Practical Tips for Playing Guitar: A Beginner's Guide
So you've just got your first guitar - congratulations! This guide will help you navigate those crucial first steps that make the difference between enjoying the journey and giving up too soon…
Finding the Right Teacher
While it's tempting to jump straight into YouTube tutorials (and they can be helpful), working with a good teacher - even just for a few months - gives you a solid foundation that's hard to get any other way.
When looking for a teacher:
- Ask try a trial lesson before committing
- Look for someone who teaches songs you actually want to play
- Find someone who adjusts their teaching to your goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach
- Make sure they focus on proper technique from the beginning
- Ask if they provide written materials to help you practise at home
A good teacher will save you months of frustration and help you avoid common bad habits that can be difficult to correct later.
Starting with the Right Chords
Guitar beginners should start with basic open chords like Em, G, C, D and Am. These fundamental chords appear in countless songs and build essential finger strength and coordination. Focus on pressing the strings with the tips of your fingers, and making each string ring clearly when playing these chords.
Your First Songs
The best thing about guitar is you can start playing songs almost immediately, even if they don't sound perfect yet. Don't wait until your chord changes are flawless - start playing simple songs as soon as you learn a couple of chords. This approach keeps you motivated and gives your practice purpose.
A Realistic Timeline
Everyone progresses differently, but here's a realistic picture…
1
First few weeks:
Learning chord shapes, even if they sound buzzy or muffled
2
First couple of months:
Making gradual improvements in clarity, starting to change between chords
3
3-6 months:
Smoother chord changes, playing along with simpler songs (though not perfectly)
4
A year:
Building confidence and developing your own style
Progress isn't linear - you'll experience plateaus and sudden breakthroughs. Don't get discouraged by comparing yourself to others.
Playing with Others Makes All the Difference
Learning guitar alone in your bedroom is like learning a language without ever speaking to people. Find opportunities to play with others as soon as possible:
- Join a beginner's guitar group
- Attend local open mics (even just to watch at first)
- Find a friend who's learning and practise together
- Look for community music workshops
Playing with others keeps you accountable, makes learning more fun, and helps you progress faster as you learn from one another.
Developing a Practice Routine
Even 15-20 minutes of laser focused practise daily beats weekly 1-2 hour long sessions. Try this simple routine:
1
5 minutes on chord shapes
2
5 minutes on chord transitions - focusing on changing between them slowly and smoothly.
3
5 minutes practicing a song you're working on
4
5 minutes just having fun and experimenting
Equipment Essentials
You don't need much to get started:
- A guitar tuner (crucial for sounding good)
- Extra sets of strings
- A guitar strap (even for sitting)
- A small notebook to track your progress
When Things Don't Feel Right
If your guitar seems unnecessarily difficult to play, it might need a professional setup. Which just means a few parts of your guitar need to be altered slightly to make it easier for you to play. This service usually costs £40-60 but makes a huge difference in playability. Ask your teacher or a local music shop about getting it set up for a beginner.
Note: Unless you have experience, please don't attempt to do this yourself - it can be easy to make big mistakes!
Remember, learning guitar is a journey, not a race. Focus on enjoying the process rather than rushing to an imagined finish line. Every great guitarist started exactly where you are now.
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.
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
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
