[Obimoto]

HOW TO HOLD THE GUITAR AND PICK

You want to hold the guitar comfortably, and a lot of it is preference...

However, if you look like this:
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.guitarhabits.com/wp-content/uploads/guitarposture.jpg[/img]
you should be good...

To hold the pick you want to place it like this:
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/01_Basics%20and%20boxes/Pickhold1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/01_Basics%20and%20boxes/Pickhold2.jpg[/img]

Again, it is personal preference...


STRINGS ON THE GUITAR & NOTES

Strings on the guitar go as follows:
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.guitarstringreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/guitar-string-notes.jpg[/img]

Notes on the fretboard:
Spoiler (Click to View)
Unless you intend on learning how to read sheet music, you really just need to know the numbers associated with the strings (left side in the picture) for reading tabs...


TIMING

If you want to learn about timing, there are many places to look
http://www.kendavies.net/readmusic/rhythm.html is a simple one...

Just know 4/4 timing is the norm, and sounds like:
Spoiler (Click to View)


STRUMMING PATTERNS

We will be using 4/4 timing...
This can be represented as:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Numbers representing a down beat, &'s representing an upbeat...

A simple strumming pattern would be: D DU UDU
D - down
U - up

Remember, this pattern can be done by continuing to move your hand up and down, while not hitting the strings during the specified rests ("-" in the example)...
So:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
D - D U - U D U

Remember to BE FLUID with your strumming...

Practice this strumming pattern until you're comfortable and continue to learn more...

Covering songs, and copying popular covers will aid you in learning strumming patterns...

Here is a very good video that can teach you common strumming patterns:
Spoiler (Click to View)


CHORDS

When looking at fingering refer to this chart:
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://followingtherules.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/guitar-finger-numbers.gif[/img]

Em
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/122-Em-chord.gif[/img]

E
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/113-E-chord.gif[/img]

A
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/112-A-chord-normal.gif[/img]
Can also "bar" with index finger, while muting the high e string.

Am
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/121-Am-chord.gif[/img]

C
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/132-C-chord.gif[/img]

F (cheat)
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/161-F-chord-no65.gif[/img]
You can choose to mute the high e instead of "barring."

G
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/131-G-chord-std.gif[/img]

D
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://www.justinguitar.com/images/BC_images/111-D%20chord.gif[/img]

Remember, fingering isn't everything! Switch it up! The Em is often used with fingers 1&2...

Later, be sure to look into bar chords!

Here is a chart for common chord progressions:
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://endofthegame.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/major-chords.jpg[/img]

TIPS:
You want to learn your strumming patterns and basic chords...
Try practicing strumming while muting strings with other hand...
You want to be able to switch chords with ease...
Don't forget to take your time!

Also, if you keep messing up the same way, TAKE A BREAK...
Muscle memory is a bitch, and you will learn how to do it wrong...

After, things to look into:
1. Reading guitar tabs
2. Bar chords
3. Drop D (DADGBE) songs and open G (DGDGBD)(often used for a slide guitar) songs

Oh yeah, and capos are great...

IF I AM FORGETTING ANYTHING OR YOU THINK INFORMATION SHOULD BE ADDED, FEEL FREE TO COMMENT!!!

[adampelletgun]

Seems like this method is patched :/

[Obimoto]

Seems like this method is patched :/

Son of a bitch...

It worked just a minute ago!

[EmailDatabase2015]

This is wonderful tutorial for newbies who are trying their hands on guitar

[tinkiman]

I just bought a guitar...let's rock and roll ;)

[s1nner]

nice tutorial i'm sure it will come in handy for many people. I use to be able to play I gave it up though .

[xandyahx]

If I didn't stop playing guitar, I would probably be using this method but life goes on.

[Petal]

nin tut man, just ordered a guitar a few days ago so this thread will come in handy

[Obimoto]

This is wonderful tutorial for newbies who are trying their hands on guitar

I just bought a guitar...let's rock and roll ;)

nice tutorial i'm sure it will come in handy for many people. I use to be able to play I gave it up though .

nin tut man, just ordered a guitar a few days ago so this thread will come in handy

Thanks for the good comments! Good luck with the guitar! XD

If I didn't stop playing guitar, I would probably be using this method but life goes on.

Never too late to pick it back up!

[Threat‎]

Ew jazz picks gtfo, lol jk nice tutorial OP.

[Obimoto]

Ew jazz picks gtfo, lol jk nice tutorial OP.

Lol not my hands! I don't enjoy jazz picks either...

My prefered pick:
Spoiler (Click to View)[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51drIJf3m8L.jpg[/img]