These lessons are simplified to allow the user to fully comprehend the information. Feel free to download, print out, and share the files with other guitar players (and while you are at it, feel free to let others know about our website). We are constantly updating our lessons page so we encourage you to check back often - you don’t want to miss out...
NEW LESSONS ADDED BELOW - SCROLL DOWN...
Lesson #1 - The “G” chord
Since you are learning chords for the first time, let’s start with one of the easiest chords of all – the “G” chord (regular chord). Don't forget to download the handout!
Now that you are familiar with the “G” chord, let’s learn another fairly easy chord – the “C” chord (regular chord). Don't forget to download the handout!
Try the "G" and "C" chords together in a basic chord progression - see how to switch between these 2 chords. Switching between chords will help develop your chord playing skills. Don't forget to download the handout!
One of the first things a beginner should learn is the names of the strings on the guitar. Take a few moments and memorize the names of the strings now...
There are a few ways to "tune" the guitar - this method is the most important of all. Even if you have an electronic tuner - you should still learn and use this method. Don't forget to download the handout.
Lesson #7 – Sharps and Flats / Learning more Notes
Now that you have learned the names of the strings, lets learn about Sharps and Flats while learning some of the notes on the top two strings - the "E" and "A" strings. Don't forget to download the handout!
If you do not own an electronic tuner - you should plan on purchasing one very soon. No guitar player should be without one - here's an example of how easy they are to use...
Barre Chords will be more difficult to learn than regular chords, but with a little extra practice you will playing Barre Chords with ease... The first ones always the hardest! Don't forget to download the handout!
If you are having a hard time with your first barre chord, this simple exercise will help strengthen your first finger (the finger that holds down all the strings).
Now that you are familiar with some regular chords let's learn a very popular chord progression – the “D - C - G" chord progression. Don't forget to download the handout!
This lesson will introduce the beginning guitar player to Harmonics - a very easy to learn "trick" that can be used for tuning, leads, or fills between chords.
The A - D - E chord progression is pretty much the most widely used chord progression in music (and a favorite of beginning lead players). Learn the "regular chord" version here. Don't forget to download the handout!
Every guitar player must learn how to read tablature (tablature is the standard being used these days to read music). Learn the basics of tablature here...
Lesson #15 – Simple Picking Exercise (Part 1 and 2)
This lesson teaches a simple picking exercise that will help get your "fret hand fingers" coordinated with your "pick hand fingers" - Lesson is in 2 parts...
The "G" chord can be fingered two ways - it is highly recommended that guitarists learn both ways. Why? Knowing both fingerings will allow easier transitions between certain chords. Don't forget to download the handout.
The "A" chord can also be fingered two ways - it is highly recommended that guitarists learn both ways. Why? Easier tranisitions between certain regular and barre chords. Don't forget to download the handout!
Open string chords have a very unique sound to them, and are widely used in all styles of music. This lesson will feature the chords in the song "When September Ends" by Green Day. Don't forget to download the handout!
Lesson #19 – 2 Note Power Chords on the "A" String
Learn these basic, but widely used "Power Chords" used in all styles of music (very popular in rock / metal / alternative, etc). This lesson will focus on the 2-note power chords on the "A" string, and how they can be moved up and down the fretboard. Don't forget to download the handout!
Lesson #20 – 2 Note Power Chords on the "E" String
Learn these basic, but widely used "Power Chords" used in all styles of music (very popular in rock / metal / alternative, etc). This lesson will focus on the 2-note power chords on the "E" string, and how they can be moved up and down the fretboard. Don't forget to download the handout!
Learn the chords to "Freebird" from the basic legendary song by Lynard Skynard. Learn the chords, then play along with the song. Don't forget to download the handout!
This lesson will teach you one of the ways that you can do the Iron Man Intro. Once you learn the trick, turn up the distortion, and show your friends!
This lesson will teach you the most learned guitar riff of all time - Smoke on the Water. There are a couple of ways to play the riff, we will show you the easiest (best sounding way). Don't forget to download the handout!
This lesson will teach you the chords to one of the most popular Pink Floyd songs of all time. Once you learn the chords play along with the song - Check it out. Don't forget to download the handout!
This chord progression is unique in that it uses basic split chords (split chords are widely used, and very popular in todays music). Can be a little difficult, but will sound awesome once you learn them. Don't forget to download the handout!
This video clip shows what a string winder is used for. The string winder is a very useful tool for helping you change your strings - once you use one, you will always use one...
Learn the chords to the intro to the classic "Horse with no Name." Learn the chords, then play along with the song. Don't forget to download the handout!
This video clip will show some examples of a few electric guitar sounds. Each electric guitar will have its own distinct sound (a Les Paul is used in these examples).
Lesson #32 Basic 2-Note "Blues Boogie" Riff in "E"
This lesson will teach you a basic 2-Note Blues / Boogie type riff played in the key of "E" (played at slow speed, then slowed down so you can learn it). Don't forget to download the handout!
Lesson #33 Basic 2-Note "Blues Boogie" Riff in "A"
This video clip will teach you a basic 2-Note Blues / Boogie type riff played in the key of "A" (played at slow speed, then slowed down so you can learn it easier). Don't forget to download the handout!
Here are a few examples of some pieces of songs played on an Acoustic guitar. Each Acoustic guitar will have its own distinct sound (an Ovation Acoustic was used in these examples).
This video clip will let you hear a few pieces of songs played on a 12-String (the 12-string has a very full and rich sound to it). An Ovation 12-String was used in these examples.
This video clip will show you (and compare) the 3 types of guitars - The Electric, Acoustic, and the 12-String (playing a short piece of a Led Zeppelen classic).
Lesson #37 Blues / Boogie Riff Example (D on A-String)
This video clip will show you the basic Blues / Boogie chord shape using the "D" chord with its root note on the A-String. Don't forget to download the handout!
Lesson #38 Blues / Boogie Riff Example (A on E-String)
This video clip will show you the basic Blues / Boogie chord shape using the "A" chord with its root note on the E-String. Don't forget to download the handout!
Let us know if there is a certain lesson (or subject) that you would like to see covered, and we will do our best to add it to the collection of lessons above. Email all suggestions to
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Lessons-Beginners 
