Beginner Guitar Course

Module 1: Guitar Basics

• Parts of the Guitar – Know your instrument.

• How to Hold a Guitar – Proper posture for comfort & playability.

• Tuning Your Guitar – Use a tuner or app (standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E).

• Picking vs. Fingerstyle – Try both and see what feels natural.

Module 2: First Chords & Switching

• Easy Chords – Start with Em, C, G, D (minimal finger strain).

• Chord Switching Drills – Smooth transitions between chords.

• Strumming Basics – Downstrokes only → add upstrokes.

Module 3: Strumming Patterns & Rhythm

• 4/4 Time Practice – Master basic strumming: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down.

• Muting & Dynamics – Control unwanted string noise.

• Play Along with a Metronome – Develop timing.

Module 4: Your First Songs

• 3-Chord Songs – "Horse with No Name" (Em-D), "Bad Moon Rising" (D-A-G).

• 4-Chord Progressions – "Stand By Me" (C-Am-F-G), "Let It Be" (C-G-Am-F).

Module 5: Intro to Melodies & Riffs

• Single-Note Exercises – Play simple tunes ("Happy Birthday," "Smoke on the Water" riff).

• Basic Fingerpicking – Travis picking pattern (thumb + fingers).

Module 6: Troubleshooting & Next Steps

• Fixing Buzzing Chords – Adjust finger placement.

• Building Finger Strength – Daily 5-minute exercises.

• What to Learn Next – Barre chords, scales, or blues basics.