First Steps on Guitar: Practical Guide for Beginners

Decided to learn guitar? You’re starting an incredible musical journey! But I know the first weeks can be confusing: which guitar to buy, where to start, how long it’ll take to play for real. In this guide, I’ll give you the most direct path to playing your first songs, no fluff.

The answer is simpler than it seems: choose the type of guitar that plays the style you love. Want to play rock
or blues? Electric. Want to play folk or singer-songwriter? Acoustic. There’s no “wrong” choice.

Acoustic Guitar
• Advantages: No amp needed, develops finger strength, great for songwriting
• Disadvantages: Harder strings (but you’ll adapt in 2-3 weeks)
• Recommendations: Yamaha FG800, Fender FA-115, Jasmine S35 ($150-300)

Electric Guitar
• Advantages: Softer strings, comfortable neck, tone versatility
• Disadvantages: Needs amplifier and cable
• Recommendations: Squier Stratocaster, Yamaha Pacifica + small amp ($300-500)

Golden tip: A cheap guitar that’s well set up plays better than an expensive one that’s not. Ask the store for a
setup when buying.

Bad posture causes back, shoulder, and wrist pain, plus limits your technical progress. Learn it right from the
start.

Sitting:
• Sit on edge of chair, spine straight but relaxed
• Guitar neck angled 45º upward
• Shoulders relaxed (don’t raise them!)
• Thumb BEHIND the guitar neck

Standing:
• Adjust strap so guitar sits at same height as when sitting
• Guitar too low makes technique much harder

Out-of-tune guitar = guaranteed frustration. Tune always, no exceptions.
Standard tuning (thickest to thinnest string): E – A – D – G – B – E

How to tune:

1. Digital tuner (clip-on): $15-40, best investment (Korg, Snark, Boss)
2. Phone app: Guitar Tuna, Fender Tune (free)

Tip: Always tune slightly below then go up. Strings tune better going up.

These five chords open doors to hundreds of songs. Master them and you’re already playing!

1. E minor (Em) – The Easiest
Just two fingers: middle on 5th string/2nd fret, ring on 4th string/2nd fret. Rest open.

2. A minor (Am)
Three close fingers: index on 2nd string/1st fret, middle on 4th string/2nd fret, ring on 3rd string/2nd fret.

3. C Major (C)
Similar to Am, add ring finger on 5th string/3rd fret.

4. G Major (G)
Three spread fingers: index on 5th string/2nd fret, middle and ring on treble strings/3rd fret.

5. D Major (D)
Triangle formation on three highest strings.

Tip: Use minimum necessary force. Pressing too hard causes fatigue and pain. Test ideal pressure for each note
to sound clean.

This is THE fundamental exercise for gaining coordination and speed.

How to do it:

1. Finger 1 on 6th string/1st fret → play
2. Finger 2 on 2nd fret → play
3. Finger 3 on 3rd fret → play
4. Finger 4 on 4th fret → play
5. Move to next string and repeat to 1st string
6. Return doing the reverse path

Use metronome: Start slow (60 bpm) and gradually increase. Do this every day for 5 minutes.

Quality always beats quantity. Here’s your ideal routine:

Minutes 0-5: Warm-up
• Chromatic exercise (spider)
• Finger and wrist stretching

Minutes 5-10: Chords
• Practice transitions between chords: Em → Am → C → G → D
• Play slowly, make sure each chord sounds clean
• Each chord 4 times, then change

Minutes 10-15: Song
• One simple song using these chords
• Play along (use YouTube at 0.75x speed if needed)

Expected Evolution
Weeks 1-2: Chords sound weird, fingers hurt (normal!) Weeks 3-4: Something clicks, a chord sounds clean,
transitions improve Weeks 5-8: First complete song from start to finish Months 3-6: Several songs in
repertoire, consistent progress

1. Skipping warm-up → Bad technique and possible injuries
2. Pressing strings too hard → Fatigue and pain
3. Ignoring posture → Chronic pain and technical limitation
4. Trying to play fast too early → Bad habits hard to fix
5. Not using metronome → Messy timing
6. Skipping “difficult” chords → Holes in knowledge
7. Comparing yourself to others → Demotivation and quitting

Solution: Practice slowly and with attention. Speed comes naturally with time.

Perfect songs for beginners using these 5 chords:
• “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (G-D-Am-C) – Perfect to start
• “Horse With No Name” (Em-D) – EASIEST, just 2 chords
• “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (Em-G-D-Am-C) – Easy rock
• “Wonderwall” (Em-G-D-Am-C) – Mandatory classic
• “Stand By Me” (C-Am-F-G) – Will need to learn F

Tip: Slow down on YouTube (settings → speed → 0.75x) and play along with original song.

There’s no “natural talent” for guitar. There’s correct and consistent practice.

The three rules of those who progress fast:

1. Practice every day (even if just 15 minutes)
2. Practice SLOWLY focusing on technique
3. Don’t quit during difficult moments

Do this for 30 days and you’ll be playing real songs. In 90 days, you’ll have a nice repertoire. In 6 months, you’ll
be unrecognizable compared to today.

YouTube (Free):
• JustinGuitar
• Marty Music
• Andy Guitar

Apps:

• Yousician (gamifies learning)
• Ultimate Guitar (chords and tabs)
• Guitar Tuna (free tuner)

You don’t need expensive equipment or “natural talent.” You need:

• A reasonable guitar
• These 5 chords mastered
• 15 focused minutes per day
• Patience and consistency

In 30 days, you’ll be playing real songs. The guitar journey isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. But it’s the coolest
marathon you’ll ever run.
Grab your guitar and start now. Your future self will thank you.
Thanks for reading, and keep playing!

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Written by Caio Barbosa / CB Audio
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