Why it is cool

• Instant creativity you can hear on day one
• Portable and social at camps, open mics, living rooms
• Endless styles to explore from folk to metal
• Clear progress as chords become songs
• Stress relief through focused, rhythmic movement

What you need

Guitar

• Acoustic for simple setup and songwriting
• Electric for easier fretting and tone variety

Essentials

• Clip on tuner or tuning app
• Picks in light, medium, and heavy
• Spare strings, string winder, wire cutters
• Strap, soft case or gig bag
• Capo for easy key changes

If electric

• Small practice amp or headphone amp
• Instrument cable
• Optional audio interface for recording

Setup matters

• Ask a tech for a basic setup so the strings sit low, the neck is straight, and tuning stays stable

Good beginner choices

• Acoustic with a comfortable neck and low action
• Electric solid body with two pickups and a fixed bridge
• String gauge: 10s on electric, 11s or 12s on acoustic

How to get started

1. Tune every time
   A clip on tuner makes everything sound better and trains your ear.
2. Learn a small chord set
   Em, G, C, D, Am, A, E, Dm. Aim for clean notes first.
3. Add one strum
   Down, down up, up down up. Keep your hand moving evenly.
4. Loop chord pairs
   Switch G to C, D to A, Em to D. Two minutes per pair on a timer.
5. Play real songs
   Pick three beginner songs that use your chords and play along slowly.
6. Add single notes
   Learn the first position minor pentatonic shape with a metronome.

A simple 30 day plan

• Days 1 to 3: tuning, holding the pick, Em and G, basic strum
• Days 4 to 7: add C and D, practice smooth switches
• Days 8 to 10: add Am and A, learn one two chord song
• Days 11 to 14: add E and Dm, one minute chord change drill
• Days 15 to 18: minor pentatonic shape with slow picking
• Days 19 to 22: learn a three chord song start to finish
• Days 23 to 26: record on your phone and fix buzzes
• Days 27 to 30: play for a friend or at an open mic

Daily 20 minute routine

• 3 minutes: tune and gentle finger warm up
• 7 minutes: chord switches on a timer
• 5 minutes: strum pattern with metronome
• 5 minutes: play along with one song

Technique tips

• Fret close to the metal fret for clean notes
• Use fingertips and keep the wrist relaxed
• Strum from the forearm with a loose wrist
• Practice slowly so accuracy builds speed

Simple first progressions

• G D Em C
• C G Am F
• A D E
• Em C G D

Common mistakes and fixes

• Rare tuning
  Tune before every session.
• Death grip fretting
  Lighten pressure and adjust hand angle.
• Only practicing the comfortable parts
  Add one tiny new skill each week.
• Ignoring rhythm
  Use a metronome sometimes.
• Buying too much gear too soon
  Build the habit first.

Staying motivated

• Keep a tiny wins log with date, minutes, and sections learned
• Play with people for faster growth
• Set a 30 day goal such as one clean song
• Record monthly to hear your progress
• Tie practice to a daily routine like after coffee or before bed

Quick FAQ

Do fingers hurt at first
Mild soreness is normal. Sharp pain is not. Take breaks and check posture.

Do I need to read music
No. Chord charts and tabs are enough to start.

Acoustic or electric first
Either works. Choose the one that makes you want to play more.

Closing

Grab a comfortable guitar, tune up, learn a handful of chords, and play real songs early. Small daily practice adds up quickly and makes this hobby both cool and deeply satisfying.