Guitar Lessons

Learn Guitar - The Very Basics

Nobody likes to talk about the basics when starting to learn guitar. But they are important, and for a good reason. It is much easier to play the guitar if your technique is correct and efficient. The following guidelines will make it so much easier to learn the guitar without the difficulties associated with poor technique.

When you hold your guitar, place the body on your right leg, and the neck in your left hand. You should hold the pick in your right hand, between your thumb and your index finger only. 9 out of 10 of my new students have a tendency to want to hold their pick with both their index and middle fingers opposing the thumb. It usually takes me weeks to break that habit, so don’t start now!

In addition, be careful not to be chasing the neck of your guitar. Try to hold it so that the headstock is about at chest level. Hold the guitar close against your body and keep it under your control at all times.

If you haven’t already noticed, there are six strings on your guitar. The one closest to you, it should also be the thickest, is number 6. It is also the lowest string in terms of pitch on the guitar, so we also call it the low, or bottom string. The first string is also the top string and is the skinniest one on your guitar. If you have a classical guitar, it may not actually be the skinniest, but it should be the highest in pitch unless your guitar is really out of tune. The art and science of tuning is a whole other animal.

Now, let’s take the pick and pluck the first string. That’s called playing the string “open.” Now pluck the second string open, then the third string open. You’ve just played your first 3 notes on the guitar! I know, it doesn’t sound like much yet, but we have to start somewhere.

Your fingers are numbered 1 through 4, with your index finger being number 1, your middle finger being number 2, your ring finger is 3, and your pinky is 4. Now that you know how to play the first string open, let’s push down on the string with your first finger right behind the first fret. If you don’t remember, the frets are the small metal rails that go across the neck. There should be anywhere from 18 – 22 of them depending on the length of your guitar. Pluck the first string with the pick to make it sound.

The trick here is to push as close to the fret as possible without being on top of it. If you are on top of the fret, the note may sound muffled. If you’re too far away, or don’t push down hard enough, you’ll hear a buzzing sound instead of a nice, clear note.

Now try pushing down on the first string at the second fret and pluck the first string. Finally, push with your third finger on the third fret, and pluck the first string. When you push down on the second or third fret, it doesn’t matter whether or not you’re still pushing on either the first or second fret. Whatever fret is closest to the soundhole or pickups is the one that you’re going to hear.

Try pushing down on one of the first four frets on various strings to hear what they sound like and get the feel for how hard you have to push. You might be surprised at how easy it is. Remember that you always use your first finger for notes on the first fret, second finger for notes on the second fret, third finger for notes on the third fret, and your pinky will eventually get used for the fourth fret notes. It might be tough right now, but you'll get stronger.

Always remember these basic techniques as you learn more about how to play the guitar. These are things that even seasoned professionals have to remind themselves of periodically, and things that can turn an arduous task into one of enjoyment and fun.

Griff Hamlin is a professional guitarist and teacher with 20 years of teaching, touring, and recording experience. For more guitar lessons, articles, and reviews, please visit GriffHamlin.com. There is a Free Beginner's Ebook to download.

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