At Furtados School of Music (FSM), we’ve guided thousands of aspiring musicians through their first chords and strums. This blog is your complete roadmap to learning the guitar, created especially for beginners like you.
Picking up the guitar for the first time is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? What do you learn first? What if you’re doing it wrong?
Relax—you’re not alone. Every great guitarist started exactly where you are right now: curious, motivated, and unsure. The good news is, with the right steps and some dedication, you can begin your musical journey with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Understand Your Why
Before you even strum your first note, ask yourself: Why do I want to learn the guitar? Whether it’s to play your favorite songs, perform on stage, or simply unwind after a long day—knowing your “why” keeps you motivated when things get challenging.
Step 2: Choose the Right Guitar
For beginners, choosing between acoustic and electric guitars depends on your musical preference. Acoustic guitars are great for portability and unplugged playing, while electrics offer a wider range of sound options. Ensure your guitar feels comfortable to hold and suits your hand size and body type.
Step 3: Learn the Guitar Basics
Understanding the parts of a guitar—body, neck, fretboard, strings, and tuning pegs—helps you navigate your learning more confidently. A quick overview of string names and fret numbers is a great place to begin.
Step 4: Master the Correct Posture
Proper posture isn’t just about looking cool—it prevents injuries and improves your playing. Sit upright with the guitar resting on your thigh. Keep your strumming arm relaxed and your fretting hand curved around the neck.
Step 5: Learn How to Tune Your Guitar
Nothing will hold you back more than a poorly tuned guitar. Learning how to play guitar means also learning how to keep it in tune. Use a clip-on tuner or tuning app to make sure your strings are set to standard tuning (E A D G B E).
Step 6: Understand Open Strings and Frets
Before diving into chords, get comfortable playing each string individually. Practice pressing down on frets and plucking each string cleanly—this builds finger strength and control.
Step 7: Start with Basic Chords
Chords are the foundation of almost every song. Begin with easy shapes like C major, G major, D major, A minor, and E minor. Focus on one chord at a time and switch between them slowly.
Many FSM beginners learn their first three chords within the first week of guided practice.
Step 8: Learn Proper Strumming Technique
Strumming gives rhythm and life to your chords. Start with simple downstrokes and gradually add upstrokes to create patterns. Use a metronome to stay in time and build consistency.
Step 9: Practice One Song
Pick an easy, two- or three-chord song you love. Playing a real song early in your journey boosts confidence and makes practice more enjoyable.
Step 10: Create a Practice Schedule
Set aside 15–30 minutes a day. Consistency matters more than long sessions. Even short, focused practice helps you retain what you learn and improve steadily.
Step 11: Learn to Read Chord Diagrams and Tabs
Chord charts and tablature (tabs) are the language of guitar players. Tabs show you where to place your fingers on the fretboard, making it easy to learn riffs and melodies without knowing formal notation.
Step 12: Train Your Ears
A good guitarist doesn’t just play well—they listen well. Start noticing how chords sound, try to match notes by ear, and experiment with playing melodies you hear. Guitar for beginners isn’t just about technique—it’s also about developing musical intuition.
Step 13: Review and Refine
Go back and revisit earlier steps regularly. As your hands get stronger and your ears sharper, you’ll notice things you missed or struggled with earlier suddenly feel easy.
Step 14: Play With Others or Record Yourself
Whether you’re jamming with friends or uploading a clip online, sharing your music builds confidence and helps you grow. It also gives your practice a purpose beyond playing in your room.
Bonus: Track Your Progress
Celebrate your wins! Document what you’ve learned, the songs you’ve mastered, and new chords you’ve added. Progress feels real when you can see how far you’ve come.
Learn with the Best at FSM
Starting your guitar journey is exciting—but it’s even better when you have expert guidance. At Furtados School of Music, our guitar learning steps are taught by some of the most experienced and passionate instructors in India. Whether you’re learning online or in a classroom, FSM offers:
- Structured beginner-to-advanced guitar courses
- Personalized feedback in every session
- Practice resources, assignments, and song libraries
- A nurturing space to grow at your own pace
With thousands of happy students and decades of musical excellence, FSM is the perfect place to start playing guitar today.
Final Note
Remember, every great guitarist started with the basics. With the right mindset, clear goals, and a little help from the experts, you’ll be strumming your first song in no time. So pick up your guitar, follow this roadmap, and let your musical journey begin.