How to Play Your First Song on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Easy Guide
Learning to play your first song on the guitar is a huge milestone. It means you’re officially making music! Whether you’ve just picked up a guitar or have been practicing some basic chords, this guide will take you through the entire process, step by step, with zero fluff.
Step 1: Get Your Guitar in Tune
Before playing anything, your guitar needs to be in tune. An out-of-tune guitar will make even the best songs sound terrible.
How to Tune Your Guitar:
- Use a clip-on tuner or a guitar tuning app (like GuitarTuna or Fender Tune).
- The standard tuning for a six-string guitar is E A D G B E (from lowest to highest string).
- Play each string and adjust the tuning pegs until they match the correct pitch.
- If you don’t have a tuner, you can tune by ear using another instrument or an online reference.
Step 2: Learn Basic Chords
Most beginner songs use simple chords that you can play with just a few fingers.
Here are three of the easiest and most commonly used chords:
C Major Chord
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the A string down (don’t play the low E string).
G Major Chord
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string (6th string).
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string (1st string).
- Strum all six strings.
D Major Chord
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum only the bottom four strings (don’t play the low E or A strings).
Step 3: Practice Switching Between Chords
Before you jump into a full song, practice switching between these chords smoothly. Play each chord for four counts, then switch to the next one.
Try this pattern: C → G → D → G
- Play C major for 4 beats
- Switch to G major for 4 beats
- Switch to D major for 4 beats
- Back to G major for 4 beats
Repeat this until you can switch without stopping.
Step 4: Learn a Simple Strumming Pattern
A basic down-down-up-up-down strumming pattern is a great place to start. Try this:
- Strum down on beat 1
- Strum down on beat 2
- Strum up on beat 3
- Strum up on beat 4
- Strum down on beat 4 and a half
Count it out loud: 1 – 2 – & – & – 3 – 4 – &
Play this pattern over the C → G → D → G chord progression.
Step 5: Play a Simple Song
A great first song is “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan. It uses the G – D – C chord progression, which you now know!
Chord Progression for “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”
G → D → C → C (repeat)
Try playing along while singing or listening to the original song.
Step 6: Stay Consistent and Have Fun
- Slow it down. It’s okay if you don’t get it right away. Play at your own pace.
- Keep practicing. Repetition will make your chord transitions smoother.
- Try other songs. Many beginner-friendly songs use the same three or four chords.
Other Easy Songs to Try:
- “Horse With No Name” – America (just two chords: Em and D6)
- “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
- “Love Me Do” – The Beatles (G, C, D)
Now go grab your guitar and start playing—your first song is waiting for you.
Interested in taking your guitar skills to the next level? Click the below and book a free lesson with us! We’re committed to helping you express yourself freely on the guitar without endless scales and theory. Happy playing!
Author: Daniel Powers Jr, the founder of Real Brave™, serves as the chief inspiration to thousands of students in the Real Brave music instruction program. He’s also the visionary behind PracticePad™, an online platform for live one-on-one online music lessons, lesson tracking, and scheduling. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Daniel leads a non-profit organization that provides formerly homeless children with access to music education, making a profound impact on their lives. His unwavering dedication to music, innovation, and education continues to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential while creating positive change in communities. Follow Real Brave on all the socials:
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