What Should Beginners Learn First On Guitar?
One of the most common questions new players ask is, “What should beginners learn first on guitar?” The best place to start is with the basics that help you play simple music confidently: how to hold the guitar, how to tune it, basic finger placement, simple chords, rhythm, and short practice routines.
Beginners do not need to learn everything at once. A strong foundation is much more important than rushing into difficult songs too early. With the right approach, you can start making music quickly while building habits that support long-term progress.
Why Beginners Often Feel Unsure About Where To Start
Learning guitar can feel overwhelming at first because there are so many things you could practise.
Common beginner questions include:
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Should I learn chords or notes first?
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Do I need to read music?
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How long should I practise?
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Should I start on acoustic or electric?
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Why do my fingers hurt?
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When will I be able to play a song?
The good news is that every guitarist starts with the same core skills. Once these are in place, learning songs becomes much easier.
Call us on 07725948288 or email mcbainmusicschool@gmail.com to discuss beginner guitar lessons with our team.
What Should Beginners Learn First On Guitar?
Beginners should first learn how to hold the guitar correctly, tune the strings, place their fingers clearly, play simple open chords, keep a steady rhythm, and practise switching between chords.
These beginner lessons basics help you play real music without becoming stuck on advanced theory too soon.
A sensible first learning order is:
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Posture and hand position
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String names and tuning
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Simple finger exercises
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Basic open chords
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Strumming patterns
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Chord changes
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Easy songs
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Simple practice routines
This gives beginners a clear path instead of random exercises.
Start With Holding The Guitar Properly
Before learning chords, beginners should feel comfortable holding the guitar.
Good posture helps with:
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Finger movement
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Strumming control
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Hand comfort
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Clearer sound
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Better practice habits
You do not need perfect technique on day one, but you should avoid awkward positions that make playing harder than it needs to be.
Sitting Comfortably
Sit upright with the guitar resting securely against your body. Your shoulders should feel relaxed, not tense.
Supporting The Neck
The neck should be supported without gripping too tightly. Beginners often squeeze too hard, which can make fingers tired quickly.
Keeping Both Hands Relaxed
A relaxed fretting hand and strumming hand make it easier to play clean notes and maintain rhythm.
Learn The String Names And How To Tune The Instrument
A beginner should learn the six string names early:
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E
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A
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D
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G
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B
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E
Tuning is one of the most important beginner skills because even correct notes and chords will sound wrong if the guitar is out of tune.
Most beginners use a clip-on tuner or tuning app. Your teacher can also show you how to recognise when a string sounds too high or too low.
Learn Simple Open Chords First
Open chords are usually the best first chords for beginners because they are used in many songs.
Good beginner chords include:
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Em
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G
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C
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D
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Am
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E
You do not need to master all of them immediately. It is better to learn two or three chords clearly, then practise changing between them.
Why Open Chords Matter
Open chords help beginners understand finger placement, pressure, and rhythm while still sounding musical.
The Best First Chord Changes
Useful beginner chord changes include:
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Em to G
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G to D
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C to G
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Am to Em
These changes appear in many simple songs.
Focus On Rhythm Before Speed
Many beginners try to play too quickly.
Rhythm is more important than speed because music needs a steady pulse.
Even simple chords sound good when played in time.
Beginners should practise:
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Down strums
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Slow chord changes
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Counting beats
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Simple four-beat patterns
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Playing evenly without rushing
A slow, steady rhythm is better than a fast, messy one.
Learn One Easy Song Early
Learning a simple song helps beginners stay motivated.
The best first songs usually have:
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Two to four chords
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A slow or steady rhythm
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Repeated patterns
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Simple chord changes
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A melody or style the student enjoys
Playing a recognisable song helps beginners see progress and enjoy the learning process.
Build A Short Practice Routine
Beginners make better progress with short, regular practice than occasional long sessions.
A simple practice routine could include:
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Tuning the guitar
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Finger warm-ups
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Practising two chords
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Changing between chords
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Strumming slowly
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Playing part of a song
Even 10 to 15 minutes of focused practice can be helpful when done consistently.
Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Beginner students often progress faster when they avoid a few common habits.
Pressing Too Hard
You need enough pressure for a clear note, but squeezing too hard can cause tension and discomfort.
Skipping Tuning
Practising on an out-of-tune guitar makes it harder to hear progress.
Learning Too Many Chords At Once
It is better to play a few chords well than to half-learn many chords.
Ignoring Rhythm
Good rhythm makes even simple playing sound confident.
Giving Up Too Quickly
Some finger discomfort is normal at the start. With regular practice, playing usually becomes more comfortable.
Should Beginners Learn Acoustic Or Electric First?
Beginners can start on either acoustic or electric.
An acoustic guitar is popular because it is simple to set up and works well for chords and strumming. An electric guitar can feel slightly easier to press down, but it needs an amplifier to get the full sound.
The best choice is usually what the student is most excited to play. Enjoyment matters because it encourages regular practice.
Do Beginners Need To Read Music?
Beginners do not need to read traditional music notation straight away.
Many students begin with:
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Chord diagrams
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Tablature
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Simple rhythm counting
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Listening exercises
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Teacher-led demonstrations
Reading music can be introduced later if it supports the student’s goals.
Why Beginner Lessons Can Help
Some beginners teach themselves successfully, but structured lessons can make the early stages much clearer.
At McBain Music School, our lessons are designed to help beginners build confidence step by step. Students can work on chords, rhythm, technique, songs, and good practice habits with guidance from an experienced tutor.
You can learn more about our approach on our Guitar Lessons page.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are wondering what beginners should learn first, the best starting point is a clear, supportive lesson plan that builds confidence from the basics.
Whether you are learning for fun, starting from scratch, or helping your child begin guitar, our team can guide you through the first steps.
Visit our Contact Page, view our Lesson Pricing, or call 07725948288 to speak with a member of our team.
At McBain Music School, we help beginner students develop strong foundations, enjoy learning, and build confidence at a comfortable pace.