The beginner guitar path is built around seven short lessons. You learn what each part of the instrument does, how to sit with it comfortably, how to tune to standard E A D G B E, and then three open chords (E minor, A minor and C major) before moving on to strumming and chord changes.
Getting started
What you need
An acoustic or electric guitar, a tuner (a free browser tuner works fine) and about 10–15 minutes a day. A pick is helpful for strumming but not essential.
How to start learning guitar from scratch
Learn the parts of the guitar first, then posture and tuning. Only when the guitar is in tune do chords start to sound right — skipping tuning is the most common reason beginners think they are doing something wrong.
Your first guitar chords
E minor uses just two fingers, so it's the easiest chord to start with. Add A minor and C major, then practise switching between them slowly before adding a strumming pattern.
Strumming for beginners
Begin with four steady down-strums per bar. Once that feels even, try the common D-DU-UDU pattern, keeping your strumming hand moving even when it misses the strings.
The beginner guitar lessons
- 1Parts of the GuitarIn this lesson, you'll learn the main parts of the guitar and what they do. Understanding the parts of your instrument makes every future lesson easier to follow. 5 min • Beginner
- 2How to Hold a GuitarGood posture prevents tension and makes playing easier. Learn the seated and standing positions. 6 min • Beginner
- 3How to Tune Your GuitarStandard tuning from thickest to thinnest string is E A D G B E. Use a tuner app to get each string in pitch. 8 min • Beginner
- 4Your First ChordsLearn three essential open chords: E minor, A minor and C major. 10 min • Beginner
- 5Basic StrummingBuild rhythm with a steady down-strum pattern, then add up-strums. 8 min • Beginner
- 6Change Between ChordsSmooth chord changes are the secret to sounding like a real player. 10 min • Easy
- 7Play Your First SongPut it all together with a simple four-chord progression: G – Em – C – D. 12 min • Easy
A simple 15-minute practice routine
- Tune your guitar (2 minutes).
- Play each chord you know, checking every string rings clearly (3 minutes).
- Switch slowly between two chords (5 minutes).
- Strum a simple progression such as G – Em – C – D (5 minutes).
Jump to a lesson
- Learn the parts of the guitar →
- How to tune a guitar →
- Learn your first guitar chords →
- Practise guitar strumming →
- Play your first guitar song →
Common questions about learning guitar
Can I learn guitar without a teacher?
Yes, many people start on their own using structured lessons and regular practice. A teacher can spot posture or technique problems faster, so it helps to record yourself and compare your playing with the lesson steps.
How long does it take to learn guitar?
It varies from person to person. Most beginners can play a few basic chords within their first weeks of short, regular practice. Consistency matters more than long sessions.
Which guitar chords should I learn first?
E minor, A minor and C major are a good start because they use few fingers and appear in many songs. G and D come next, which lets you play the common G – Em – C – D progression.
How do I tune a guitar?
Standard tuning from the thickest to the thinnest string is E A D G B E. Use a tuner, pluck one string at a time and turn the tuning peg slowly until the tuner shows the right note. Tune up to the note rather than down.
Do my fingertips have to hurt?
Some tenderness is normal in the first weeks while calluses form. Short daily sessions are kinder to your fingers than one long session. Sharp pain is a sign to stop and rest.