
Things Guitarist Needs to Know
Chords, Scales, Rhythm & Lead: 20 Essential Things Every Beginner Guitarist Needs to Know
So, you’ve picked up a guitar and are ready to become the next Hendrix, Ed Sheeran, or Taylor Swift. But wait—before you burn out or get frustrated (like many do), there are a few game-changing things you need to know. Whether you’re strumming in your bedroom or dreaming of headlining Glastonbury, mastering these 20 essentials will fast-track your success.
Let’s dive in…
1. Start With Open Chords (But Not Too Many at Once)
Learning 3–5 open chords like G, C, D, Em, and Am lets you play hundreds of songs. Focus on transitions, not perfection.
2. You Only Need One Scale to Start
The pentatonic minor scale is the beginner’s best friend. It sounds good almost anywhere and is your gateway to lead guitar.
3. Strumming > Shredding (At First)
Rhythm is what makes music feel good. Before dreaming of solos, get your timing rock solid with simple down-up strumming.
4. Your First Guitar Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
A £100 guitar that’s easy to play is better than a £1000 guitar you never pick up. Comfort is key—especially for beginners.
5. Practice 15 Minutes a Day—Not 2 Hours on Sunday
Consistency wins. Your fingers need daily reps more than long, infrequent jam sessions. Think: brushing teeth, but for guitar.
6. Learn Full Songs, Not Just Exercises
Even if it’s just three chords, playing real songs is fun and motivating. Exercises are great—but don’t forget the music.
7. TABs Are Your Friend (and Totally Legal)
Forget reading music. Most guitarists use tablature (TABs)—a simple way to play songs without needing theory degrees.
8. Don’t Avoid Barre Chords Forever
They’re hard, yes. But barre chords like F and Bm open up thousands of songs. Start slow. Build grip strength. You’ll get there.
9. You Don’t Need to Know “All the Theory”
Understanding just a few key concepts—like what a key is or how chords relate—goes a long way. Don’t get overwhelmed.
10. You Can Play Lead Guitar Sooner Than You Think
Once you know the pentatonic scale and can bend a note, you’re officially on the road to soloing. Add feel, not speed.
11. Rhythm Guitar = Glue of the Band
Think rhythm guitar is boring? Think again. Most of what you hear in songs is rhythm playing. It’s what holds everything together.
12. Your Fingers Will Hurt—But It’s Temporary
Sore fingertips? Totally normal. Stick with it, and you’ll develop calluses that make playing feel effortless.
13. Play to a Metronome or Drum Track Early On
Timing is everything. Start playing with a beat early to avoid sloppy habits that are hard to fix later.
14. Record Yourself Often
This is how you’ll hear your progress (or mistakes). A simple voice memo can be your best teacher.
15. Invest in a Tuner and a Capo
A tuner keeps you sounding good. A capo helps you play songs in different keys with easy chords. Cheap, essential tools.
16. You Don’t Need to Be “Talented”
Guitar is a skill, not a gift. Anyone can learn it with patience, guidance, and structured practice.
17. Learning from YouTube? Great. But Get a Plan.
YouTube is amazing—but it’s also a rabbit hole. Use it wisely. Follow structured courses or playlists to avoid confusion.
18. Join a Community—Even Online
Learning alone is harder. Forums, Facebook groups, or local jam nights give you support, motivation, and feedback.
19. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Some people progress faster. So what? Focus on your own journey. If you can play better than yesterday, you’re winning.
20. Enjoy the Process
Don’t just chase perfection. Laugh at your mistakes. Celebrate your wins. Play what makes you happy.
Bonus Tip: Learn Songs That You Love
Nothing kills motivation like practising songs you hate. If you love The Beatles, Green Day, or Arctic Monkeys—start there.
What Should a Beginner Guitarist Focus On First?
Here’s a simple progression to follow:
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Weeks 1–2: Open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am), basic strumming, tuning your guitar.
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Weeks 3–4: Pentatonic scale (1 position), switching chords cleanly, strumming with a metronome.
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Month 2–3: Easy songs, full chords, capo use, intro to barre chords.
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Month 3–6: Improvising with scales, learning theory basics, rhythm/lead roles.
Common Mistakes Beginner Guitarists Make
Avoid these traps:
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Quitting too soon because of sore fingers
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Thinking they’re “not musical enough”
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Trying to learn 10 things at once
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Only watching tutorials but not practising
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Avoiding hard things like barre chords and rhythm drills
The Gear You Actually Need as a Beginner
Here’s your no-nonsense starter kit:
Item | Why You Need It |
---|---|
Tuner | Keeps you in tune—non-negotiable |
Capo | Lets you play more songs, easier |
Picks | Start with medium gauge (0.7mm–0.9mm) |
Strap | Especially useful for electric guitar or standing |
Amp (for electric) | A small practice amp is enough |
Guitar Stand | If it’s visible, you’ll play more |
Spare Strings | They will break eventually |
Online course / teacher | Structure saves time and frustration |
Final Word: Don’t Just “Try Guitar”—Commit to It
Learning guitar is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. It’s creative, stress-relieving, social, and fun. But like any good journey, it comes with bumps.
If you’ve read this far, you already care more than most.
Start today. Play what you love. Learn smart, not hard. And above all—don’t quit before the magic happens.
Need help getting started?
Check out beginner-friendly guitar courses, structured weekly plans, and free resources on londonguitaracademy.com