Guitars
how to learn guitar quickly: tips and tricks for beginners
By Marty McFly
Published: 17 Mar 2025
So You Wanna Learn Guitar? Awesome!
Let's be honest, picking up a guitar feels like stepping into a rock and roll fantasy. You're picturing yourself shredding solos, maybe even headlining a stadium show. But before you're the next guitar god, you've got to learn some chords, right? That's where I come in. My friend, I've been there. I remember my clumsy fingers, the frustration... the near-constant threat of giving up. So trust me when I say, it's totally doable. This ain't some mythical quest. This is about having fun, learning something cool, and maybe even impressing your friends. Ready to rock?
beginner learning guitar | Image: Supplied
The Gear: Don't Break the Bank (Yet!)
You don't need a top-of-the-line axe to start. Seriously. A decent beginner's acoustic guitar will do just fine. Think under $200. There are some really good options out there from brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Epiphone. Don't get caught up in the hype of expensive gear before you even know if you'll stick with it. You'll also need a tuner (a clip-on tuner is super easy to use), and a pick. That's it! Seriously, you can find all this stuff at most music stores. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, check out your local pawn shop. You never know what treasures you'll find.
affordable beginner guitar | Image: Supplied
Chords: Your First Battle (and Victory!)
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: chords. This might seem scary, but it's not. Start with the easy ones – G, C, and D. There are tons of resources online that show you exactly where to put your fingers. YouTube is your friend here. Seriously, search 'how to play G major chord guitar' and you'll find a million videos. Practice each chord until your fingers don't feel like they're going to fall off. Once you've got those three down, try playing them one after the other. You'll have your first little song. I know its simplistic, but it's a victory!!
basic guitar chords | Image: Supplied
Practice Makes Perfect (But Not Always...)
Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. 'Practice makes perfect'. It's true, but don't beat yourself up if you don't sound like Jimi Hendrix after a week. Consistency is key. Aim for 15-30 minutes of practice most days. Even if it's just messing around with those three chords. Make it fun! Find songs you love with simple chord progressions. Learn to play them. Don't forget to take breaks. If you're frustrated, step away for a bit. Then, come back to it. It's important to have fun; otherwise, you will quit.
person practicing guitar | Image: Supplied
Beyond the Basics: Tabs, Songs, and More
Once you're comfortable with a few basic chords, it's time to explore! Guitar tabs (tablatures) are awesome for learning songs. There are sites and apps that have a ton of tabs for every genre imaginable. You'll find more complex chords, strumming patterns, and other techniques. Don't be afraid to experiment! Try different strumming patterns, fingerpicking, and other things. This is where you find your own style. Even if you play terribly, you will get better.
guitar tabs on a screen | Image: Supplied
Finding Your Tribe: Lessons, Jams, and Community
Learning with others can make all the difference. Consider taking guitar lessons from a teacher. It’s a fantastic way to get personalized feedback and learn proper technique. It's also a great way to meet other musicians! Even if lessons aren't your thing, joining a jam session is a cool experience. You will make new friends and share a common interest.
band playing music | Image: Supplied
The Long and Winding Road (It's Worth It!)
Learning guitar takes time and effort. There will be moments of frustration, maybe even the urge to throw your guitar across the room (don't do that!). But stick with it. The feeling of playing your first song, or even just knowing a few chords, is incredible. Remember that progress isn't always linear. There will be days when you feel like you're not getting anywhere. But those days pass. Keep playing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun. You got this!!
person playing guitar with joy | Image: Supplied
