Starting From Zero

Everyone starts somewhere. If you've never picked up a guitar before, this guide is written specifically for you. We'll cover exactly how to sit, how to hold the guitar, and how to press your first chord — step by step, with no assumed knowledge.

The first few minutes with a guitar set habits that can last years. Let's make sure yours are good ones.

Sitting Position: Classical vs. Casual

There are two common ways to sit with a guitar:

Casual Position (Most Common for Beginners)

  • Sit up straight on a chair without armrests
  • Rest the guitar body on your dominant leg (right leg if right-handed)
  • The guitar neck points slightly upward — not horizontal
  • Keep the guitar body close to your torso — don't let it fall away

Classical Position

  • Rest the guitar on your non-dominant leg (left leg for right-handed players)
  • Use a footstool to raise that leg slightly
  • More ergonomic for long practice sessions; standard for classical players

Either position works. What matters is staying comfortable and upright — slouching leads to tension and fatigue.

Holding the Neck: The Fretting Hand

Your fretting hand (usually the left hand) holds the neck and presses the strings:

  1. Hold the neck between your thumb and the base of your index finger — like a light handshake.
  2. Keep your thumb behind the neck, roughly behind the middle finger. Don't let it hook over the top edge.
  3. Arch your fingers so they approach the strings from above, not at a flat angle.
  4. Press with your fingertips, as close to the fret as possible without sitting on top of it.

The Strumming Hand

Your strumming hand (usually the right) creates the sound:

  • Hold a pick between your index finger and thumb — not too tight, not too loose.
  • Let the pick move loosely, not rigidly, across the strings.
  • Strum from the wrist, not the whole arm — small, fluid motion.
  • Aim to hit all the strings that belong in the chord, avoiding strings that should be muted.

Your First Chord: E Minor

Em is the easiest chord on the guitar and it sounds great. Here's how to play it:

  1. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string)
  2. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string)
  3. Leave all other strings open
  4. Strum all six strings downward

If you hear buzzing, check that your fingers are pressing firmly and close to the fret. Check each string individually by plucking them one at a time.

Your Second Chord: E Major

Once Em feels comfortable, add one more finger to get E major:

  1. Keep your middle and ring fingers where they are from Em
  2. Add your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string (3rd string)
  3. Strum all six strings

Now you know two chords! Try switching between Em and E slowly. This transition exercise builds the muscle memory you'll use forever.

Your First Practice Routine

  • 5 minutes — Finger stretches and wrist loosening
  • 10 minutes — Practice pressing Em cleanly, checking each string
  • 10 minutes — Practice switching between Em and E major
  • 5 minutes — Strum freely and enjoy what you can play

One Final Reminder

Your fingertips will likely be sore in the first week. This is completely normal — it's your skin toughening up to form calluses. Keep sessions short and consistent rather than long and infrequent. Within two weeks of daily practice, the soreness fades and pressing strings starts to feel natural.

You're on your way. Pick it up every day, even just for 15 minutes, and you'll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.