Embarking on your guitar journey begins with grasping the fundamentals. While it might seem obvious to start with the basics, many aspiring guitarists rush into learning songs, overlooking the crucial groundwork. Every initial guitar lesson should cover: guitar anatomy, open string names, fundamental fretting techniques, and basic strumming. Mastering these elements early on is vital for future progress.
It’s surprisingly common to encounter students, even those with years of playing experience, who are unfamiliar with the open string names. This knowledge gap complicates and prolongs the process of learning new concepts. A simple mnemonic, though seemingly childish, effectively aids memorization: Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears. Here, ‘E’ for Elephants represents the low (thickest) E string, and ‘E’ for Ears signifies the high (thinnest) E string. Repeating this rhyme and practicing string identification streamlines explanations, allowing instructors to say, “Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the D string,” with immediate understanding.
Another frequent surprise is students’ uncertainty about finger placement on the fretboard. Many incorrectly assume fingers should be positioned in the middle of the frets, and some teachers even perpetuate this myth. Let’s clarify: this is incorrect. Fingers should almost always (99% of the time, exceptions later) be placed just behind the fret. Not directly on top, nor in the middle, but just behind. This positioning yields the clearest sound with minimal pressure, resulting in a clean, sustained note.
Once a student begins practicing fretting notes (starting with the 1st fret on the low E string is typical), it’s an opportune moment to introduce basic right-hand strumming or picking techniques. For beginners without guitar picks, initiating with thumb-picking on the low E string in a downward motion is suitable. For those with pick experience, encourage striking the pick across the string downwards. Pick grip is also crucial – avoid excessive pick protrusion, which can be awkward, and ensure a comfortable wrist angle.
Simple Guitar Riffs for Beginners
After grasping the basics, it’s time to explore familiar tunes through simple riffs, providing immediate gratification. “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple is a classic starting point. Initially demonstrated on the low E string for fretting technique practice, it’s more accurately played on the D string to match the original key. Encourage and even insist on using different fingers in the fretting hand. A common bad habit is using only one finger (usually the 1st or 2nd) for all fretting, as these are naturally stronger. For “Smoke On The Water,” use:
- 1st finger on the 3rd fret
- 3rd finger on the 5th fret
- 4th finger on the 6th fret
This finger assignment keeps the hand in a fixed position on the neck, minimizing unnecessary hand movements.
Other excellent beginner riffs include “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. These riffs are recognizable and fun to learn, reinforcing basic fretting and picking skills.
Introduction to Open Chords
Once single-note riffs are comfortable, progressing to simple open chords is the next logical step. Open chords are named so because they utilize open strings (near the nut/headstock – remember guitar anatomy!) combined with fretted notes. A foundational set of open chords enables playing a vast repertoire, estimated at 90% of popular music songs.
Learning chords is often more engaging when directed towards a specific song. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King serves as an excellent example. For this song, teach the G, E minor, C, and D chords (using a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original key). Demonstrate finger placements and explain chord diagrams. Chord diagrams are essential for home practice and remembering chord shapes. Once the chord shape is formed, practice a simple strumming pattern to ensure all strings ring clearly. Begin with one strum per bar, focusing on fretting hand accuracy, and gradually introduce down and up strums for rhythmic complexity.
* Occasionally, chord shapes necessitate breaking the rule of placing fingers just behind the fret. The A chord, for instance, often requires the finger on the D string to be slightly over the fret due to limited space for three fingers behind the 2nd fret. This is unavoidable, highlighting the importance of strong fretting technique to maintain a clear sound even in such situations.
Exploring Power Chords
After mastering single-note riffs and open chords across several songs, it’s time to introduce power chords. Power chords are a cornerstone of many genres, particularly rock and its subgenres. Start by demonstrating the power chord shape (typically on the 5th fret of the low E string, as lower frets can be too spread out for beginners). Practice shifting the shape across different frets and using the A string as a root. Then, explore songs featuring power chords. The chorus of “Sunshine of Your Love” is a good starting point, especially if the main riff is already familiar.
However, the quintessential power chord anthem is undoubtedly “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, with its iconic and instantly recognizable intro. Often, students unsure if they know the song will exclaim “YES! I know that!” upon hearing it. This riff is excellent because it alternates between power chords rooted on the low E and A strings, involves quick position shifts on the neck, and incorporates a specific strumming pattern with upstrokes. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a valuable song to learn in its entirety, including the guitar solo, which introduces bending techniques. But for now, focus on mastering those power chords.
