New to guitar? Start here
Learn Your First Chords. Play Your First Song.
A step-by-step path for new and left-handed players: clear chord charts, the best free lessons, and practice routines that tell you what to learn next.
Left-handed chartsRight-handed charts
Open position, shown for left-handedright-handed players. Use the switch on this page to change it.
Your learning path
Four Levels From First Chord to Barre Chords
Finish one level, then move on. Each level links to the chords, lessons and practice songs you need, so you never have to wonder what to learn next.
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
- Level 4
Start here
Level 1: Open Chords and Strumming
Learn how to read a chord diagram, then your first major and minor chords and a steady down-up strum.
Next
Level 2: Chord Changes and First Songs
Move between chords without stopping, add D minor, and play along with your first practice songs.
Later
Level 3: Barre Chords and Inversions
Unlock every key with barre shapes, then smooth out your changes with slash chords.
Later
Level 4: 7th Chords and Beyond
Add color to your playing with dominant 7th chords and the sounds they give your songs.
From the Blog
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Last Kiss Guitar Lesson
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Should I Start Learning Acoustic Guitar First?
Start with the guitar that is used in the music you want to play. That’s the answer I give beginners…
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Practice Exercises to Improve Your Play
Like many of you, I’m still working to improve my play. While I’ve spent a lot of time trying to…
