In this lesson we are going to learn a simple C major chord. Some of the notes are "open" string notes. In this case, make sure to keep your fingers clear of that string so you don't mute it. You want to have your hand "hovering" or "arched" slightly over any string that has an "open" string note. Some of the notes are "fretted" notes. In this case, place the tip of the your index finger right behind the first fret of the B string (the second thinnest one). It is important to use the tip of your finger. Beginners find their fingers can be tender & occ...

Sometimes it's difficult for beginner's to see, but there is a reason for the placement of the note letters on the guitar fretboard. We will take a more in depth look at those reasons later on. For now, we will just learn the location of the notes. The first notes to learn are the notes of the open strings. The strings of the guitar are named for the note letter that sounds when those strings are played open. Starting from the highest sounding string pitchwise (the thinnest string) and moving to the lowest sounding string (the thickest string), these are the note...

In this lesson we are going to learn a simple A Minor chord. This is the first chord where you will need to use two fingers at the same time. Some of the notes are "open" string notes. In this case, make sure to keep your fingers clear of that string so you don't mute it. You want to have your hand "hovering" or "arched" slightly over any string that has an "open" string note. Some of the notes are "fretted" notes. In this case, we need to use two fingers: index and middle fingers. Place the tip of your index finger right behind the first fret of th...

What are intervals? In music the basic unit of measurement is the interval. An interval is the distance between any two notes. Intervals are measured in "steps". Most instruments are divided into half step divisions. On a piano the musical distance from one key to the next adjacent key is one half step. On a guitar the musical distance from the note on one fret to the note that sounds on the next fret (up or down) is one half step. More simply, the distance from one fret to the next fret is a half-step. The distance between two frets is a whole-s...

What does the right hand do? The primary job of your right hand is to strike the strings. This is usually done by picking or strumming with a pick (also called a "plectrum") or the right hand fingers; or a combination of both a pick and fingers which is called hybrid picking. The right hand also has the secondary job of muting strings; in other words, to stop certain strings from ringing when you don't want them ring.

Now we have a little experience playing notes on the E & B strings. Let's play another, slightly more complicated melody on these strings. This is the traditional tune "My Country 'Tis of Thee". As with all our melodies so far, go slowly, take your time. Learn where to put your fingers to play the notes properly. Gradually memorize the notes in order. Gradually get better at placing your fingers for the best possible sound out of each note. Practice and have fun.

In music we use the first 7 letters of the English alphabet in order to name, identify and organize individual notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Then we start again at A. As the old music al joke goes, "There is no letter H in music." So we wind up with the pattern: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B ... and so on covering the entire guitar fretboard. As the notes move through the alphabet the pitch rises from lower to higher. In the next set of lessons we will learn where these notes are on the guitar. The image below is for your future referen...

This tutorial explores the mechanics of playing the guitar in more detail; this covers the physical motions required of your arms, hands and fingers. There are two fundamentally different types of notes on the guitar: open string notes and fretted string notes. Open string notes are indicated on tablature notation by the number zero "0" on the appropriate string. In this case, make sure to keep your fretting hand clear of the string so you don't mute it. You want to have your hand hovering or arched slightly over the string prepared to pla...

In this lesson we are going to learn a simple G major chord. Some of the notes are "open" string notes. In this case, make sure to keep your fingers clear of that string so you don't mute it. You want to have your hand "hovering" or "arched" slightly over any string that has an "open" string note. Some of the notes are "fretted" notes. In this case, place the tip of the your pinky finger right behind the third fret of the E string (the thinnest one). It is important to use the tip of your finger. Beginners find their fingers can be tender & occassiona...

What is the C major scale? A scale is a very specific pattern of notes that is used to create the basic building blocks of music: melody and harmony. In order to build a scale from the intervals of the octave we need a formula. The major scale formula is derived from the nature of the overtone series and is: 1st note, whole step, 2nd note, whole step, 3rd note, half step, 4th note, whole step, 5th note, whole step, 6th note, whole step, 7th note, half step, 8th note (which is one octave higher than the first note). This formula produ...

Now we are on the 2nd string, the B string. As we've already learned, the note that sounds when we play the B string open (at the "zero fret") is called B. If we hold down the B string at the first fret, we make the amount of string allowed to ring a little bit shorter and thus a little bit higher in pitch. It is now called the note C. If we hold down the B string at the third fret, we make the amount of string allowed to ring a bit shorter again and thus a bit higher in pitch. It is now called the note D. We do this one more time by h...

This is a brief summary of what we have covered in the last two tutorials. Having learned the basic mechanics of fretting notes, we learned how to play four simple chords (C major, G major, A minor and E major). We learned how to play them individually and then put some of them together.

Now that we have our simple C major chord and G major chord, let's put them together! In this lesson we will practice strumming them and going back and forth between the two. Start with the C major chord. Get your fingers in position. Strum it three times downward. Stop the strings (mute!) from ringing. Change your fingers to the G major chord position. Strum it three times downward. Stop the strings (mute!) from ringing. Change your fingers back to the C major chord position. Repeat this over and again. Congratulations! You are playing music!

When we are presented with a new piece of music for the first time it can be difficult and frustrating. The best thing to do is to break the process down into two separate steps: First, learn the notes. This means learn where all the notes are in the song. Figure out where you will have to put your fingers ahead of time. Look over the whole piece to get a bird's eye view of the whole thing. If you are a beginner, don't expect to be able to play the whole thing all the way through immediately! Most important in this first step of the process is to fig...

Now we know some of the musical alphabet note names on two strings! Let's put that knowledge to use and play a melody using those notes. This is a simple arrangement of the Christmas song "Jingle Bells". Go slowly, take your time. Learn where to put your fingers to play the notes properly. Gradually memorize the notes in order. Gradually get better at placing your fingers for the best possible sound out of each note. Practice, practice, practice! And have fun playing your first melody.

Now we are on the 3rd string, the G string. As we've already learned, the note that sounds when we play the G string open (at the "zero fret") is called G. If we hold down the G string at the 2nd fret, we make the amount of string allowed to ring a little bit shorter and thus a little bit higher in pitch. It is now called the note A. If we hold down the G string at the 4th fret, we make the amount of string allowed to ring a bit shorter again and thus a bit higher in pitch. It is now called the note B. With the 4th fret note B w...

Now we are ready to learn our first full chords for the guitar. This tutorial assumes your guitar is in tune and you have acquired the ability to play open string notes as well as fretted notes. In music, a Chord is defined as a group of three or more notes that are played together at the same time. We will start with learning the basic Open String Chords in the first position. These are called Open String Chords because they make use of as many open strings notes as possible. We will start with the most basic way to play a full A m...

Now we have two more simple chords to put together! In this lesson we will practice strumming them and going back and forth between the C major and A Minor chords. The idea here is to get used to using the index finger position of the C major chord as an "anchor" to hold onto for one chord. Then adding the middle finger to the position for the A minor chord. Start with the C major chord. Get your fingers in position. Strum it three times downward. Stop the strings (mute!) from ringing. Reach over and add your middle finger for the A minor chord position. Strum...

What does the left hand do? The primary job of your left hand is to fret notes. This means you will use (mostly) your fingertips to apply enough pressure to the strings to hold them down against the frets in order to get a good, clear sounding note when you pick or strum the strings (with your right hand). Occassionally you will use the pads of your fingertips in order to fret more than one string at a time. You will also find it occassionally useful to use the entire length of a finger (usually your index finger) in order to barre across all or almost all t...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Introduction to Chords, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: The Mechanics of Fretting Notes. How to play simple versions of C major and G major chords. How to change back and forth between C and G major chords in time. How to play simple versions of A minor and E major chords. How to change back and forth between C major and A minor chords in time. How to change back and forth between A minor and E major chords in time. You can alwa...

Now we are on the 5th string, the A string. As we've already learned, the note that sounds when we play the A string open (at the "zero fret") is called A. If we hold down the A string at the 2nd fret, we make the amount of string allowed to ring a little bit shorter and thus a little bit higher in pitch. It is now called the note B. If we hold down the A string at the 3rd fret, we make the amount of string allowed to ring a bit shorter again and thus a bit higher in pitch. It is now called the note C. We do this one more time by holdi...

When starting to use a pick it is best to place it between your thumb and index finger. Later, more advanced techniques can call for other fingers. But don't worry about that until you've got the basics down. When using a pick it is important to hold the pick tight enough so that it will not slip out of your fingers. It is also important to not hold it too tightly. Otherwise you are wasting effort and your fingers will cramp up. It is important to "choke up" high enough on the pick that your thumb and index finger have covered most of it leaving just enough ...

In this lesson we are going to learn a simple E major chord. Some of the notes are "open" string notes. In this case, make sure to keep your fingers clear of that string so you don't mute it. You want to have your hand "hovering" or "arched" slightly over any string that has an "open" string note. Some of the notes are "fretted" notes. In this case, place the tip of the your index finger right behind the first fret of the G string (the third thinnest one). It is important to use the tip of your finger. Beginners find their fingers can be tender & occa...

The First Law of the Blues is the 12 Bar Blues Form. It is very important for you to know this first law, so let's start there. 12 Bar Blues Form is a system of 12 repeating "bars", also known as "measures", that use a group of 3 specific chords. Musicians use 12 Bar Blues Form as a common, standard frame of reference. 12 Bar Blues Form is most often in 4/4 time. We will start by using 4/4 time. This means that we will have 12 counts of four: "1, 2, 3, 4" repeated 12 times. The standard group of chord that are used to pla...

Now we have a little experience playing notes on the G & D strings. Let's play another, slightly more complicated melody on these strings. We'll also include a few notes on the upper strings. This is another stereotypical "Blues-Rock" riff. As with all our melodies so far, go slowly, take your time. Learn where to put your fingers to play the notes properly. Gradually memorize the notes in order. Gradually get better at placing your fingers for the best possible sound out of each note. Practice and have fun.

In this tutorial series of lessons we are going to learn a new way to play a Blues type arrangement involving orchestrating for solo guitar. This involves combining a bassline with upper chord tones.

In this tutorial we will learn another lick that incorporates all 5 fretboard shapes/positions that form the pentatonic minor scale. The idea is to play a simple repeating pattern of five notes on two adjacent strings, then move the pattern up an octave, and again another octave. Using this little pattern of five notes we can wind our way up through each pentatonic box after another until we cover the entire fretboard.

By the end of this tutorial you should be able to understand the basic idea of the Circle of Fifths and how it is used in actual music.

In this third tutorial we will focus only on targeting chord tones in order to learn more ways to spice up the minor pentatonic "box" blues shape with notes from the major scales. The lessons in this series are based on a lot of the ideas we already learned in the previous series "Major Notes in Minor Pentatonic". For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major.

By the end of this tutorial you should understand and be able to play basic triad chord shapes and their inversions in multiple fretboard locations. You should understand how chords are built from scales and the concept of triadic harmony or tertiary harmony.

In this tutorial we will practice the modes of the major scale and learn to see and hear them as individual entities in a variety of fretboard patterns. We will learn that each mode has it's own unique, characteristic sound and function.

Chord Melody style guitar playing is playing a solo arrangement of a tune by playing the melody, some supporting bass notes and, or chords all at the same time. In this tutorial I use the old jazz standard "St. Louis Blues" to demonstrate how to create a chord melody style arrangement. We will by breaking it down into a simple melody, and then building it back up into a full solo jazz guitar chord melody arrangement in the jazz guitar style of jazz guitar giant Joe Pass.

In this tutorial we will combine the A Minor scale in two different positions with the proper picking techniques learned in the previous tutorial: downstrokes, upstrokes, and alternate picking. We will apply all three picking techniques to the C Major scale, and achieve a basic system of practicing scales for beginner guitarists.

In this tutorial we will combine the C Major scale in two different positions with the proper picking techniques learned in the previous tutorial: downstrokes, upstrokes, and alternate picking. We will apply all three picking techniques to the C Major scale, and achieve a basic system of practicing scales for beginner guitarists.

In this tutorial we will learn more about picking and to play 3 basic picking techniques. These techniques are the foundation of most of the riffs and licks you'll learn. Every time you'll see someone using a pick, there's a good chance he'll be using one of the techniques we'll learn here.

In this tutorial we will learn a lick that incorporates all 5 fretboard shapes/positions that form the pentatonic minor scale. The idea is to play a simple repeating pattern of six notes on the top two strings (E and B strings). We use the first pentatonic position and this results in a pattern that has two notes on each string, both three frets apart. Then, we build the same type of pattern and lick, but using the second pentatonic position. We continue on to the third, fourth, fifth and finally first position again one octave higher.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the G, B and E strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the D, G and B strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the A, D and G strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the E, A and D strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

In this tutorial we will learn some basic standard blues licks that use the following characteristics of blues lead playing: A minor pentatonic scale (with the flat 5th "blue note"), Vibrato, Hammer-ons and pull-offs, Bending and Sliding. Essentially we will be trying to put to use quite a few things we've already learned about like scales that are good for use in blues and some specific articulation techniques. We are going to put all those things in practice now!

In this tutorial we will learn the 5 fretboard shapes/positions that form the pentatonic major scale. For these example exercises we will use the A major pentatonic scale and play each position in a sequence of 3 notes up and down the scale.

In this third tutorial we are going to take another cue from the great Joe Pass, Jazz Guitar Giant! We will look at orchestrating ala Joe Pass by using jazz guitar Drop 2 Chord Voicings and Walking Basslines. We will use this technique to cover the fretboard with jazzy dominant 7th chords!

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to practice another chord progression in A minor. We are going to focus primarily on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music. We will use slightly more advanced chords and picking patterns.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to practice another chord progression in A major. We are going to focus primarily on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music. We will use slightly more advanced chords and picking patterns.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to practice another chord progression in A major. We are going to focus primarily on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music. We will use slightly more advanced chords and picking patterns.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to practice another chord progression in A minor. We are going to focus primarily on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music. We will use slightly more advanced chords and picking patterns.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to practice a i-iv-v chord progression in E minor. We are going to focus primarily on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music. We will also add an even more complex picking pattern.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to practice a i-iv-v chord progression in A minor. We are going to focus primarily on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music. We will also add a more complex picking pattern.

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to practice a i-iv-v chord progression in A minor. We are going to focus primarily on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music. We will also add an even more complex picking pattern.

Holding the guitar properly is absolutely essential. It is very important to work towards making any and all motions you make while playing guitar as smooth, efficient as possible. In order to do this, we start by focusing on proper body mechanics. Start with good posture! Sit up straight and do not slouch. Next, from your shoulder, to elbow, to wrist, hand and fingers, keep your body light and loose. Do not tense up! Maintain all your tendons and muscles at a minimal level of tension. You only need enough pressure to hold you arm and hands in place. The s...

Let's start with the pick! The pick is more formally known as the plectrum. It is a small object held by a guitarist and used to strike the strings in order to create sound. Picks come in many shapes, sizes and are made in a variety of materials. The vast majority are triangular, or tear-dropped in shape, about an inch long, a millimeter thick and are made of plastic. The pick is held by the picking hand, as opposed to the fretting hand. And it is held between the pad of the index finger and the pad of the thumb. It should essentially be held as an ext...

This is the introduction video for the Guitar Fundamentals 2 Course.

This is the introduction video for the Guitar Tricks Rock Style Course Level 1.

This is the introduction video for the Blues Primer 3 Course.

So now we've covered all the open string notes. We've also learned the letter names of the notes on the first five frets. We've seen how we use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, and G to names those notes. The letters A through G are called the Natural Notes. Notice that in the melody "House of the Rising Sun" we used a note in between the notes A and G on the bottom E string. The notes on the frets in between the Natural Notes are called Accidental Notes. Accidental Notes are named by using a letter and a symbol. The symbo...

Now you've worked through the entire Guitar Tricks Guitar Fundamentals 1 Course. Congratulations! Having viewed all five chapters in GF 1 you should have a basic understanding of the following things: Chapter 1: Correct Posture and Technique What a pick is and how to use it. What the right and left hands do in a general sense. How to hold the guitar for the best posture and playing position. Chapter 2: Basic Knowledge The main parts and functions of electric and acoustic guitars. How to tune a...

Now you've worked through the entire Guitar Tricks Guitar Fundamentals 2 Course. Congratulations! Having viewed all eight chapters in GF 2 you should have a basic understanding of the following things: Chapter 1: Introduction to Music Theory What musical intervals are. What the C major scale is. How to practice the C major scale using various scale exercises. Proper picking technique for beginner scale exercises. What the A minor scale is. How to practice the A minor scale using various scale exercise...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on an Introduction to Barre Chords, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: The mechanics of barring. How to play E major and minor shaped barre chords. How to play A major and minor shaped barre chords. The location of barre chord root notes on the E and A string from the open string to the 12th fret. How to use E and A major and minor shaped barre chords to play any given chord on the fretboard. You can always return to these lessons at any time ...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Practicing Scales - Major and Minor, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: How and why to practice major and minor scales. How and why to use a metronome in order to effectively practice major and minor scales. How to practice the C major and C minor scale. How to practice and play major and minor scales in four basic sequences: up and down, in 3's, in 4's and pedal point. You can always return to these lessons at any time in the future as long as you...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on The Rest of the Minor Chords, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: How to play a B minor and C minor chord. How to play an F minor and G minor chord. How to switch between any of the full major and minor chords. How to play more advanced versions of any of the full major and minor chords in various combinations in time with music. You can always return to these lessons at any time in the future as long as you are a Guitar Tricks subscriber. They are ...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Simple Songs Using Chords and Scale Notes, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: How to switch back and forth between chords (using multiple notes) and scales (using single notes). How to play a simple "12 Bar Blues in A". How to play a slightly more advanced "12 Bar Blues in A". How to play a simple arrangement of "House of the Rising Sun" using chord strumming. How to play a simple arrangement of "House of the Rising Sun" using chord arpeggiation (pic...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Reading Music Notation, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: The fundamentals of reading and using musical notation. Rhythmic notation. Meter and time signatures. The Treble Clef and translating tablature to it. Tempo, dynamics, basic phrasing and timbre concepts. You can always return to these lessons at any time in the future as long as you are a Guitar Tricks subscriber. They are always here for your reference and convenience. If yo...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Combining Scales and Chords, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: Understanding how the C major scale and C major chord are related. How to switch back and forth between single notes (from the C major scale) and open chords (C major, A minor, F major and G major). How to switch back and forth between A major scale notes and open major chords (A, D and E). How to change back and forth between A major scale notes and open major chords (A, D and E) in time with mu...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on an Introduction to Minor Chords, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: How to play open A, D, and E minor chords. How to switch back and forth between open A, D, and E minor chords in time with music. How to play various combinations of open major and minor chords. How to switch back and forth between various combinations of open major and minor chords in time with music. You can always return to these lessons at any time in the future as long as you a...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on an Introduction to Music Theory, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: What musical intervals are. What the C major scale is. How to practice the C major scale using various scale exercises. Proper picking technique for beginner scale exercises. What the A minor scale is. How to practice the A minor scale using various scale exercises. What the C minor scale is. How to practice the C minor scale using various scale exercises.

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Playing Full Chords, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: What a full chord is. How to play open A, D, and E major chords. How to switch back and forth between open A, D, and E major chords in time with music. How to play open C, F, and G major chords. How to switch back and forth between open C, F, and G major chords in time with music. How to switch back and forth between open G, C, and D major chords in time with music. How to play...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Playing Melodies, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: How notes are named using the A-G letters and terminology. Note letter names of all six strings. Note letter names on all six strings on the first five frets. How to play single note melodies on various strings, open strings and using the first five frets. Basic ideas on learning and practicing a piece of music. The difference between natural and accidental notes (sharps and flats).

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Introduction to Chords, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: The Mechanics of Fretting Notes. How to play simple versions of C major and G major chords. How to change back and forth between C and G major chords in time. How to play simple versions of A minor and E major chords. How to change back and forth between C major and A minor chords in time. How to change back and forth between A minor and E major chords in time. You can alwa...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Basic Knowledge, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: The main parts of an electric guitar. The main parts of an acoustic guitar. The specific parts and funtions of an electric guitar. How to tune a guitar with an electronic tuner. How to tune a guitar with the Guitar Tricks Online Tuner. The basics of reading tablature. You can always return to these lessons at any time in the future as long as you are a Guitar Tricks subscriber. T...

Having viewed the lessons in this chapter on Correct Posture and Technique, you should have a basic understanding of the following things: What a pick is and how to use it. What the right (or picking) hand does in a general sense. What the left (or fretting) hand does in a general sense. How to hold the guitar for the best posture and playing position. You can always return to these lessons at any time in the future as long as you are a Guitar Tricks subscriber. They are always here for your reference and convenience. ...

This is a brief summary of what we have covered in the last two tutorials. Having learned the basic mechanics of fretting notes, we learned how to play four simple chords (C major, G major, A minor and E major). We learned how to play them individually and then put some of them together.

In this lesson we are going to play a B major chord. The same ideas about proper fingering apply to this chord shape also. Remember that from the last knuckle of your finger to the fingertip your fingers should be arched so they are pointing straight down into the string & fretboard. Remember that your fingertip should be right behind the fret you are playing. Not on top of the fret. Remember to keep your fingers clear of strings around the one it is holding down. You don't want to mute strings that should be ringing clearly. Make sure...

When we are presented with a new piece of music for the first time it can be difficult and frustrating. The best thing to do is to break the process down into two separate steps: First, learn the notes. This means learn where all the notes are in the song. Figure out where you will have to put your fingers ahead of time. Look over the whole piece to get a bird's eye view of the whole thing. If you are a beginner, don't expect to be able to play the whole thing all the way through immediately! Most important in this first step of the process is to fig...

In music we use the first 7 letters of the English alphabet in order to name, identify and organize individual notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Then we start again at A. As the old music al joke goes, "There is no letter H in music." So we wind up with the pattern: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B ... and so on covering the entire guitar fretboard. As the notes move through the alphabet the pitch rises from lower to higher. In the next set of lessons we will learn where these notes are on the guitar. The image below is for your future referen...