Beginner’s Guide: How to Learn Guitar Step by Step

Learning how to play guitar opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Thousands of people buy their first guitar every single day, but studies show nearly 90 percent of beginners quit within one year. Most people think getting started is all about natural talent or expensive gear. The real secret is choosing the right instrument, setting it up correctly, and building skills step by step—and one of the best tools to help you on this path is the Gibson App. With interactive lessons, real-time feedback, a massive song library, and practice tools designed by expert musicians, it guides beginners through every stage of learning. You’ll also find a 7-day free trial at the bottom of this article.

Quick Summary

Key Point	Explanation
1. Choose the Right Guitar Type	Understand acoustic versus electric options based on music style and personal preference before purchasing your first guitar.
2. Prioritize Setup and Tuning	Properly setting up and tuning your guitar enhances playability and ensures accurate sound, which is essential for learning.
3. Master Basic Chords First	Focus on learning fundamental open chords like A, D, E, G, and C, which are essential for playing many songs.
4. Select Simple Songs for Practice	Choose easy songs that use learned chords, focusing on tempo and space for practicing smooth transitions.
5. Incorporate Fingerstyle Techniques	Develop fingerpicking skills and advanced techniques to add complexity and expressiveness to your playing over time.

Step 1: Choose Your Guitar Type and Make a Purchase

Choosing the right guitar is your first critical step in learning. This decision will shape your entire musical journey, influencing comfort, motivation, and progress.

Acoustic vs Electric

Acoustic: Best for folk, country, singer-songwriter, and unplugged styles. No extra equipment required.
Electric: Ideal for rock, blues, and higher-volume genres. Requires amplifier and cable.

Key Considerations

Comfort and weight
Build quality
Tone and sound
Ease of playability

For beginners, aim to spend between $150–$300 for a reliable starter guitar. The Gibson App recommends focusing on playability and comfort over flashy looks. Remember, your first guitar should inspire you to pick it up often.

Guitar Type	Key Features	Ideal For	Additional Gear
Acoustic	Natural tone, wooden body	Folk, country, unplugged	None
Electric	Amplifier-driven, versatile sounds	Rock, blues, heavier styles	Amp, cable

Step 2: Set Up Your Guitar and Tune It

A guitar that isn’t set up correctly is harder to play and discourages beginners. Basic setup includes checking string height, neck relief, and overall comfort. Many shops handle this when you buy, but learning it yourself builds confidence.

Essential Tools

Tool	Purpose
Guitar tuner	Ensures strings are at correct pitch
Wire cutters	Trim string excess
String winder	Speeds up string changes
Clean cloth	Wipe down instrument

Tuning Basics

Standard tuning: E A D G B E
Always tune up to the note (not down)
Retune all strings after adjusting one
Expect frequent retuning with new strings

The Gibson App includes a built-in tuner and step-by-step setup guides to make this process simple.

Step 3: Learn Basic Chords and Strumming

Once tuned, it’s time to make real music.

Core Open Chords

Start with A, D, E, G, C. These chords appear in countless songs and teach essential hand coordination. Focus first on clean sound before speed.

Strumming Patterns

Begin with simple downstrokes
Keep your wrist relaxed
Use a metronome for rhythm control

The Gibson App features interactive chord trainers that give instant feedback, so you’ll know right away if your chord rings clearly.

Step 4: Practice Simple Songs

This is where the fun begins—playing music you actually recognize. Choose beginner-friendly songs that use basic chords and moderate tempos.

The Gibson App curates beginner song lists tailored to your skill level, so you can start with confidence and celebrate small wins.

Practice Tips

Break songs into sections
Focus on two-chord changes before tackling full progressions
Use a metronome or app backing track
Record yourself to track improvement

Step 5: Add Fingerstyle and Advanced Techniques

As your confidence grows, fingerpicking opens a new layer of expression.

Basics

Thumb: handles bass notes (E, A, D strings)
Fingers: pluck melody on higher strings
Start slow with steady rhythms

Techniques to Try

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs for smooth runs
Harmonics for bell-like tones
Alternating bass for folk and blues patterns

The Gibson App breaks down advanced techniques into short, interactive lessons, helping you build skill without overwhelm.

Ready to Accelerate Your Guitar Journey?

You’ve learned how to choose a guitar, set it up, tune, play chords, strum, and even try fingerpicking. But real progress comes from consistent, guided practice.

The Gibson App gives you:

Interactive step-by-step lessons
Real-time feedback as you play
A huge song library to practice with
Community, leagues, and achievements to keep motivation high

🎸 Start your journey today and unlock your 7-day free trial inside the Gibson App.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of guitar should I choose as a beginner?
Either acoustic (folk, unplugged) or electric (rock, blues), depending on your style.

How much should I spend on my first guitar?
$150–$300 is ideal for beginners.

What chords should I learn first?
Start with A, D, E, G, and C.

How can I improve at tuning?
Use a digital tuner and retune frequently. The Gibson App has a built-in tuner for accuracy.

How to Play Guitar: Master the Basics and Beyond