Learning How To Learn Guitar For Free is absolutely achievable with dedication and the right resources; this guide from LEARNS.EDU.VN provides the essential steps, from mastering basic chords to exploring scales and playing your favorite songs. Discover how to begin your musical journey without breaking the bank, utilizing free online resources, understanding fundamental guitar techniques, and finding a supportive learning community. Start playing the guitar affordably and unlock your musical potential with free guitar lessons and resources for beginners today.
1. Defining Your Musical Goals
Before you even touch a guitar, it’s important to define your musical ambitions. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your learning process. What kind of music do you want to play? Do you dream of strumming campfire songs, shredding solos, or writing your own tunes? Understanding your goals will help you tailor your learning path and choose the right resources.
1.1. Identifying Your Favorite Genres
Think about the genres of music you enjoy listening to most. Are you drawn to the bluesy riffs of classic rock, the intricate melodies of classical music, or the driving rhythms of pop? Identifying your favorite genres will guide you towards songs and techniques that resonate with you, making the learning process more enjoyable.
- Rock: Characterized by electric guitars, bass, drums, and often vocals with a strong beat and blues influences.
- Pop: Typically features catchy melodies, simple structures, and is often produced with a focus on commercial appeal.
- Blues: Originating from African American communities, blues music is characterized by its soulful melodies, use of blues scales, and often melancholic themes.
- Country: Rooted in American folk music, country music often features acoustic instruments like guitars, banjos, and fiddles, with themes of love, loss, and rural life.
- Classical: Encompassing a broad range of music from the medieval period to the present, classical music is characterized by its complex structures, instrumental arrangements, and emphasis on melody and harmony.
1.2. Setting Realistic Expectations
Learning guitar takes time and effort. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself to avoid discouragement. Don’t expect to become a virtuoso overnight. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the difficulty as you progress.
Examples of Realistic Goals:
- Learn three basic chords in one week.
- Play a simple song in one month.
- Practice for 30 minutes each day.
- Join an online guitar community.
- Perform for friends and family within six months.
1.3. Choosing the Right Type of Guitar
The type of guitar you choose can significantly impact your learning experience. There are three main types of guitars: acoustic, electric, and classical. Each has its own unique sound, feel, and playing style.
- Acoustic Guitar: Great for beginners due to its simplicity and versatility. It’s a good choice for folk, country, and pop music.
- Electric Guitar: Requires an amplifier and is often used in rock, blues, and metal music. It can be more challenging for beginners due to the need for additional equipment.
- Classical Guitar: Features nylon strings and a wider neck, making it suitable for classical and flamenco music. The nylon strings are often easier on the fingers for beginners.
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2. Gathering Free Online Resources
The internet is a treasure trove of free guitar lessons and resources. From video tutorials to chord charts and tablature, there’s something for every beginner. Here are some of the best places to find free guitar lessons online:
2.1. YouTube Channels
YouTube is a fantastic platform for learning guitar. Many experienced guitarists and music educators offer free lessons on YouTube. Here are a few popular channels:
- JustinGuitar: Offers a comprehensive beginner course with step-by-step lessons and practice exercises.
- Marty Music: Features a wide range of lessons, from basic chords to advanced techniques.
- GuitarLessons365Song: Provides song tutorials and lessons on various playing styles.
- Fender Play: Fender Play is a subscription-based platform, but offers free trial periods.
2.2. Websites with Free Lessons
Several websites offer free guitar lessons, chord charts, and tablature. Here are some notable examples:
- Ultimate-Guitar.com: A vast database of guitar tabs and chords for countless songs.
- GuitarTricks.com: Offers a free trial period with access to a large library of lessons.
- JustinGuitar.com: (also mentioned above) A well-structured website with comprehensive free lessons.
- LEARNS.EDU.VN: A comprehensive website with detailed and easy-to-understand guides on various topics.
2.3. Apps for Guitar Learning
Mobile apps can be a convenient way to learn guitar on the go. Many apps offer interactive lessons, chord diagrams, and tuning tools. Here are some popular free or freemium apps:
- Yousician: Provides interactive lessons and tracks your progress.
- ChordBank: Offers a comprehensive library of guitar chords and scales.
- Guitar Tuna: A highly accurate and easy-to-use tuning app.
- Fender Play: (also mentioned above) A well-structured website with comprehensive free lessons.
2.4. Exploring Free Sheet Music and Tabs
Accessing free sheet music and guitar tabs is essential for learning specific songs and improving your skills. Several platforms provide legal and free resources:
- IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project): A vast collection of public domain sheet music, including classical pieces and traditional songs.
- MuseScore: A community-driven platform where users can share and download sheet music and guitar tabs. It supports various instruments and genres.
- FreeGuitarTabs.net: Specializes in providing free guitar tabs for popular songs across different genres.
- LEARNS.EDU.VN: Regularly updates its resources with free sheet music and tabs, ensuring learners have access to a wide variety of learning materials.
3. Mastering the Fundamentals
Before you start shredding solos, it’s important to master the fundamentals of guitar playing. This includes learning how to hold the guitar, tune it, and play basic chords.
3.1. Proper Posture and Hand Positioning
Proper posture and hand positioning are crucial for preventing injuries and developing good playing habits. Sit or stand with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Hold the guitar close to your body and position your hands so that your wrists are straight.
Key Points for Posture and Hand Positioning:
- Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Hold the guitar close to your body.
- Position your hands so that your wrists are straight.
- Avoid gripping the neck of the guitar too tightly.
- Use a guitar strap if you’re playing standing up.
3.2. Tuning Your Guitar
A properly tuned guitar is essential for playing in tune with other musicians and learning songs accurately. There are several ways to tune your guitar:
- Using an Electronic Tuner: The easiest and most accurate method. Simply clip the tuner to the headstock of your guitar and pluck each string until the tuner indicates that it’s in tune.
- Using a Tuning App: Many tuning apps are available for smartphones and tablets. These apps use the microphone on your device to detect the pitch of each string.
- Tuning by Ear: A more advanced method that involves comparing the pitch of each string to a reference pitch (usually a tuning fork or another instrument).
Standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e (from the thickest string to the thinnest).
3.3. Learning Basic Chords
Chords are the building blocks of most songs. Learning a few basic chords will allow you to play a wide range of songs and start making music right away. Here are some essential chords for beginners:
- A Major
- C Major
- D Major
- E Major
- G Major
- E Minor
- A Minor
- D Minor
To play the three-fingered version, you don’t play the low E string and leave the A and high E strings open, while placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your middle and ring fingers on the 2nd fret of the D and G strings, respectively.
You can hear the A minor chord in songs like “With or Without You” by U2 or Paramore’s “Ain’t it Fun.”
3.3.1. How to Play the F Guitar Chord
The F chords in its full form is a barre chord, which can be challenging for new players. You can play it with your index finger on the high E and B strings, and once you are comfortable with that, try it with your index finger a ting as a capo for all six strings on the first fret.
Even if this barre method might take some getting used to, the F chord is too important not to learn. After all, the F chord appears in songs of every genre in every decade.
3.4. Strumming Patterns
Strumming is the rhythmic motion of your hand across the strings to create a chord progression. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best for each song.
3.4.1. Common Strumming Patterns:
- Down, Down, Down, Down
- Down, Up, Down, Up
- Down, Down, Up, Down, Up
- Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
3.5. Finger Exercises
Finger exercises are essential for building strength, dexterity, and coordination in your fretting hand. These exercises can help you play chords and scales more easily and accurately.
3.5.1. Example Finger Exercises:
- Chromatic Scale: Play each fret on each string, moving from the first fret to the twelfth fret and back down.
- Spider Walk: Place each finger on a different fret (e.g., index finger on the 5th fret, middle finger on the 6th fret, etc.) and move up and down the neck, keeping each finger on its assigned fret.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smoothly transitioning between different chords.
4. Exploring Scales and Music Theory
Understanding scales and music theory can greatly enhance your guitar playing. Scales provide a framework for creating melodies and solos, while music theory helps you understand how chords and scales work together.
4.1. Learning Basic Scales
A scale is an organized series of notes that can be played in an ascending or descending order, and they are a great way to develop your ear, build finger strength and learn songs faster. The E minor scale is an interesting one, because – like all minor scales – it’s a little moodier than major scales.
- Major Scales: Sound bright and happy.
- Minor Scales: Sound darker and more melancholic.
- Pentatonic Scales: Simplified versions of major and minor scales, often used in blues and rock music.
4.1.1. How to Play the Blues Guitar Scale
The blues scale is a six-note progression that sounds right at home in blues, rock, and country music. This scale is essentially the pentatonic scale plus one chromatic note, often called the blue note. This extra step gives the blues scale that unmistakably bluesy sound.
There are six notes in the A minor blues scale: — A — C — D — D# — E — G
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4.2. Understanding Chord Progressions
Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create a musical phrase. Learning common chord progressions will help you understand how songs are structured and how to create your own music.
4.2.1. Common Chord Progressions:
- I-IV-V: A simple and versatile progression used in countless songs.
- I-V-vi-IV: A popular progression known as the “pop progression.”
- ii-V-I: A common progression used in jazz and blues music.
4.3. Introduction to Music Theory
Music theory is the study of how music works. While it may seem intimidating at first, learning basic music theory can greatly enhance your understanding of music and improve your playing.
4.3.1. Basic Music Theory Concepts:
- Notes: The basic building blocks of music.
- Scales: Organized series of notes.
- Chords: Combinations of notes played together.
- Key Signatures: Indicate which notes are sharp or flat in a particular key.
- Time Signatures: Indicate how many beats are in each measure and what note value receives one beat.
4.4. Practicing Power Chords
A power chord is made of two different notes. The number 5 is used to indicate a power chord because the chord contains the 1st (root) and 5th notes of a major scale. When written, the chord will have the number 5 next to the root note. And you can move the shape of a power chord all over the fretboard to help you access a ton of songs.
5. Learning Songs You Love
One of the most enjoyable ways to learn guitar is by playing songs you love. Choose songs that are within your skill level and gradually increase the difficulty as you improve.
5.1. Starting with Simple Songs
Begin with songs that use only a few basic chords and have simple strumming patterns. Here are a few examples:
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan: Uses G, D, and Am chords.
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles: Uses G, D, Em, and C chords.
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: Uses C, G, Am, and F chords.
5.2. Using Tabs and Chord Charts
Tabs and chord charts are visual representations of how to play a song on guitar. Tabs show you which frets to play on each string, while chord charts show you the finger positions for each chord.
5.2.1. Where to Find Tabs and Chord Charts:
- Ultimate-Guitar.com: A vast database of guitar tabs and chords for countless songs.
- GuitarTabs.cc: Another popular website for finding guitar tabs and chords.
- Chordify.net: A website that automatically generates chord charts from YouTube videos and other sources.
5.3. Playing Along with Recordings
Playing along with recordings is a great way to improve your timing and rhythm. Start by playing along slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
5.3.1. Tips for Playing Along with Recordings:
- Use headphones to hear the recording clearly.
- Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo.
- Focus on playing in time with the recording.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; just keep playing.
5.4. Example Beginner Songs
Released in 1963, “She Loves You” is the Beatles’ best-selling single, with the simple call-and-response refrain of “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” catching fire around the world. Its mass popularity became a defining milestone in the Beatles’ early career.
The title track off Green Day’s wildly popular 2004 concept album, “American Idiot” is an in-your-face political song that is driven home at a frenetic pace with a big nod to Mike Dirnt’s thumping bassline.
This J5 smash helped launch the career of the King of Pop and is a lesson in bright chord sequences and tasty R&B rhythm guitar strumming.
Paramore’s “Misery Business” serves as the first single from their second studio album, Riot! The song is considered the band’s “breakthrough” hit and introduced the band to a mainstream audience.
ZZ Top put Texas boogie on the map by taking John Lee Hooker’s rhythm approach and adding modern hard rock picking and lead work.
If you want to unlock hundreds more songs and skills, click here to get unlimited access.
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6. Practicing Regularly and Staying Motivated
Consistency is key when it comes to learning guitar. Set aside time each day to practice, even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your skills more quickly.
6.1. Creating a Practice Schedule
A practice schedule will help you stay on track and make the most of your practice time. Here’s a sample practice schedule for beginners:
| Time | Activity | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | Warm-up exercises | Finger dexterity, coordination |
| 20 minutes | Chord practice | Smooth transitions, accuracy |
| 20 minutes | Scale practice | Finger placement, speed, rhythm |
| 30 minutes | Song practice | Playing along with recordings, memorization |
| 10 minutes | Cool-down exercises | Relaxation, stretching |
6.2. Setting Goals and Tracking Progress
Setting goals will give you something to strive for and help you stay motivated. Track your progress to see how far you’ve come and identify areas where you need to improve.
6.2.1. Example Goals:
- Learn a new chord each week.
- Master a new song each month.
- Increase your practice time by 5 minutes each week.
- Perform for friends and family within three months.
6.3. Finding a Learning Community
Learning guitar can be challenging at times. Finding a supportive community of fellow guitarists can help you stay motivated and learn from others.
6.3.1. Where to Find a Learning Community:
- Online Forums: Websites like Reddit and GuitarTricks.com have active guitar forums where you can ask questions, share your progress, and connect with other guitarists.
- Social Media Groups: Facebook and other social media platforms have guitar groups where you can interact with other players and share your music.
- Local Music Stores: Many local music stores offer lessons and workshops where you can meet other guitarists in your area.
- LEARNS.EDU.VN: Provides a platform for connecting with other learners and experts through discussion forums and community events.
6.4. Rewarding Yourself
When you reach a goal or milestone, reward yourself to stay motivated. This could be anything from buying a new guitar accessory to attending a concert or taking a break from practicing.
7. Advanced Techniques and Styles
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can start exploring more advanced techniques and styles. This will help you expand your musical vocabulary and develop your own unique playing style.
7.1. Fingerpicking
Fingerpicking is a technique that involves plucking the strings with your fingers instead of using a pick. This technique is often used in folk, blues, and classical music.
7.1.1. Basic Fingerpicking Patterns:
- Travis Picking: A popular fingerpicking pattern that involves alternating between the thumb and fingers.
- Arpeggios: Playing the notes of a chord individually, one after another.
7.2. Lead Guitar Techniques
Lead guitar techniques are used to create solos and melodies. These techniques include:
- Bending: Stretching a string to raise its pitch.
- Sliding: Moving your finger along a string to create a smooth transition between notes.
- Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Striking a string with your finger to create a note (hammer-on) or removing your finger from a string to create a note (pull-off).
- Vibrato: Adding a slight wobble to a note to create a more expressive sound.
7.3. Different Guitar Styles
Explore different guitar styles to find what resonates with you. Some popular styles include:
- Blues: Characterized by its soulful melodies, use of blues scales, and improvisational solos.
- Rock: Features distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and often powerful vocals.
- Jazz: Emphasizes improvisation, complex harmonies, and syncopated rhythms.
- Classical: Focuses on intricate fingerpicking, complex harmonies, and dynamic expression.
- Country: Often features acoustic instruments, simple chord progressions, and themes of love, loss, and rural life.
7.4. Understanding Alternate Tunings
Experimenting with alternate tunings can open up new sonic possibilities and inspire creativity. Alternate tunings involve changing the standard tuning of your guitar (E-A-D-G-B-e) to different intervals, creating unique chord voicings and melodic textures.
7.4.1. Popular Alternate Tunings:
- Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-e): Lowers the E string to D, making it easier to play power chords and create a heavier sound.
- Open G Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-d): Commonly used in blues and slide guitar, allowing for easy access to G major chords.
- DADGAD Tuning (D-A-D-G-A-d): A versatile tuning often used in folk and Celtic music, known for its open and resonant sound.
8. Utilizing Technology for Practice and Learning
Technology can be a powerful tool for learning and practicing guitar. From recording software to online collaboration platforms, there are many ways to enhance your learning experience.
8.1. Recording Yourself
Recording yourself playing guitar is a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back to your recordings and analyze your timing, accuracy, and tone.
8.1.1. Recording Software Options:
- Audacity: A free and open-source recording software that’s easy to use and offers a wide range of features.
- GarageBand: A free recording software that comes pre-installed on Macs.
- Logic Pro X: A professional-grade recording software for Macs.
- Ableton Live: A popular recording software for electronic music production.
8.2. Using Metronomes and Drum Machines
Metronomes and drum machines can help you improve your timing and rhythm. Practice playing along with a metronome or drum machine to develop a steady beat.
8.2.1. Metronome and Drum Machine Apps:
- Tempo: A popular metronome app for iOS and Android.
- Drum Machine: A drum machine app for iOS and Android.
- Online Metronomes: Many websites offer free online metronomes.
8.3. Online Collaboration Tools
Online collaboration tools allow you to connect with other musicians and work on projects together. This can be a great way to learn from others, get feedback on your playing, and create music as a group.
8.3.1. Online Collaboration Platforms:
- Soundtrap: An online recording studio that allows you to collaborate with other musicians in real-time.
- BandLab: A social music platform where you can create, share, and collaborate on music.
- Jamulus: Software that enables musicians to perform together over the internet with low latency.
8.4. Exploring Virtual Guitar Amps and Effects
Virtual guitar amps and effects pedals can be used to emulate the sound of classic amplifiers and create a wide range of tones without the need for physical equipment.
8.4.1. Popular Virtual Guitar Amp and Effects Plugins:
- AmpliTube: A comprehensive guitar amp and effects modeling software with a wide range of emulations.
- Guitar Rig: Native Instruments’ guitar and bass amp modeling software, offering a variety of amps, cabinets, and effects.
- Bias FX: Positive Grid’s amp and effects modeling software, known for its realistic tone and customizability.
9. Maintaining Your Guitar
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your guitar in good condition and ensuring that it plays its best. This includes cleaning your guitar, changing the strings, and adjusting the action.
9.1. Cleaning Your Guitar
Regularly cleaning your guitar will help prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and sweat, which can damage the finish and affect the sound.
9.1.1. Cleaning Supplies:
- Guitar Polish: Use a guitar polish specifically designed for your guitar’s finish.
- Microfiber Cloth: A soft, lint-free cloth for cleaning and polishing.
- Fretboard Conditioner: Use a fretboard conditioner to keep the wood hydrated and prevent cracking.
9.2. Changing Your Strings
New strings will improve the sound and playability of your guitar. How often you need to change your strings depends on how often you play and the type of strings you use.
9.2.1. When to Change Your Strings:
- When the strings sound dull or lifeless.
- When the strings are difficult to tune.
- When the strings are visibly corroded or damaged.
9.3. Adjusting the Action
The action is the distance between the strings and the frets. Adjusting the action can improve the playability of your guitar and prevent buzzing.
9.3.1. When to Adjust the Action:
- When the strings are too high or too low.
- When the strings are buzzing against the frets.
- When the guitar is difficult to play.
9.4. Storing Your Guitar Properly
Proper storage is crucial for protecting your guitar from damage and maintaining its condition over time.
9.4.1. Tips for Storing Your Guitar:
- Use a Case: Store your guitar in a hard case or gig bag to protect it from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
- Maintain Proper Humidity: Use a humidifier in your guitar case to keep the humidity level between 45% and 55%, preventing the wood from drying out or warping.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid storing your guitar in direct sunlight, near heaters, or in other areas with extreme temperatures, as this can damage the finish and wood.
- Loosen the Strings: If you’re not going to play your guitar for an extended period, loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension on the neck.
10. Staying Creative and Inspired
Learning guitar is a journey that can last a lifetime. To stay creative and inspired, it’s important to keep exploring new music, techniques, and styles.
10.1. Listening to New Music
Listening to new music can expose you to different sounds, styles, and techniques that can inspire your own playing.
10.1.1. Where to Find New Music:
- Streaming Services: Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services offer vast libraries of music from around the world.
- Online Radio: Pandora, Last.fm, and other online radio services can introduce you to new artists and genres based on your preferences.
- Music Blogs and Websites: Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound, and other music blogs and websites offer reviews and recommendations for new music.
10.2. Collaborating with Other Musicians
Collaborating with other musicians can be a great way to learn from others, get feedback on your playing, and create music as a group.
10.2.1. Where to Find Other Musicians:
- Local Music Stores: Many local music stores offer lessons and workshops where you can meet other musicians in your area.
- Online Forums: Websites like Reddit and GuitarTricks.com have active guitar forums where you can connect with other guitarists.
- Social Media Groups: Facebook and other social media platforms have music groups where you can interact with other players.
- LEARNS.EDU.VN: Provides a platform for connecting with other learners and experts through discussion forums and community events.
10.3. Writing Your Own Music
Writing your own music is a rewarding way to express your creativity and develop your own unique playing style.
10.3.1. Tips for Writing Your Own Music:
- Start with a simple chord progression.
- Experiment with different melodies and rhythms.
- Write about your own experiences and emotions.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
- Get feedback from other musicians.
10.4. Performing Live
Performing live can be a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience. It’s a great way to share your music with others, get feedback from an audience, and build your confidence as a musician.
10.4.1. Tips for Performing Live:
- Practice your setlist thoroughly.
- Get comfortable playing in front of others.
- Choose songs that you enjoy playing.
- Stay relaxed and have fun.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Learning how to learn guitar for free is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a love of music. By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation, develop your skills, and unlock your musical potential. Remember to set realistic goals, practice regularly, and stay inspired. With the wealth of free resources available online and the support of a learning community, you can achieve your musical dreams without breaking the bank.
Are you eager to deepen your understanding of guitar playing and explore even more skills? Visit LEARNS.EDU.VN today to discover a wide range of articles and courses designed to help you become a proficient guitarist. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your musical journey with LEARNS.EDU.VN. Address: 123 Education Way, Learnville, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 555-555-1212. Website: learns.edu.vn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Is it really possible to learn guitar for free?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. There are numerous free resources available online, including video lessons, websites, and apps that can guide you through the fundamentals and beyond.
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What are the best free online resources for learning guitar?
Some of the best free resources include YouTube channels like JustinGuitar and Marty Music, websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com, and apps like Yousician (free version)
