Your first guitar lesson
Start with tuning, relaxed hands, two easy chords, and one tiny piece of music.
Quick answer
Your first guitar lesson should not be a theory dump. Tune the guitar, learn what a fret is, place two fingers for Em, try G slowly, then play one tiny loop.
- Tune before touching chords
- Learn two shapes first
- End with music, not drills
Do the smallest useful lesson
A beginner needs a win before a lecture. The first session should make the guitar sound right and give the fingers one clear target.
Tune
Make the open strings sound right before judging your fingers.
Find frets
A fret is the metal line area where your finger changes the pitch.
Play Em
A forgiving two-finger chord that uses all six strings.
Try G
A full open chord that starts many beginner songs.
First lesson plan
1. Tune all six strings
Use standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, e, from thickest to thinnest.
2. Press close to the fret
Place your fingertip just behind the metal fret line so the note rings without buzzing.
3. Build Em slowly
Use two fingers, strum all six strings, and listen for muted strings.
4. Switch to G slowly
Move one finger at a time. Speed does not matter yet.
5. Play one tiny loop
Strum Em, then G, one slow downstroke each, and stop before your hand gets tense.
Use the app when you want guided practice
The free course turns this first lesson into a 7 day path with progress, songs, tabs, and practice tools.
Useful next pages
Common questions
What should I learn in my first guitar lesson?
Tune the guitar, learn what frets and strings are, play one or two easy chords, and finish with a small musical loop.
Should my first guitar lesson include music theory?
Only tiny pieces. The first lesson should help your hands make sound before naming every concept.