will need a left handed guitar if you are left handed)
  • Looking at the neck of the guitar, you will see a lot of thin metal lines all down the front. The spaces in between each of these lines are called "frets." The frets make up what we call the "fretboard." Going up one fret represents going up one half step
  • With the curve in the side of your guitar resting on your leg, look down at the strings.
  • Starting from the top string going down, the notes of the strings are "E," "A," "D," "G," "B," and "E."
  • Now, make sure you have a guitar chord book. This way you can see where to place your fingers for learning your first chord.
  • Once you have your book, start with an "E" chord. Feel free to view the chord in the book for better understanding and clarification.The "E" chord is considered one of the most basic chords on the guitar which is why you can learn it as one of your first
  • First, place your middle finger in the second fret on the "A" String.
  • Second, place your fourth finger on the "D" String, also in the second fret.
  • Third, place your pointer finger on the "G" String in the first fret.
  • Now your fingers are in the shape of an "E" chord! Squeeze the guitar where your fingers are positioned and try strumming the guitar with your right hand. Refer to your chord book if it does not sound right.
  • Repeat a similar process for all other basic chords you desire to learn, such as "A", "C", "D", "F", or "G".
  • Time for your first strumming pattern while playing your first chord. Take your pick and try strumming in the direction of this pattern- Down, down, up, down, up.
  • Repeat this until it becomes smooth and comfortable for you. Even try coming back to it later if you are having difficulties.
  • If you still cannot get it after revisiting it, try looking at a strumming video.
  • Now you should have a basic knowledge of the guitar and some new guitar skills!