Welcome! This quick roadmap will take you from zero to playing real songs. You’ll learn your first chords, lock in a simple strumming pattern, and then play along with easy tabs.
Step 1: Learn Your First 3 Chords (G, C, D)
These chords appear in thousands of songs. Learn the shapes and how to make them ring cleanly.
- 👉 Go to Beginner Guitar Chords: G, C, and D
- Tips: curve fingertips; press just enough to get a clear note; avoid touching adjacent strings.
Mini Practice (3 minutes)
- Strum G for four beats, then C for four beats (repeat x4).
- Strum C for four beats, then D for four beats (repeat x4).
- Strum G → D (repeat x4). Don’t stop your strumming hand while switching.
Step 2: Your First Strumming Patterns
Rhythm makes your chords sound like actual music. Start with 4/4 (the most common time), then try a simple 3/4 waltz.
- 👉 How to Strum a Guitar (Beginner’s Guide)
- 👉 4/4 Strumming Patterns Guide (start here)
- Optional: 3/4 Guitar Strumming (waltz feel)
Mini Practice (3 minutes)
- All Downstrokes (4/4):
D D D D - Down Down-Up Up Down-Up:
D D U U D U - Keep your hand moving like a pendulum; accent beats 2 and 4 lightly.
Step 3: Put It Together with a Song
Combine G–C–D with a simple 4/4 pattern. Start slow, then speed up with a metronome (60 → 72 → 84 bpm).
- 👉 Try a tune from our Easy Guitar Tabs
- Stuck switching chords? Use the Practical Guide to Practicing Chord Changes
5-Minute Daily Routine
- 1 min: Downstrokes on one chord (G) — focus on even timing.
- 2 min: G ⇄ C switches (four beats each) with downstrokes.
- 1 min: Add the pattern
D D U U D Uon G only. - 1 min: Apply that pattern to G ⇄ C ⇄ D.
Bonus: Strum Like Your Heroes
Ready for style and feel? Borrow accents and groove from real players.
What You’ll Need
- A tuned guitar (use any free tuner app)
- Medium pick (0.6–0.8mm) or your fingers
- Metronome app (or YouTube metronome)
You’ve got this. Follow Steps 1–3 this week and you’ll be strumming real songs faster than you think.
