The Basics

So lets start from the beginning.

The names of the strings on a guitar, from thickest to thinnest, are; E-A-D-G-B-E. This is called standard tuning. The music alphabet goes from A to G and when you get to G it repeats from A to G again. Another important thing to know is that we name the fingers on your fretting hand after numbers; index finger - 1st, middle finger - 2nd, ring finger - 3rd, pinkie finger - 4th. For now, it is important to start building the strength in your fingering hand and practice you coordination between playing notes.

So, for this lesson, practice playing the low E string open, then pressing your 1st finger down on the 1st fret and playing that note. Then, play the 2nd fret with your 2nd finger, 3rd fret with your 3rd and 4th fret with your 4th. Do this for every string.

Remember: Do not try to go through this fast, but try to keep a steady rhythm. Speed is not important now, learning how to keep a consistent rhythm is. After you can go through every note on every string without stopping, then start picking up the speed of your playing. Also, when you are fretting the notes, press down hard on your finger tips and push down near the edge of the fret you want to play, but not on the fret.

This might seem trivial now, but fingering and rhythm are the building blocks of playing. If you practice this consistently every day, then in a matter of weeks you will be playing full chords and some of your favorite songs.