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How to Play Guitar: The Complete Beginner Path

Everything on this site is free, and this page is the map. Follow the stages in order - each one links to the lessons, charts, and tools that teach it. With 15 minutes a day, most beginners are strumming real songs within two to four weeks.

Stage 1: Set up (day 1)

• Get to know your guitar - parts, posture, how to hold it.
• Tune your guitar - nothing sounds right until this is done. Use the free online tuner.
• Guitar notes chart - bookmark this reference.

Stage 2: First chords (week 1-2)

• How to read chord diagrams
• Your first chords - start with Em and E.
• The full 12-chord chart - work through the practice order at your own pace.
• Smooth chord changes - the skill that makes it music.

Stage 3: Rhythm (week 2-3)

• Your first strumming
• 5 strumming patterns that fit most songs

Stage 4: Play songs (week 3-4)

• Your first song
• 13 easy public-domain songs with tabs
• How to read guitar tabs
• Play along with the interactive fretboard - it shows every note as it plays.

Stage 5: Level up (month 2+)

• Guitar scales - pentatonic and major, with neck diagrams.
• Fretboard trainer - learn the whole neck five minutes a day.
• Barre chords - F and Bm unlock everything else.
• Theory: extended chords and keys - 7ths, 9ths, and how keys work.
• Build a practice routine that sticks

How long does it take?

Honest answer: basic strumming songs in 2-4 weeks of daily 15-minute practice. Comfortable chord changes in 1-2 months. Barre chords in 2-3 months. Sore fingertips are normal for the first two weeks and then stop. The only real shortcut is practicing most days instead of cramming once a week.