Guitar Lessons

Start with the beginner guitar lessons if you want a route through tuning, first chords, rhythm and chord changes. You can also choose a lesson for the task you are working on now.

Tune up and find your way around

Learn the parts of a guitar and how to tune it. If a chart is unfamiliar, read guitar chord diagrams or guitar tablature before trying the example.

Use guitar fretboard notes to name notes from their string and fret positions, with a chart of the first five frets and short self-checks.

For electric guitar, the guides to tone, volume and selector controls and pickups explain the instrument’s controls. You can also compare guitar body types, choose a pick, choose a strap or change the strings.

Put chords and rhythm together

Choose a shape from the first guitar chords and check the intended strings with getting the hang of new chords. Then try a counted strumming pattern on one chord.

When you are ready to combine shapes, use the chord-change exercises and beginner chord progressions. The chord charts remain available as a reference.

For one-string rhythm practice, count rests and ties. Work through three 4/4 exercises that separate plucking, continued sound and silence.

Use a guitar capo with familiar chord shapes to work out the sounding names for a complete progression and choose a capo fret for a target key.

Work on a technique

For picked notes, start with pick strokes, then explore tremolo picking or sweep picking when the music calls for them.

To connect or change notes, read about hammer-ons and pull-offs, slides, bends and vibrato. The finger-tapping lesson introduces another way to sound a fretted note.

For chord textures and string control, try power chords, barre chords, palm muting and dead notes. Other sound examples include harmonics, plucking behind the nut and pick scratches. Read each lesson’s instrument and technique notes before trying it.

Plan what to practise next

About guitar practice helps you choose a task; using a metronome explains how to add a steady click. If distortion is hiding the notes you want to check, read keeping the distortion down.

The guitar FAQ covers common starting questions. If you want to play with other people, read forming a band. The complete lesson list follows below.