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Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players: Where to Start
Ever wondered why some guitarists seem to pick things up faster, play better with others, and figure out songs more easily? A lot of it comes down to understanding some basic music theory. Here's what you need to know, and why it matters…
Finding Notes in Chords
Ever looked at your guitar neck and wondered why chords are shaped the way they are? Turns out there's a simple pattern behind every chord you play. Understanding this pattern means you can build any chord, anywhere on the neck…
Why it helps…

1

Figure out chords anywhere on the neck

2

Understand why chords sound the way they do

3

Create your own chord voicings

4

Learn songs faster by understanding chord patterns
Here's how chords are built…
  • To find the notes in major chords:
  • Start at your root note…
  • go up 4 frets to find your '3rd'
  • then up another 3 frets to find the '5th'
  • To find the notes in minor chords:
  • Start at your root note…
  • go up 3 frets to find your 'flat 3rd'
  • then up another 4 frets to find the '5th
Try it!
Example: Start on the 5th fret (A note) on your low E string.
For A Major…
Root
A
(5th fret)
3rd
C#
(9th fret)
5th
E
(12th fret)
For A Minor…
Root
A
(5th fret)
flat 3rd
C
(8th fret)
5th
E
(12th fret)
Major vs. Minor
The difference between major and minor is like musical colours - they create completely different moods in your playing. Once you understand this difference, you'll start hearing it everywhere in music.
Why it helps…

1

Know which chords fit the mood you want

2

Understand why songs sound happy or sad

3

Write better songs

4

Learn to play by ear more easily
Listen to these examples…
Major songs (Bright/Happy)
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Minor songs (Darker/Moody)
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
Basic Rhythms
Rhythm is what makes music move. You can play all the right notes, but without good rhythm, it won't sound like music. Let's start with the patterns that form the foundation of most songs.
Why it helps:

1

Play with other musicians

2

Keep steady time

3

Make your playing sound professional

4

Learn songs more accurately
Try it!
Start with: Down, down, down, down (counts 1-2-3-4)
Then try: Down, up, down, up, down, up, down, up (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + )
Making It Musical
Think of music theory like a recipe - just because you can read it doesn't mean you can cook. The real test is putting these concepts into practice until they become natural parts of your playing. Here's what that means...
Practice these basics until:
  • Your chord changes are smooth
  • Your rhythm is steady
  • Your playing sounds natural, not mechanical
Remember… Theory is just explaining why things sound good. Master these basics before moving on. A solid foundation will make everything else easier.
Get in Touch to Book a Free Trial Session
Based in Stratford, East London, we offer expert guitar and bass tuition for all ages and skill levels.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Call us at 02031434809
Send an email to lessons@guitartuitioneastlondon.co.uk
Guitar Tuition East London
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN