Beginner's Guitar — Start Playing in Days, Not Months
Want a quick win? Practice 15 minutes a day and you can play three simple songs in a week. That’s not hype — it’s about focused practice and the right starting moves. This guide gives clear steps: what guitar to pick, the first chords to learn, a tiny practice plan, and a few easy songs you can actually finish.
Pick the right guitar and get it ready
For most beginners, an acoustic guitar with light strings is the easiest place to start. If you prefer electric, choose a low-action setup so strings sit closer to the fretboard. At a minimum buy a clip-on tuner, a few picks (thin and medium), and a strap. Have the guitar set up at a local shop if possible — a proper string height and intonation make learning far less frustrating.
Simple setup checklist:
- Clip-on tuner or tuning app — tune before each session.
- Light-gauge strings (like .010) for easier fretting.
- Pick options: 0.46mm and 0.73mm to test comfort.
- Spare strings and basic string-changing tool or video tutorial.
Learn the chords, then connect them
Start with these chords: Em, G, C, D, A, and Am. Em and G are especially forgiving for new fingers. Practice cleanly fretting one chord first — press down, strum slowly, and listen for buzz-free notes. After each chord is clean, practice switching between two chords for 3–5 minutes straight.
Use this 15-minute beginner routine daily:
- 2 minutes — tune and finger warm-up (chromatic fretting or single-string plucks).
- 5 minutes — drill one chord until every string rings clearly.
- 5 minutes — chord changes between two chords with a metronome at 60 BPM.
- 3 minutes — play a simple strumming pattern on a song you like.
Don’t rush speed. Clean transitions at slow tempo beat sloppy switching at fast tempo every time.
Easy songs to practice these chords: "Horse With No Name" (Em, D6), "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (G, D, Am, C), and "Wonderwall" simplified (Em, G, D, A7sus4). Pick one and play the full song — that builds endurance and motivation.
Build calluses by consistent short practice. If fingertips hurt, play daily but keep sessions short — pain fades after a week or two. Use a metronome app to improve timing. Record short videos of yourself; watching helps fix posture and rhythm faster than guessing.
Want next steps? Look for beginner lessons that focus on rhythm, basic scales, and three-chord songs. On Pete's Art Symphony you’ll find articles about acoustic guitar genres, healing power of guitar music, and gear tips that fit a beginner’s path. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and enjoy the small wins — those add up fast.
So, you've decided to embark on your musical journey and your first step is choosing an acoustic guitar? You've landed on the right page! This post will break down all the nitty-gritty details you need to consider when buying your first acoustic guitar. From the guitar body's size to the type of wood it's made of, we'll guide you through it all. Trust me, I was once in your shoes and I know how overwhelming it can seem, but with this guide, you'll feel confident in your choice.
