How to Start Learning Guitar: A Beginner's Guide

Choosing Your First Guitar

The most important thing for a beginner is finding a guitar that's comfortable and doesn't put you off before you've really started. For most beginners, a decent starter acoustic in the £80–£150 range is the perfect first guitar.

Acoustic Guitar — the most popular starting point. No amp needed, portable, and great for strumming chords.

Electric Guitar — can be easier to press the strings, suited to rock, blues, and pop styles.

What to Expect in Your First Lessons

Don't worry if your fingers hurt at first — calluses form within a few weeks. In early lessons you'll typically cover holding and positioning the guitar, your first open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am), basic strumming patterns, and how to tune your guitar.

How to Practise Effectively

Short, regular practice sessions beat occasional long ones. Even 15 minutes a day will produce visible progress within weeks. Warm up with scales, work on something new, then play through something you enjoy.

Ready to Get Started?

Joshua offers beginner-friendly one-to-one lessons for all ages. Book a trial lesson and discover how enjoyable learning guitar can be.