How to play guitar for beginners: A step-by-step guide

So, you’ve decided you want to learn how to play guitar. Who can blame you? The guitar is a timeless sounding, timelessly cool instrument, if we do say so ourselves. Whether you’re looking to eventually find a band, write your own songs, learn your favourite artist’s top tunes, or simply find a more creative way to use your free time, learning guitar is an endlessly fun journey. 

We won’t sugarcoat it though – mastering the guitar takes patience, time, and dedication. But don’t let that put you off! We’ve put together this handy step-by-step guide to help you kickstart your journey from novice to shredder. Starting from choosing your first guitar to playing the tunes you love, we’ve got you covered.

Alright, let’s start with the basics: choosing your first guitar. The main options are electric, bass and acoustic guitars, and they each offer something a little different:

If you’re just starting out and looking for something simple and straightforward, an acoustic guitar might be the way to go. Here’s why:

Affordability: Acoustic guitars are often more budget-friendly because you don’t need any extra gear like amplifiers or cables, and you won’t get carried away with effects pedals and expensive tech too early. Consider this lesson one – don’t run before you can walk! Brands like Vintage and Ferndale make great entry-level acoustics that sound fantastic without costing a fortune.

Simplicity: You can pick up an acoustic guitar and start playing right away, without the need to plug in or set up. This makes it perfect for practising anywhere, anytime.

Natural sound: The sound of an acoustic guitar is rich and full, great for playing folk, country, pop, or just strumming along to your favourite songs. And because the early days of learning guitar are all about nailing technique and getting a general feel for the instrument, there’s no overdrive, distortion or crunchy effects to hide behind.

Now, if you’re drawn to the idea of rocking out with a wide range of sounds, an electric guitar is likely to be your best bet. Here’s what makes them awesome:

Versatility: Electric guitars can produce an almost endless array of tones and sounds. Think about it – Carlos Santana and Tom Morello play the same instrument, but they couldn’t sound more different from each other! By using different effects and amplifier settings, you can play anything from rock and metal to jazz and blues.

Playability: Electric guitars generally have thinner necks and lower string action (that’s the distance between the strings and the body/neck) than acoustic guitars, making them easier to play, especially for beginners. This can help you get those tricky chords and fast scales down more comfortably.

Quiet practice: Let’s face it, you’re not going to sound like Eric Clapton on day one – probably not for quite a while. But that doesn’t matter! You can practise quietly with headphones, or even buy a headphone amp, which is great if you’re in a shared living space or just want to keep the noise down.

Brands like Antiquity, Encore, and Squier are all known for crafting quality entry-level electric guitars that provide great sound and playability without breaking the bank.

If you’ve got a good sense of rhythm and love the idea of laying down the groove, the bass guitar might be calling your name. Here’s why it’s worth thinking about:

Foundation of music: The bass is the backbone of most genres. You’ll be providing that essential low-end that makes everything else sound fuller.

Simplicity: With only four strings, the bass can be simpler to pick up than a six-string guitar. It’s all about finding the right groove and locking in with the drummer.

Band demand: Good bassists are always in demand, so you’ll never struggle for opportunities to play with others.

Entry-level brands like Squier and Antiquity offer fantastic bass guitars that are perfect for beginners.

Picking your guitar is just the beginning. To get the most out of your new axe, you'll need a few accessories! Things like picks, a tuner, a strap, extra strings, and a case will all improve your playing experience. Check out our guide to the essential guitar accessories every guitarist needs to make sure you're fully ready to start your journey.

Before you start playing, getting to know your guitar will make it easier to follow instructions and make adjustments to suit your style. Let’s break it down:

The body

The body of the guitar is the large part that rests against your body. For acoustic guitars, this hollow chamber amplifies the sound naturally. Electric guitars have solid bodies that house pickups and controls. The shape and size of the body can affect both the sound and comfort, so it’s good to get familiar with it.

The neck

The neck is the long piece of wood that extends from the body and holds the fretboard. It’s where you place your fingers to create different notes and chords. The shape and thickness of the neck can vary, and finding one that feels comfortable will be important. Most guitarists find that they develop a preference for a particular neck profile, the more guitars they try out.

Fretboard

Also known as the fingerboard, this is the front part of the neck where you press down on the strings. It’s usually made of a different type of wood than the neck, often rosewood or maple. The fretboard has metal frets embedded along its length, which leads us to our next part.

Frets

Frets are the metal strips running across the fretboard. Pressing a string down behind a fret changes the pitch of the string to a specific note. Getting comfortable with the frets is essential to playing clean, accurate notes every time.

Strings

Typically, guitars have six strings (four for bass guitars). The strings are what you strum or pluck to create sound. They come in different materials and thicknesses, which can affect the playability and tone of the guitar. For beginners, lighter gauge strings are easier on the fingers.

Headstock

The headstock is the top part of the guitar, where the strings are wound around the tuning pegs. It’s an essential part of the guitar for tuning and often features the brand’s logo. The headstock’s design varies as much as the body, but its function remains the same.

Tuning pegs

Also known as machine heads or tuners, these are used to tighten or loosen the strings, adjusting their pitch. Tuning your guitar properly is what makes it sound good, and understanding how to use the tuning pegs will be one of the first skills you’ll master.

Trust us, getting familiar with these parts of the guitar makes the learning process smoother. You'll know exactly where to place your fingers, how to adjust your guitar, and how to get the best sound from your instrument. 

Now that you know the parts of your guitar, let’s talk about how to hold it. It may sound basic, but holding your guitar the right way will make it easier to perfect your technique and progress.

If you’re sitting down, find a comfy stool or chair without arms. Sit up straight and place the guitar on your right thigh if you’re right-handed, or on your left thigh if you’re left-handed.

When standing, use a guitar strap. You’ll want to adjust the strap so the guitar hangs at a comfortable height, typically around your waist. Don’t adjust it too low like Blink 182 or too high like Foals until you’ve mastered the basics – it’ll impact your accuracy!

When playing your guitar, whether standing up or sitting, make sure your shoulders are relaxed, your arms are loose (‘loosey goosey’ as the great Ned Schneebly put it), and you’re not gripping the neck too tightly. Practise playing guitar in both sitting and standing positions until it feels natural.

Remember, every great guitarist started out just like you, learning the basics. Holding your guitar the right way lays the foundation for everything you’ll do next, so take your time and get comfy!

So, you’re holding your guitar correctly, and you’re familiar with all the different parts. Now, let’s make some music! Your guitar strings are set up in a specific order, each one producing a different pitch. If you’re playing a standard six-string guitar, here’s how they’re set up from the thickest string to the thinnest:

• 6th string (E): The thickest string, also known as the low E string.
• 5th string (A): The next one down, known as the A string.
• 4th string (D): The D string.
• 3rd string (G): The G string.
• 2nd string (B): The B string.
• 1st string (e): The thinnest string, also known as the high E string.

There are different types of strings, and they come in different materials and thicknesses. The strings you choose affect the playability and tone of your guitar:

Steel strings: These are common on both electric and acoustic guitars and they’re known for producing a bright, loud sound. They can be tough on your fingers when you’re just starting out, but the more you play, your fingertips will adapt and harden.

Nylon strings: These are usually found on classical and flamenco guitars. Nylon strings are softer and easier on the fingers, making them a great choice for beginners. They produce a mellower, softer sound.

Choosing the right type of strings will make a big difference in your learning experience. If you think you’ll find steel strings tough on your fingers, think about trying a lighter gauge set of strings or switching to nylon strings until your fingers get stronger. If you’re not sure which strings to choose, check out our guide to string gauges before making your choice.

Next up, the fretboard. As we mentioned before, this is where the magic happens! When you press a string against a fret on the fretboard and pluck it, you change the pitch of the string, creating different notes. Each metal strip (fret) represents a half step (or semitone) in pitch and pressing the string just behind the fret produces the clearest sound.

Frets are numbered starting from the headstock, and there are usually between 21 and 23 frets on a fretboard. The first fret is closest to the headstock, and the numbers increase as you move down the neck towards the body. This will be useful when it comes to learning how to read guitar tabs, which we’ll get into later!

It may seem obvious, but keeping your guitar in tune is what makes everything sound good! It doesn’t matter how good you are, how fast your fretting hand is, how good your picking skills are, if your strings are out of tune, it just won’t sound right. So, getting your guitar in tune is the first step to making beautiful music.

When your guitar is in tune, each string vibrates at the right pitch, and that means that chords and notes sound harmonious. Playing an out-of-tune guitar can make even the best playing sound off, so regular tuning is important. 

If you’re a regular gig-goer, you’ll notice that every guitarist tunes up several times throughout a set. That’s because strings will begin to slip ever-so-slightly out of pitch-perfect tune the more they’re played, and especially when they’re bent up or down.

There are a few ways to tune your guitar, and it’s good to know them all:

• Electric tuner: Using an electric tuner is the easiest and most accurate way to tune. Clip-on tuners attach to your guitar’s headstock and detect the pitch through vibrations. Just pluck each string and adjust until the tuner shows the right note. There are also pedal tuners that sit on your pedalboard and let you to tune up silently during a performance – super handy for live gigs!
• Tuning apps: Smartphone apps are handy and often free. They work similarly to electric tuners by using your phone’s microphone to pick up the pitch, but they can be hit and miss in terms of accuracy. However, if you’re in a pinch, they’ll get you out of trouble.
• Online tuners: There are many websites with free online tuners as well as YouTube videos. These can play the correct pitch for each string, which you then match by ear.

Be sure to make tuning up part of your ritual before every practice session. It’ll make your playing sound great and it’ll help train your ear. Pretty soon you’ll start to notice when strings slip out of tune without needing an electric tuner to tell you!

Once you’ve figured out Smoke on the Water and Iron Man (don’t worry, we all started here), learning a few basic chords is probably the best way to really start learning how to play. Chords are the building blocks of most songs, and with just a handful of them, you’ll be able to play a ton of your favourite tunes.

Let’s kick things off with some of the most common and easy-to-play chords. These chords are used in more songs than anyone can count, and are perfect for beginners.

The E major chord is a great one to start with. It has a bright, full sound and is used in quite literally thousands of songs.

• How to play it: Place your index finger on the first fret of the third string (G). Place your middle finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A), and your ring finger on the second fret of the fourth string (D). Strum all six strings. To turn it into an E minor chord, remove that index finger from the first fret of the third string, and strum all six strings.

The A major chord is another essential chord, and it’s easy to play.

• How to play it: Place your index finger on the second fret of the fourth string (D), your middle finger on the second fret of the third string (G), and your ring finger on the second fret of the second string (B). Strum from the fifth string (A) down to the first string (high E).

The D major chord has a bright, happy sound:

• How to play it: Place your index finger on the second fret of the third string (G), your middle finger on the second fret of the first string (high E), and your ring finger on the third fret of the second string (B). Strum from the fourth string (D) down to the first string.

The C major chord is a little bit fiddlier than the others, but it’s still an essential chord to know:

• How to play it: Place your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string (A), your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string (D), and your index finger on the first fret of the second string (B). Strum from the fifth string (A) down to the first string.

Lastly, the G major chord is another must-know that’s used in songs across every genre.

• How to play it: Place your middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string (low E), your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A), and your ring finger on the third fret of the first string (high E). Strum all six strings.

Start by practising each chord individually. Make sure each string rings out clearly when you strum. Once you’re comfortable with the shapes, practice switching between them. It might feel slow, clunky and awkward at first, but with practice, you’ll get faster and smoother.

A great exercise for fluency is to strum each chord four times, then switch to the next chord and strum four times, and so on. For example, try playing E major, A major, and D major in a loop. This will help you get used to changing chords quickly. Keep practising, and remember, don’t get discouraged! We promise, you’ll get there eventually.

Okay, so you now have a few basic chords under your belt and you’re ready to learn a few tunes. Learning to read guitar tabs, or tablatures, is the next logical step. Tabs are a simple way to learn songs without the need to be able to read traditional musical notation. 

Think of a guitar tab as a visual representation of your guitar’s fretboard. In a sense, you’ll be learning by numbers. Tabs show you exactly where to place your fingers on the strings, almost like a map. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to learn your favourite riffs and licks much faster!

A guitar tab consists of six lines that represent the strings of your guitar, or four lines if you’re playing bass. The bottom line represents your low E string, while the top line is your high e string. The numbers on each line tell you which fret to press. When you see the number “0”, this tells you to play the string open, without pressing down on any frets.

Tabs can show single notes or chords. For single notes, you'll see numbers spread out across the lines. For chords, the numbers are stacked vertically, which means you should play all those notes at the same time.

Start with simple songs that sound as if they’re easier to learn, and practice reading tabs regularly. As you get more comfortable, you’ll be able to step up and tackle more complex pieces.

The only real drawback with guitar tabs is that unlike traditional music notation, tabs don’t tell you how long to play a note or chord. That means you’ll need to know the song you’re learning pretty well in advance! However, learning to read tabs will open up a world of music to you. 

Top tip: we’re big fans of Ultimate Guitar here at PMT – it’s perhaps the best library of tabs you’ll find online. It’s free to use, but a pro membership will give you access to thousands of perfectly composed tabs!

While fingerpicking has its place and can create beautiful, subtle sounds, learning to use a guitar pick can make things a lot easier, especially when you’re starting out. Plus, it opens up a whole new range of techniques and styles you can explore.

Fingerpicking is great for certain styles of music, like folk or classical, but unless you’re a virtuoso like Lindsey Buckingham or Mark Knopfler, it has its limitations. It can be challenging to play fast or to get a consistent, strong sound from the strings. This is where a pick comes in handy.

A pick, also known as a plectrum, can help you:

• Speed up your playing: Picks make it easier to play fast, which is essential for rock, metal, and many other styles.
• Achieve consistency: Using a pick gives you a more consistent sound across all the strings.
• Produce volume: Picks can create a louder sound than fingers alone, which is great for playing along with others in a band.

Picks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. As a beginner, you’ll want to start with a medium thickness pick. This gives you a good balance between flexibility and control.

Holding a pick correctly is more important than it sounds. Many guitarists that aren’t taught how to hold their plectrum properly from the start settle into holding it incorrectly, only to find that it holds them back from progressing later on. Here’s a simple way to get started:

• Grip: Hold the pick between your thumb and the side of your index finger. The pointed end should be sticking out enough to strike the strings, but not too much.
• Angle: Keep the pick at a slight angle to the strings. This helps it glide over the strings smoothly.
• Relax: Keep your hand and wrist relaxed. Tension can make playing harder and will tire you out faster.

When you first start using a pick, it’ll feel awkward. That’s totally normal! Practice strumming up and down on open strings to get a feel for it. Try to keep your strumming hand loose and your motions smooth.

Once you’re comfortable with strumming, try picking individual notes. This is great practice for playing melodies and solos. Start slow and focus on hitting the right string each time. As you get more comfortable, you can speed up. You want to get to a point where you only need to look at your fretting hand for accuracy, not your picking hand. This will come with time.

Once you build up your confidence and find your groove, don’t be afraid to mix fingerpicking and using a pick in your playing. The best guitarists are able to switch between the two depending on what they’re playing. The more techniques you have in your arsenal, the more versatile a guitarist you’ll be!

Let’s talk about scales. Even if you’re not interested in learning music theory, you need to know your scales in order to become a great guitarist. They’re the foundation of solos, riffs, chords, practically everything! Understanding scales will help you uncover the mysteries of the fretboard and create your own music. So, what are they?

A guitar scale is a series of notes played in a specific order. Scales help us understand the relationships between different notes and how they work together.

The major scale has a bright, happy sound. If a song sounds happy, there’s a good chance it’s in a major key. It follows a specific pattern of whole (tone) and half (semitone) steps: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half. For example, the C major scale includes the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C.

The minor scale has a darker, more melancholic sound. Its pattern is: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole. The A minor scale, for example, includes the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and A.

The main difference between major and minor scales is the third note. In a major scale, it’s a major third above the root note, giving it a bright sound. In a minor scale, it’s a minor third above the root note, giving it a darker sound.

There’s no way around it, learning scales improves your technique, helps you understand music theory, and allows you to create melodies and solos. Start slow, use a metronome, and focus on playing each note clearly. 

Yes, it’ll be tedious at times, and at some point you’ll probably think ‘this isn’t what I signed up for’. But stick with it. Once you gain that fluency, it’s a skill that’ll keep paying dividends even years later.

Alright, now comes the part that got you thinking about learning guitar in the first place – playing your favourite songs! This is where all the practice and learning really start to pay off. Let’s talk about how to find guitar tabs online and get started with some simple, beginner-friendly tunes.

Guitar tabs are a fantastic resource for learning songs. They show you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard, making it much easier to learn new tunes. Here’s how you can find tabs online:

• Ultimate Guitar: We mentioned it earlier, but Ultimate Guitar really is one of the most valuable resources for aspiring guitarists! Here, you’ll find tabs for just about any song you can think of.
• Songsterr: Songsterr is like Ultimate Guitar, except it offers interactive tabs that play along with you, which can be super helpful.
• YouTube: Many guitarists post tutorials and tabs for popular songs. Just search for the song title followed by "guitar tab." You can’t go far wrong with YouTubers like Paul Davids, JustinGuitar, Andy Crowley and Jorge Orellana!

When you find a tab for a song you like, take it slow. Start by practising each section individually before trying to play the whole song.

It’s best to start with songs that are easy to play, especially if you’re just beginning to familiarise yourself both with guitar and reading tabs. Here are a few beginner-friendly songs to get you started:

• “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan: This song uses simple chords like G, D, Am, and C. It’s great for practising those chord changes we talked about earlier.
• “Love Me Do” by The Beatles: A classic that uses G, C, and D chords. It’s fun to play and instantly recognisable.
• “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley: This reggae classic uses the A, D, and E major chords. It’s simple and has a great rhythm!

• Break it down: Focus on one section of the song at a time. Master the intro before moving on to the verse, and so on. There’s no point in skipping ahead to the chorus if you haven’t learned anything that comes before!
• Use a metronome: We can’t stress this one enough. If you have dreams of playing in a band, you’ll need to learn to play reliably in time first! Start slow and gradually build up the speed as you get more comfortable.
• Play along: Once you’re familiar with the song, try playing along with the original track or a backing track. This helps you get used to the rhythm and timing.

Playing your favourite songs is a fantastic way to stay motivated and notice the progress you’re making. Set aside a little bit of time each day to practise, and soon you’ll be jamming out to any song you get the urge to learn!

So there you have it – a complete step-by-step guide to kickstart your guitar journey. From choosing your first guitar and understanding its anatomy, to learning basic chords, scales, and playing the tunes you’ve always wanted to be able to play, you're well on your way to becoming a fully fledged musician.

Remember though, learning to play guitar is a lifelong journey, not a race. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Every chord you learn, every song you play, and every challenge you overcome is a step forward.

Keep yourself inspired by listening to your favourite guitarists, seeking out new music, and perhaps even finding a community to share your progress with. Surrounding yourself with music and fellow musicians is perhaps the best way to keep motivated!

If you’re looking for an instrument to kickstart your journey, don’t miss our range of acoustic and electric guitars for beginners.