Learn Guitar

Master the guitar with our comprehensive, step-by-step lessons. From complete beginner to advanced player.

🎸 Interactive Lessons 🎵 Chord Practice 📚 Theory & Technique
Your Guitar Journey Starts Here
1

Guitar Anatomy

Beginner

Learn the parts of your guitar and how they work together to create music.

Key Parts:
  • Headstock: Where the tuning pegs are located
  • Neck: The long part with frets
  • Body: The main resonating chamber
  • Strings: 6 strings tuned E-A-D-G-B-E (low to high)
  • Frets: Metal strips that change pitch
  • Soundhole: Projects sound from the body
2

Holding Your Guitar

Beginner

Proper posture and guitar positioning for comfortable playing.

Important:
  • Keep your back straight
  • Rest guitar on your right leg (if right-handed)
  • Support the neck with your left hand
  • Keep wrist straight, not bent
  • Relax your shoulders
3

Tuning Your Guitar

Beginner

Learn standard tuning and how to keep your guitar in tune.

Standard Tuning (Low to High):
E
6th String
A
5th String
D
4th String
G
3rd String
B
2nd String
E
1st String

Memory aid: Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie

4

First Finger Exercises

Beginner

Build finger strength and dexterity with these essential exercises.

Exercise 1: Finger Independence

Place each finger on a different fret (1st-4th fret) and press down one at a time while keeping others relaxed.

Exercise 2: Chromatic Scale

Play frets 1-2-3-4 on each string, using fingers 1-2-3-4 respectively.

Practice Tip: Start slow (5-10 minutes daily) and gradually increase speed and duration.
Master These Essential Chords

Open Chords - Learn These First!

These chords use open strings and are the foundation of thousands of songs.

G Major
3rd fret: Low E & High E strings
2nd fret: A string
Open: D, G, B strings
C Major
3rd fret: A string
2nd fret: D string
1st fret: B string
Open: G, High E strings
D Major
2nd fret: G & High E strings
3rd fret: B string
Open: D string
Don't play: A & Low E strings
A Major
2nd fret: D, G & B strings
Open: A & High E strings
Don't play: Low E string
E Major
2nd fret: A & D strings
1st fret: G string
Open: Low E, B, High E strings

Minor Chords - Add Emotion to Your Playing

Minor chords have a sad, melancholic sound that adds emotional depth to your music.

A Minor
2nd fret: D & G strings
1st fret: B string
Open: A & High E strings
Don't play: Low E string
E Minor
2nd fret: A & D strings
Open: Low E, G, B, High E strings

Only 2 fingers needed!
D Minor
1st fret: High E string
2nd fret: B string
3rd fret: G string
Open: D string
Don't play: A & Low E strings

Practice Chord Changes

Beginner
Exercise 1: G - C - D Progression

This progression appears in thousands of songs. Practice changing between these chords smoothly.

G
4 beats
C
4 beats
D
4 beats
G
4 beats
Tips for Smooth Changes:
  • Look for common finger positions between chords
  • Practice without strumming first
  • Use a metronome to keep steady timing
  • Don't lift all fingers at once - move efficiently
Master Rhythm and Strumming

Basic Strumming Technique

Beginner
Strumming Basics:
  • Down stroke (D): Strum from top to bottom
  • Up stroke (U): Strum from bottom to top
  • Wrist motion: Use wrist, not whole arm
  • Relaxed grip: Hold pick loosely
  • Consistent rhythm: Keep steady timing

Common Strumming Patterns

Intermediate
Pattern 1: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up
D D U U D U

Count: 1 2 3 & 4 &

Pattern 2: Down-Up-Down-Up
D U D U

Count: 1 & 2 &

Put It All Together - Practice Songs

Beginner Songs (3 Chords)

Beginner
G-C-D Songs:
  • "Wonderwall" - Oasis
  • "Good Riddance" - Green Day
  • "Eleanor Rigby" - The Beatles
  • "Bad Moon Rising" - CCR
Practice Tips:
  • Start with just chord changes (no strumming)
  • Use our song library to practice along
  • Focus on clean chord transitions
  • Gradually increase tempo

Intermediate Songs (4+ Chords)

Intermediate
Popular Progressions:
  • "Let It Be" - The Beatles (C-G-Am-F)
  • "Don't Stop Believing" - Journey
  • "Zombie" - The Cranberries
  • "Creep" - Radiohead
Next Steps:
  • Learn barre chords (F, Bm)
  • Practice different strumming patterns
  • Work on fingerpicking
  • Explore different genres

Practice with Strumly

Ready to apply what you've learned? Browse our song library and practice along with real songs!

Browse Songs Beginner Songs

30-Day Practice Schedule

Follow this structured practice plan to build your skills progressively

Week 1-2 Foundation
  • Guitar anatomy & posture
  • Tuning & finger exercises
  • Learn G, C, D chords
  • Basic down strumming
Practice: 15-20 min/day
Week 3-4 Building Skills
  • Smooth chord transitions
  • Add Em, Am, Dm chords
  • Down-up strumming patterns
  • Play simple songs
Practice: 20-30 min/day
Week 5+ Advanced Practice
  • Complex strumming patterns
  • Barre chords (F, Bm)
  • Play full songs
  • Rhythm and timing
Practice: 30-45 min/day