Beginner training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1 – Getting to Know the Guitar
• Focus: Introduction & Foundations
• Parts of the guitar (headstock, tuners, nut, frets, fretboard, body, bridge, etc.)
• String names (E–A–D–G–B–E, low to high)
• Proper posture & how to hold the guitar (sitting and standing)
• How to hold a pick
• How to tune using a tuner (and by ear, basic)
• Practice: Memorize string names, practice tuning, hold the guitar comfortably for 10 minutes a day.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2 – Musical Alphabet & Picking Technique
Quick Recap (5 min)
• Review string names (E–A–D–G–B–E), tuning, and holding the guitar.
New Concepts (20 min)
• Musical Alphabet: A through G, no H, repeats after G.
• Learn natural notes (no sharps/flats yet) on each string up to the 3rd fret:
• Low E string: E (open), F (1st fret), G (3rd fret)
• A string: A (open), B (2nd fret), C (3rd fret)
• D string: D (open), E (2nd fret), F (3rd fret)
• G string: G (open), A (2nd fret), B (4th fret)
• B string: B (open), C (1st fret), D (3rd fret)
• High E string: E (open), F (1st fret), G (3rd fret)
• Proper picking technique: how to hold the pick, motion from the wrist.
• Downstrokes vs. upstrokes, intro to alternate picking.
Exercises (20 min)
• Play each natural note on every string while saying the note name out loud.
• Open-string picking exercises (all downstrokes, all upstrokes, alternate picking).
• Finger-strength drill (1–2–3–4 chromatic exercise) on each string.
Homework
• Memorize the natural notes on all six strings (up to the 3rd/4th fret as shown above).
• Practice 5 min all downstrokes, 5 min all upstrokes, 10 min alternate picking.
• Finger-strength exercise (1–2–3–4) across each string daily.
Lesson 3 – First Chords & Strumming
(mostly unchanged, since this one flows perfectly after the new Lesson 2)
Review (5–10 min)
• Check note knowledge: open strings + natural notes on E and A.
• Check picking technique and finger exercises.
New Chords (20 min)
• Introduce G major, E minor, and D major.
• Show chord diagrams, correct finger placement, and common mistakes.
Strumming (15–20 min)
• Basic downstroke strumming on each chord.
• Practice switching between G → Em and G → D.
• Add simple rhythm patterns (down, down-up, etc.).
Homework
• Review notes on E and A strings.
• Practice chord changes: G ↔ Em, Em ↔ D.
• Strum each chord for four beats, then switch.
• Keep rhythm steady—don’t stop between changes.
