How to learn guitar: A guide for beginners

Tips and advice from expert tutors for beginners looking to learn guitar

“I simply used my guitar and wrote songs to get the energy out of my soul.” – Eric Clapton

So, you’ve decided to learn guitar. Awesome choice! But let’s be real for a second – starting your guitar journey can be a bit overwhelming. 

Maybe you’ve just been gifted a shiny new guitar and you’re eager to finally learn, but after a few minutes of playing, your fingers hurt, and the chords just don’t sound right. Or maybe you’re thinking, “How long until I can play my favorite song?” and you’re already wondering if it’s even possible. 

If you’re struggling with sore fingers, trying to figure out how to play your first chords, or just getting lost in all the guitar terminology, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Learning guitar can be a challenge, but it’s one that’s totally worth taking on.

Now, before we go any further, let’s be clear—this is not a step-by-step tutorial to teach you how to play guitar. 

Instead, this is a guide for aspiring guitarists put together by expert guitar tutors at Wiingy who’ve helped countless students just like you. 

We’re here to answer the most common questions beginners have and give you some solid advice to set you on the right path. 

Whether you’re a complete newbie or you’ve been playing for a while and want to improve, this guide will help you understand the best ways to navigate the struggles and get to the fun part—playing the music you love. 

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

Why pick up the guitar? 

“I can communicate far better on a guitar than I can through my mouth” – Jimmy Page

There’s more to guitar than just playing songs!

Your voice, your space
Sometimes you’ve got something on your chest, but the words just won’t come out right. That’s where the guitar steps in—it becomes your voice when you don’t have the energy to explain. 
Feeling heavy? Let it out in a gritty riff.
Feeling calm and content? Let that flow through soft, mellow chords.
You don’t have to say a thing—the strings say it for you.

Your childhood dream, reignited
Remember that feeling when you saw your favorite artist on stage—lights flashing, crowd singing, and them standing there, guitar in hand, completely owning the moment? That spark of “I want to do that”?

Maybe it was watching Slash shred through a solo with his signature top hat and wild energy, or seeing Taylor Swift strum an acoustic and make an entire stadium feel like a living room. That feeling never really leaves.

And picking up a guitar is your way of finally chasing it.
Maybe not for the stadiums—but for your own little stage, wherever that may be.

Or hey… maybe you don’t even need a reason.
Maybe you just want to.
Maybe you saw someone jamming on the beach, or heard a riff that gave you chills, or walked past a guitar in a shop window and couldn’t stop thinking about it.

That’s more than enough. You don’t need a big purpose or a grand plan. Wanting to play is reason enough.

And hey, the perks don’t stop there…
Playing guitar sharpens your mind – helping with memory, focus, and creativity.
And it can also open doors to new friendships, late-night jam sessions, and moments you’ll never forget.

How long does it take to learn to play guitar?

If you’re aiming to play simple songs with basic chords, you can expect to start strumming along in about 2–3 weeks with regular practice. Want to play a favorite tune with just a few chords? You could be playing it within a month—depending on how tricky the song is.

Now, keep in mind, guitar can be a bit more challenging to get started with compared to an instrument like the keyboard. On a keyboard, you can play a recognizable melody or simple song with just a few notes right from day one. 

Guitar, on the other hand, asks a bit more of you upfront. Your fingers will need to build strength and coordination, and you’ll have to master chord shapes and strumming patterns before your first song starts to sound right. But once it clicks, it’s incredibly rewarding!

If you’re aiming for more advanced techniques – like fingerpicking, solos, or more intricate rhythms – it usually takes about 3–6 months to feel confident.

And if your goal is to really shred – think fast solos, complex chord progressions, improvising with others – you’re looking at around 6–12 months of consistent practice. But don’t rush it! Guitar is a journey, not a sprint. Everyone learns at their own pace, and the key is staying consistent and enjoying the ride.

So in short:
2–3 weeks: Basic chords and simple strumming
1 month: Your first full song
3–6 months: More advanced techniques and rhythm
6–12 months: Complex solos and confident jamming

Should you learn with an acoustic or an electric guitar?

One of the first things you’ll decide on your guitar journey is whether to pick up an acoustic or an electric. There’s no wrong answer, it all comes down to the kind of music that inspires you.

If you’re drawn to raw, unplugged sounds and love the vibe of singer-songwriter or folk-style music, an acoustic guitar might be your match. 

Artists like Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and James Taylor bring their songs to life with the warm, resonant tone of an acoustic. It’s perfect for chill sessions, storytelling through music, and melodies that feel personal and heartfelt.

But if your heart races when you hear soaring solos, crunchy riffs, or bluesy bends, the electric guitar could be your thing. 

Whether it’s the iconic energy of Jimi Hendrix, the shredding power of Kirk Hammett, or the anthemic style of Slash, the electric guitar lets you explore a wide world of sound—from clean, smooth tones to wild distortion and everything in between.

Each type of guitar has its own voice. Want to strum, sing, and keep it simple? Go acoustic. Want to dive into effects, pedals, and make your guitar scream or whisper? Go electric.

At the end of the day, pick the one that speaks to you. The one that makes you want to play your favorite songs – or create your own. That’s the right guitar.

Learning on our own, through Youtube or learning with a tutor 

YouTube is an awesome place to start learning guitar. You can pick up your first chords, follow along with song tutorials, and even watch your favorite artists play – all from the comfort of your bedroom. 

It’s a fun and flexible way to dip your toes in and explore what excites you.

But here’s the thing: at some point, learning on your own can only take you so far. You might be practicing a song over and over, but something still sounds off—and you’re not sure why. 

Maybe your fingers aren’t in the right spot, your strumming’s a little uneven, or your chords just don’t ring out cleanly. 

That’s where having a tutor makes all the difference. They’re not just there to show you what to play, they teach you how to play it properly. They’ll spot what’s going wrong, explain why it’s happening, and help you fix it right away. 

Plus, they’ll guide you through new techniques, keep you focused on your goals, and make sure you’re always improving. It’s like having your own personal coach who’s in your corner, cheering you on and helping you get better every step of the way.

And hey, even some of the biggest names in guitar didn’t do it alone. Jimi Hendrix learned a lot from the musicians he played with early on. 

John Mayer studied at Berklee College of Music and had mentors who shaped his sound. 

Steve Vai learned from Joe Satriani—who also taught Metallica’s Kirk Hammett! Even the greats needed guidance, and it helped shape them into the legends we know today.

So yeah, YouTube is an awesome place to start. But when you’re ready to go further, when you really want to grow and sound like the guitarist you’ve always wanted to be, a tutor can help get you there.

How to start learning guitar? 

Master the basics: Your first chords

Starting with basic open chords like C, G, D, A, and E is a great way to build a solid foundation. These chords pop up in so many songs, and once you’ve got them down, you’ll be able to play plenty of tunes. 

The key here is to take your time and get comfortable with each chord. Focus on pressing down on the correct strings while avoiding muting others. A helpful tip is to concentrate on making sure every note in the chord rings out clearly. 

You might not get it perfect right away, but with practice, your chords will sound clean and smooth.

Learn to Tune

Tuning your guitar is a must. It might seem like a small step, but playing out-of-tune can quickly lead to frustration and slow your progress. 

Using a tuner—whether a physical one or an app—helps ensure each string is in the right pitch. Most beginners start with standard tuning (EADGBE), where the strings represent the notes: low E, A, D, G, B, and high E. 

Getting into the habit of tuning regularly not only makes your guitar sound its best but also sharpens your ear over time. Soon, you’ll be able to spot an out-of-tune string without even using a tuner!

Learn simple strumming patterns

Once you’ve got a few chords under your belt, the next step is adding some rhythm. Strumming is what turns a simple chord progression into a full song. 

Start with basic downstrokes—just strum all the strings down at once. Then, you can try adding upstrokes. A simple strumming pattern to begin with is D-D-U-U-D-U (down, down, up, up, down, up). Take it slow at first, focusing on getting a smooth rhythm. 

As you get more comfortable, you can try different patterns and experiment with faster tempos. Remember, it’s not about speed; it’s about getting the feel of the rhythm.

Build skill with finger exercises

Finger exercises might not seem like the most exciting part of learning guitar, but they’re absolutely essential. They help build the strength and flexibility your fingers need, especially when you start tackling more complex techniques like barre chords or intricate finger-picking patterns. 

Exercises like spider walks—where you move each finger one by one along the fretboard—are great for improving dexterity. 

While these exercises may seem simple, they lay the foundation for smooth, effortless playing down the line. A little time spent on these now will pay off big when you’re able to glide through songs with ease!

Once you have nailed the easy songs then you can level up

Start by playing songs that only use a few basic chords. Songs like “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, “Horse with No Name” by America, or “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley are perfect for beginners. 

These tunes are fun and simple, and they’ll help you build confidence as you start to play more. Don’t rush through a song—take your time and focus on playing each chord cleanly. It’s better to play slow and steady than to try to speed through a song. 

As you progress, you can try more challenging songs and step up your game.

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Wiingy tutor diaries 

Max had learned basic chords but felt stuck strumming the same simple patterns. 

With help from Beth, a Wiingy star tutor, he explored new strumming styles and worked on timing exercises using a metronome to keep a steady beat and sharpen his rhythm. 

As he practiced regularly, Max gained confidence, added flair to his playing, and was finally able to tackle more challenging songs with ease.

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Learning to read tabs and notes. Why music theory matters for guitarists?

You might be asking, “Do I really need music theory to play guitar?” The short answer is: not necessarily, but it can definitely help! 

While you can absolutely have fun playing guitar and learn songs without diving deep into theory, a little understanding of the basics can seriously elevate your playing and open up a world of creative possibilities.

Here’s how music theory can enhance your guitar journey:

• Chords that sound good: Theory helps you understand why certain chords work together, making it easier to create smooth and harmonious progressions.
  
• Songwriting: With a grasp on theory, you’ll have the tools to write your own songs, experimenting with different progressions and melodies.
  
• Improvisation: Theory gives you the confidence to improvise and solo, knowing which scales and intervals will work in a given context.
  
• Faster learning: By recognizing patterns in chord progressions and structures, you can learn songs more quickly and efficiently.
  
• Creative freedom: Understanding theory adds depth to your playing, opening up new avenues for creativity and giving you more freedom to experiment.

You don’t have to dive into complicated theory, but just knowing the basics can make your guitar playing more enjoyable and less frustrating. It’s about giving you the tools to think creatively and approach music with more confidence. 

So, if you’re ready to level up your guitar skills, theory might just be the key to unlocking your full musical potential!

Taking your playing further

If you’re already a guitarist but feel like it’s time to take your skills to the next level, there are a few things you might consider.

• Play with others: Joining a band or a jam group can really open up new avenues for growth. Playing with different musicians can help you develop your timing, pick up new techniques, and adapt to various musical styles.
  
• Explore new genres: Trying out different genres like blues, jazz, metal, or classical can challenge you in new ways. Each genre teaches unique techniques that can help you become a more well-rounded player.
  
• Focus on ear training: Strengthening your ear is a powerful way to improve your musicianship. The better you get at recognizing intervals, chords, and melodies by ear, the faster you can pick up songs, improvise, and jam with others. It’s a skill that will boost your overall playing.

Common mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them!)

Now that you’re all set to start strumming, let’s talk about a few common mistakes that might be slowing you down—and how to fix them so you can sound your best!

1. Pressing too hard on the strings

What’s the problem?
We’ve all been there: trying to press down on the strings with all our might. But guess what? Pressing too hard only leads to sore fingers and muted strings. Instead of making you sound like a pro, it can leave your guitar buzzing or, worse, cause unnecessary tension in your hands.

How to fix it:
Lighten up! Focus on pressing the strings just hard enough to get a clean sound without straining. Keep your hand relaxed and remember that less pressure often leads to cleaner notes. 

Over time, you’ll learn that playing with ease makes for smoother, more enjoyable playing.

1. Getting lost in the chords, ignoring the rhythm

What’s the problem?
It’s easy to get caught up in the chords and forget about rhythm, but here’s the thing: timing is everything. If your rhythm is off, your playing can sound flat, even if you’re hitting all the right notes.

How to fix it:
Rhythm is just as important as the notes, so make sure you’re keeping a steady beat. Start slow, and use a metronome if you can—this will help you lock in your timing. 

As you get the rhythm down, you’ll feel more confident, and your playing will sound way more polished.

1. Rushing through songs too quickly

What’s the problem?
We’ve all been there: trying to speed through a song, thinking we’re making progress, only to find that it sounds rushed and sloppy. Playing too fast leads to mistakes and can mess up your timing. It’s not about speed; it’s about accuracy.

How to fix it:
Slow down! Focus on playing each part of the song correctly, even if it means taking it slow at first. Start at a pace you’re comfortable with and, as you get more confident, slowly pick up the tempo. 

This approach will help you build a solid foundation, and before you know it, you’ll be playing faster without losing control.

Struggling? Don’t give up just yet!

It’s totally normal to feel frustrated when learning guitar. You might find yourself asking, “Why can’t I play like that YouTube guitarist?” or even, “Will I ever get the basics down?”

The truth is, every guitarist, no matter how good they are today, has been exactly where you are right now. Struggling is part of the journey.

When you find yourself comparing your playing to someone online, remember: those polished performances took years to get to. Even the greats had to grind.

Jimi Hendrix used to practice for up to 8-12 hours a day, constantly working on new techniques and experimenting with sounds. 

He didn’t wake up one day playing perfectly – he put in the hours, messed up plenty, and kept going anyway.

And if you’re wondering, “Will I ever get the basics down?” – yes, you will. The basics can feel slow and frustrating, but they’re the foundation of everything that comes next. Be patient with yourself. Take it step by step, and you’ll start seeing progress.

The key is simple: don’t quit. Guitar takes time, patience, and a lot of persistence. But the players who improve the most are the ones who push through, even when it’s tough. Keep practicing, trust the process, and remind yourself – you’re a lot closer than you think.

You’ve got this. Keep strumming.

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Wiingy tutor diaries 

Greta’s a self-taught guitarist who loves to sing, but fingerpicking and playing while singing really tripped her up. 

She connected with Tara, a Wiingy Star tutor, and it made a huge difference. They broke things down into simple, manageable steps—no pressure, just progress. Before long, Greta was picking smoothly and singing along without missing a beat. 

What used to feel impossible started to feel fun.

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Resources to help you learn guitar

Learning guitar can be a lot easier and more enjoyable when you have the right tools at your fingertips. Here are some great resources to support your journey:

• Justin Guitar: The site offers a treasure trove of free lessons, covering everything from basic chords to more advanced techniques. 
• Fender Play: Fender Play provides a more structured approach to learning guitar. With step-by-step lessons, you’ll learn songs and techniques in a clear, digestible format.
• Yousician: This app offers interactive, gamified guitar lessons with progress tracking, so you can see how far you’ve come. 
• Ultimate Guitar: Ultimate Guitar is a go-to for song tabs and chord charts. Whether you’re looking to learn the latest hits or classic tunes, you’ll find thousands of songs with accurate tabs, chords, and lyrics. 
• Guitar Tricks: Guitar Tricks is another excellent platform offering thousands of video lessons, with a focus on different techniques, styles, and genres.

To summarize 

Learning guitar can be tough at first, but once you push through, it’s incredibly rewarding. Your fingers may hurt, and progress might feel slow, but remember – every guitarist has been there. The key is to keep going.

Once you master the basics and start playing songs, it’ll all click. With patience and the right guidance, you’ll be playing your favorite tunes and gaining confidence.

If you need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out! Wiingy connects you with expert guitar tutors who can guide you through the challenges, offer personalized guitar lessons, and keep you motivated as you learn. 

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up, expert guitar tutors are here to help you achieve your goals and enjoy the process.

So, pick up your guitar, keep strumming, and enjoy the ride. You’ve got this!

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

FAQs for how to learn guitar