So you want to play the guitar but so far haven't found a good place to start.
Well look no further my friend, this is the place.
If you are a budding Joe Satriani, start here because absolutely anything is achievable and it's FREE.
I have 4 very easy lessons to help you learn to play guitar.
Just follow along and you will see just how simple it can be.
One of the first things you need to learn is how to hold a guitar properly.
Customarily, you play the guitar although it is resting on your leg.
You strum using your governing hand so that the guitar goes on the side of that hand.
So if you are right handed then hold the guitar on the right side of your body.
Keep the guitar straight, but also keep it very close to your body.
You may find that your guitar slides off your leg while playing but that is fairly common and you will learn to control it the more you practice.
It is a good rule of thumb to stay away from bad habits while you are just starting out because it is harder to break bad habits than it is to create a good one initially.
Here are some basic guidelines for reading chord charts! I will be covering 6 chords and concentrating on the 4 first frets of the guitar.
The string numbers are 1-6.
One is the highest sounding string (high E), and 6 is the lowest sounding string (low E).
There are 6 strings on the guitar, and 6 horizontal lines called Frets.
BTW, Frets are the spaces between the metal vertical lines on the guitar.
Your fingers will be numbered 1-3 beginning from the index finger (you know, the one you point with).
If you want to sound good, then just follow these simple basics.
Make sure you press each finger down so it forcibly presses the string against the fretboard.
Near to the fret.
If you don't push the string down hard enough you'll hear a humming or a muffled sound.
Make sure your finger is as near to the fret as possible without actually touching it, so that the string won't buzz or sound muffled.
And only 1 finger should touch each string.
Often you may end up with another finger touching a local string but his is very common with the harder chords (like the G major chord).
But like I said before with practice you will get it.
Relax your hand so that it is snug when constructing the chord.
Re-position your wrist for each chord so you are comfortable and so that your fingers can sustain their position (without cramping) while you strum.
We number each finger when explaining the simplest way to make chords.
Finger 1 and 2 will be positioned on the second fret.
Okay let's look at the chords now.
The first chord we will talk about is the D chord.
Imagine, if you will, Finger 1 will be on the third string while finger 2 will be on the 1st string.
Finger 3 will be positioned on the 3rd fret on the 2nd string.
Finger 1 is positioned on the 1st fret on the 3rd string.
Picture these hand positions.
Got it...
good, you are doing great so far.
The 2nd chord is the E chord which is one of the ideal chords for newbies to learn.
Finger 2 and 3 will be on the 2nd fret.
Finger 2 will be positioned on the fifth string while Finger 3 will be on the 4th string.
The A chord is also one of the easiest chords to get.
Finger 1 goes to the 4th string, finger 2 goes to the third string and Finger 3 is positioned on the second string.
All Fingers 1, 2 and 3 are all positioned on the 2nd fret.
Strumming your guitar is a real talent.
It is done by moving your governing hand up and back down on the strings, in a smooth fluid motion.
Can you see it...
good for you.
Now let's learn to strum and play some chords.
Strumming means...
always keep your hands moving.
Begin slowly until you have strumming perfected.
Take your time.
Begin slow then build up your speed steadily.
The chords should ring out with no humming and only play the strings of that chord.
Master the basic cords and set the beat.
Change to the different chord before starting the following beat.
An easy way to switch chords and strum more successfully, is to practice on your favorite song with a slow beat.
I am hoping you enjoyed these 4 lessons.
I designed these 4 lessons to be simple and really easy to follow.
My wish is that these tools will help you to learn to play and love the guitar as much as I do.