Undoubtedly, the best way to learn guitar is through online guitar lessons.
In today’s modern digital world, having a lesson program that allows for freedom of schedule and of price is key in learning how to play guitar.
The best way to learn guitar is by going at your own pace with your personal learning style.
Guitar lessons online are the best way to achieve this.
There are some general techniques all great guitar learning programs should cover.
Let's go over the best way to learn guitar.
How To Hold A Guitar
Let's jump in with the basics.
Hand positioning and posture may vary depending on your preferred genre, but comfort is essential in all cases.
When you first learn how to play guitar, it might take some time to get comfortable.
Other things to consider are the size of the body-shape of the guitar; a jumbo size might not be the best guitar for a smaller person to learn on.
Your fretting hand and fingers should have clear access to the fretboard, with no interference from your body, clothing or from the guitar itself.
It's wise to explore hand positions to find what feels most comfortable and effective.
Your strumming hand also needs naturally comfortable access to the strings.
You should have wide range of motion when strumming, i.e. strumming all the strings fully up and down shouldn't cause any strain in your wrist.
Also pay attention to your upper arm as it rests on the body of the guitar, is there pinching happening?
If you notice the guitar pressing into your arm in a painful way, that's a sign your guitar might not be the right fit.
Check out the Guitar Fundamentals Course if you'd like to go deeper on these foundational skills.
Getting these fundamental and seemingly simple concepts down in the beginning will help you improve quickly.
Start Slow with Guitar Chords
Beginners often start with basic guitar chords like G-C-D or A-D-E, forming the foundation for thousands of songs.
Practice these chord progressions slowly by plucking each string individually to ensure the notes ring out clearly.
As you gain confidence, incorporate more complex chord progressions like G-D-Em-C.
These are all open chords, so they are the best place to start learning.
Thought it might seem counter-intuitive, starting slow will enable you to go fast later on.
Learning the guitar can be a frustrating experience at times, especially in the early stages.
Even those with natural talent must invest time and effort to get better.
The biggest hurdle for any beginner guitarist is building calluses on your fingertips.
This will slowly happen as you press down on the guitar strings.
This is also the #1 reason why beginner guitarists quit.
If you persevere through this period, you will be ahead of the rest.
There are no shortcuts or secret tips to bypass this phase, just keep playing!
But make sure to take breaks, or even a day off to let your fingers heal.
Picking and Strumming Techniques
Strumming specific rhythms will take your playing to the next level.
For example, the "bum ditty" or bass picking technique involves alternating between low and treble strings, creating a country or pop vibe.
Experiment with all-downstrokes when playing chords like G-C-D and gradually introduce down-up alternating strokes.
Start with simple rhythms like only quarter notes (1 2 3 4).
As you improve, incorporate more complex rhythms like 1/8th or 1/16th notes.
There are some great free guitar lessons all about strumming.
Strumming should become a part of your muscle memory.
Eventually, you'll be able to focus solely on your fretting hand.
Learn Songs You Love
The best way to learn guitar is by starting with songs that resonate with you.
Seek out tabs, chords, videos, and lessons for your favorite songs and try playing them.
There are plenty of "made easy" versions of super popular songs.
The great thing is, there are hundreds of 3 chord songs that can be played once you know only a few chords.
Start a journal or a spreadsheet keeping track of the songs you know.
Pretty soon, you'll have a big list of songs you can play!
Pro Tip: The more familiar you become with a song, the easier it will be to learn.
After you start learning songs, you'll start recognizing common chord progressions and patterns across other songs you listen to.
Advancing Your Techniques
Once you have some fun songs down, and you can play a few songs all the way through, it will be time to dig deeper into guitar scales and other theory.
Yes, this might be a bit more tedious, but the best way to learn guitar is to keep your lessons holistic.
Open chords will only get you so far.
Once you get into scale and chord theory, you’ll be able to make more complex chords, play new kinds of chord progressions, and even take a rocking guitar solo!
The first guitar scale to start with will be the Major Pentatonic, Minor Pentatonic, and Blues Scales.
These are classic scales you will hear being utilized across all styles of music.
Check out some Classic Rock tunes; some of the most famous guitar riffs ever are built with the Pentatonic Scale.
The Blues Scale is great because it's simply the Pentatonic Scale with an added note between the 4th and 5th scale degree. 
Additionally, digging into different types of chords is the best way to grow your understanding of how to play guitar.
Try more advanced chords like 7th chords, augmented chords and diminished chords.
Even chord extensions like add9 chords will take your sound from beginner to advanced.
Learn From The Greats
Music is often all about imitation, especially when it comes to learning guitar.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to get better is by watching and mimicking what other great guitarists do.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—just pay close attention to the masters and see how they approach their craft.
For example, dive into video lessons of legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
This give you the unique opportunity to watch their hands.
Notice how they move across the fretboard, where they place their fingers, and how they handle those intricate solos with ease.
There's so much to learn from just observing their technique, from the way they pick or strum to how they bend notes to create emotion.
You might pick up on little details that could completely transform the way you play.
If you can, try to catch your favorite guitarists live.
Seeing someone perform up close gives you a totally different perspective—you get to see how they interact with their instrument in real-time.
Sometimes, you’ll catch them doing something on the fly that’s not in any video.
The beauty of this approach is that often, a single lick or riff can carry years of experience and guitar practice behind it.
What seems simple when played by a master could unlock a whole new level of understanding for you.
So, keep your eyes and ears open, absorb what you can, and then bring that into your own playing.
After all, even the best guitarists started by copying someone else!
Practice, Practice, Practice
The most crucial principle in learning guitar is consistent and dedicated practice.
Make playing the guitar a regular hobby, dedicating your downtime to both playing and reading about the instrument.
If you were to ask a successful guitarist how they honed their skills, they would undoubtedly credit their progress to unwavering practice and dedication.
We've outlined here a straightforward 30-45 minute practice routine that you can do regularly to see results.
Keep in mind, it's all about getting the guitar in your hands regularly.
If you can't commit to 45 minutes per day, even a quick 10-minute session will keep your mind and hands fresh.
1. Warm-up (5-10 minutes)
- Finger Stretching: Gently stretch your fingers, hands, and wrists to prevent strain.
- Basic Finger Exercises: Practice simple finger exercises to build dexterity. For example: 1-2-3-4 Exercise - Place your fingers on frets 1, 2, 3, and 4 of each string, moving up and down the neck. This is also known as the Spider Legs Exercise.
2. Chord Practice (10 minutes)
- Start with Basic Open Chords: Practice switching between open chords (G, C, D, E, A, etc.).
- Chord Transitions: Focus on clean transitions between chords, using an online metronome to maintain a steady rhythm.
- Chord Progressions: Play simple progressions like G-C-D or E-A-D to get comfortable switching chords in a musical context.
3. Strumming Practice (5-10 minutes)
- Strumming Patterns: Practice easy strumming patterns (downstrokes and upstrokes). Start slow and gradually speed up.
- Apply to a Song: Pick a simple song (like "Honkey Tonk Woman" or "Let It Be") to apply your strumming patterns and chords.
4. Scales & Finger Coordination (5-10 minutes)
- Pentatonic Scale: Practice the basic pentatonic scale (such as A minor pentatonic) to develop finger coordination and get familiar with the fretboard.
- Scale Patterns: Focus on accuracy and even picking with each note. Use a scale finder to help you understand what you are playing.
5. Play a Song (5-10 minutes)
- Choose an Easy Guitar Song: Pick a beginner-friendly song that you enjoy.
- Focus on Rhythm: Play along with a recording if possible, paying attention to the timing and rhythm.
6. Cool Down & Review (5 minutes)
- Reflection: Quickly review what you worked on—what felt good and what needs improvement. Maybe even keep a guitar journal so you can keep track of your progress.
- Simple Jam or Riff: End your session by playing something fun, like a riff or chord progression you enjoy, to leave on a positive note.
Some extra tips to make the most out of your practice time:
- Use a Metronome: Start slow and gradually increase the speed to build consistency.
- Focus on Quality: Spend more time on areas where you're struggling instead of rushing through the routine.
- Consistency: Practice a little every day rather than doing one long session. Consistency is key!
Mastering the guitar is a rewarding journey that requires commitment, patience, and a willingness to learn and grow continually.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient guitarist.
Remember, the best way to learn guitar is through a combination of structured learning, regular practice, and a deep passion for music.
So, pick up that guitar, embrace the challenges, and embark on your musical adventure!
FAQ
Can I teach myself to play guitar? Yes, it is possible to teach yourself to play guitar, but the best way to learn guitar often involves a combination of self-study and formal lessons. Online guitar lessons and resources can help beginners get started.
What should a beginner guitarist learn first? For a beginner guitar player, it's essential to start by learning basic chords and proper hand positioning, as these form the foundation of guitar playing. Familiarizing yourself with chords like G-C-D, which are common in many songs, is one of the best ways to learn guitar effectively.
Is 30 minutes a day enough to learn guitar? Spending 30 minutes a day practicing the guitar can be a good starting point for beginners. However, progress varies from person to person, and the best way to learn guitar is to gradually increase practice time as you become more comfortable with the instrument.
Is there a fast way to learn guitar? While there's no "fast" way to learn guitar that guarantees instant mastery, consistent practice and effective learning strategies are the best way to learn guitar efficiently. Set realistic goals, break down complex techniques, and focus on building a strong foundation. Using online programs like Guitar Tricks is a great way to set and maintain goals.
How long does it realistically take to learn guitar? Realistically, the time it takes to learn guitar varies depending on individual goals and dedication. Learning the basics and playing simple songs can take a few months, but becoming a proficient guitarist may take several years.
How long does it take to fully learn guitar? Learning to fully master the guitar is a continuous journey, and there's always room for improvement. While you can become a competent guitarist within a couple of years with consistent practice, the best way to learn guitar involves ongoing learning and refining your skills.
Which guitar is best for beginners? The best guitar for beginners is typically an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are versatile and offer a solid foundation for learning chords and basic techniques.
Is it easier to learn Electric or acoustic guitar? Both electric and acoustic guitars have their unique characteristics, but some beginners find it easier to start with an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars don't require amplification and tend to build finger strength faster.
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