What Should a Guitar Beginner Learn First?

Wondering where to begin your guitar journey? Discover the first things to learn when starting guitar lessons, from tuning and chords to strumming and beginner guitar songs.

Playing the guitar is an exciting first step into the world of music. But if you're new to the instrument, you may ask: "What should I learn first?"  Whether you're a child, teen, or adult picking up a guitar for the first time, having a clear roadmap can make a huge difference in your progress and motivation.

In this blog, we'll walk through the first things to learn when starting guitar lessons so you can build a solid foundation and enjoy your guitar learning journey every step of the way.

Learn How to Hold the Guitar Correctly

One of the most essential beginner guitar techniques is proper posture. Before you play a single note, take time to hold your guitar the right way. Good posture helps avoid strain and allows smoother hand movement.

• Sit upright in a chair without armrests

• Place the guitar on your right leg if right-handed (or left if left-handed)

• Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed

• Rest your fretting hand on the neck and your picking hand near the sound hole or pickups

A comfortable and stable position supports everything else you'll learn.

Understand Guitar Parts and String Names

Before diving into chords or melodies, it's crucial to learn guitar basics like the names of the six strings and the parts of your instrument. This knowledge will help you understand instructions, tune your guitar, and read tablature or chord diagrams.

String names from thickest to thinnest:

E-A-D-G-B-E

A fun memory aid: Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie.

Understanding your guitar's anatomy also helps with future skills like string changing and sound control.

Learn How to Tune the Guitar

A poorly tuned guitar can be discouraging for beginners, even if you're playing the right notes. Use a clip-on tuner, a tuning app, or a digital device to tune each string correctly. This simple skill is one of the first things to learn when starting guitar lessons.

Start with Basic Open Chords

Now it's time to make music! Beginner guitar chords, especially open chords, are the foundation of thousands of songs. These chords use open (unfretted) strings and are easier for new fingers to manage.

Start with these essential chords:

• G major

• C major

• D major

• A major

• E major

• E minor (Em)

• A minor (Am)

Practice switching between them slowly and accurately. With consistent practice, muscle memory will kick in.

Practice Simple Strumming Patterns

Once you know a few chords, it's time to bring them to life with rhythm. Start with easy strumming patterns like:

• All downstrokes (D-D-D-D)

• Down-up strokes (D-U-D-U)

Use a metronome or tap your foot to stay in time. Developing a strong sense of rhythm is key to becoming a confident guitarist.

Try Easy Songs with 2–3 Chords

Playing actual songs is one of the most fun and motivating parts of learning guitar! Choose tunes that use two or three chords you've already learned. Beginner-friendly songs help reinforce chords, rhythm, and transitions.

Develop Finger Coordination and Dexterity

Your fretting hand needs strength and agility. Try simple finger exercises for beginners, like the "1-2-3-4" drill:

• Place your index (1), middle (2), ring (3), and pinky (4) on four frets in a row across all strings.

• Move up and down the fretboard while keeping control of each finger.

This improves speed, accuracy, and finger independence.

Learn Basic Rhythm and Timing

Even if you can't read music, understanding basic rhythm and beat counting will help you play smoothly and stay in sync with other musicians. Learn how to count:

• Quarter notes (1-2-3-4)

• Eighth notes (1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and)

• Whole notes (hold for four counts)

Practice clapping or tapping along with music to internalize timing.

Conclusion: Start with the Right Building Blocks

When you're just beginning, the first things to learn when starting guitar lessons should be simple, practical, and confidence-building. These include:

• Proper posture

• Tuning

• Basic open chords

• Strumming patterns

• Rhythm and timing

• Finger exercises

• Simple songs

At Kingwood Arts Academy of Music, we offer personalized, step-by-step lessons that guide students of all ages through these fundamentals and beyond. Our expert guitar instructors help you build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for music.

Ready to get started? Check out our guitar lesson programs and begin your musical journey today. A path of joy and fulfillment awaits!