Learning

I want to learn guitar, but where do I start?

This is a question everyone asks themselves when beginning their journey into learning the guitar.

Thankfully, the answer is simple; start with the basics and move forward when you feel confident and comfortable.

Below is a list of topics to learn to get you started:

Introduction

Getting to know the guitar

Open Strings
Open strings are the unfretted strings of the guitar - no fretboard fingering required! They are the strings that are played without pressing down on any frets.

Learn the basics of chords

Power Chords
Power chords are a type of chord that consists of only the root note and the perfect fifth. They are neither major nor minor chords.
Open Major Chords
Open Major Chords are major chords that include unfretted strings of the guitar, making them easier to play.
Open Minor Chords
Open Minor Chords are minor chords that include unfretted strings of the guitar, making them easier to play.

Dominant 7th chords are often used in blues and jazz music

Open Dominant 7th Chords
Dominant 7th Chords (or just Open 7th Chords) can be substituted for major chords are thought of as being 'bluesy' and are often used in blues and jazz music.
Open Major 7th Chords
Major 7th Chords are thought of as being 'jazzy' and are often used in jazz music.

Time to get your fingers working!

Common Barre Chords
Barre chords are a type of guitar chord where one or more fingers are used to press down multiple strings across the guitar fretboard.

Learn the most common scales used in music

Common Scales
Musical scales are a sequence of notes that are played in ascending or descending order.

Play a scale with three notes on every string

Three Notes Per String
Three notes per string is a way of playing a scale with exactly three notes on every string. Its shapes climb diagonally up the neck, rather than staying in one place like the box shapes on the Scale pages.