Welcome to Your Guitar Journey
Learning guitar is one of the most rewarding skills you can develop. Whether you dream of playing around the campfire, jamming with friends, or performing on stage, this guide will give you everything you need to get started on the right foot.
About My Teaching Approach
While I teach a variety of musical styles, I can loosely be categorised as a "rock" guitar teacher. Classical guitar has a different approach, predominantly due to the use of fingers in the plucking/picking hand rather than a pick.
I do teach some fingerstyle playing when requested, however my method is rooted in playing with a pick. If you're specifically interested in classical guitar technique, you may want to seek out a teacher who specializes in that approach.
Choosing Your First Guitar
Selecting the right guitar is crucial for your learning success. The type of guitar you choose will affect how easy it is to learn and how much you enjoy practicing.
For Children
I recommend nylon string classical guitars for children. These guitars are easier on small fingers and have a gentler touch that makes learning more comfortable.
For the best value in New Zealand, I recommend Valencia brand guitars. You can purchase these from Music Works (Wellington and Lower Hutt), Music Planet (Wellington), or TradeMe.
For Teenagers and Adults
Teenagers and adults can use any type of guitar - acoustic, classical, or electric. The choice depends on your musical preferences and learning goals.
Guitar Size Guide
It's best to visit a store and have staff assess which size is best for you or your child. These aren't the only options available, but they should provide an idea and are my personal recommendations for nylon string beginners:
3/4 Size Guitars (for smaller players):
Full Size Guitars:
Electric Guitars for Beginners
Electric guitars can be easier to play due to lower string tension and are great for amplified performances. They require an amplifier to make sound, but this also gives you access to a wide range of tones and effects.
Current pricing in New Zealand ranges from $668-$798 for a complete beginner setup including guitar, amp, and essential accessories.
📖 Complete Electric Guitar Guide Available
For my detailed recommendations, current NZ pricing, and where to buy, check out my comprehensive electric guitar guide with specific guitar models, amp comparisons, and complete setup pricing based on my teaching experience.
Read the Electric Guitar GuideEssential Gear You'll Need
Must-Have Items
- Guitar picks (medium thickness)
- Guitar tuner (or tuning app)
- Comfortable chair or stool
- Music stand (optional but helpful)
Nice-to-Have Items
- Metronome
- Guitar strap
- Extra strings
- Guitar case or gig bag
Your First Essential Chords
These eight chords form the foundation of thousands of songs. Master these, and you'll be able to play countless popular songs:
Learning Tip
Start with the easiest chords first: A and E. These two chords alone will let you play your first song! Once you're comfortable with these, gradually add the others.
Your First Songs
Learning songs is the most enjoyable way to practice your chords. Here's your progression of first songs, carefully chosen to build your skills step by step:
Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
Chords used: A and E
Why this song: Uses only two of the easiest chords to form and change between, with a simple strumming pattern that's perfect for beginners.
What you'll learn: Basic chord changes and steady strumming rhythm.
Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Chords used: D, A, G
Why this song: Introduces the G and D chords while building on your A foundation. The strumming pattern is still beginner-friendly but adds a bit more complexity to help develop your rhythm skills step by step.
What you'll learn: Three-chord progressions and more complex chord changes.
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Chords used: G, C, D, Em
Why this song: A classic four-chord song that introduces C and Em, expanding your chord vocabulary.
What you'll learn: Four-chord progressions and smoother chord transitions.
Effective Practice Sessions
Consistent practice is more important than long practice sessions. Here's how to structure your practice time for maximum progress:
Sample 15-Minute Practice Session
- 5 minutes: Chord practice and finger exercises
- 5 minutes: Work on chord changes
- 5 minutes: Play through your current song
Your Learning Roadmap
Follow this structured approach to build your skills progressively. Each stage builds on the previous one, ensuring solid foundations:
Master A and E Chords
Focus entirely on getting clean, clear sounds from these two chords and practice changing between them smoothly.
Song to learn: Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
Add G and D Chords
Learn the G and D chords and practice three-chord progressions. This opens up hundreds of songs.
Song to learn: Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Expand to C and Em
Add C and Em chords to your repertoire. Now you can play the famous four-chord progression found in countless songs.
Song to learn: Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Complete Your Foundation
Learn the remaining foundation chords: Am and Dm. These complete your essential chord vocabulary.
Achievement: You can now play hundreds of popular songs!
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Pressing Too Hard
Many beginners press the strings much harder than necessary, causing hand fatigue and poor tone. Use just enough pressure to get a clear, clean note - you'll be surprised how little force is actually needed.
Pulling Down on Strings Instead of Pressing
Press straight down on the strings rather than pulling them towards the floor. Pulling down bends the strings out of tune and makes clean notes impossible to achieve.
Inconsistent Practice Schedule
Practicing for 2 hours once a week is far less effective than 15 minutes every day. Regular, consistent practice builds muscle memory and finger strength much more efficiently.
Poor Posture and Hand Position
Slouching or awkward hand positions create unnecessary tension and make playing more difficult. Sit up straight, keep your shoulders relaxed, and position the guitar comfortably against your body.
Rushing Through the Fundamentals
Trying to learn too many chords too quickly leads to sloppy technique. Master each chord completely before moving to the next - solid foundations will accelerate your progress in the long run.
When Should You Consider Guitar Lessons?
While you can start learning on your own, professional lessons can accelerate your progress and help you avoid developing bad habits. Here's when to consider getting a teacher:
Right from the Start
- Learn proper technique from day one
- Avoid developing bad habits
- Get personalized guidance
- Stay motivated with structured learning
After Self-Learning
- When you feel stuck or plateau
- To correct technique issues
- When you want to learn specific genres
- To accelerate your progress
Ready to Start Your Guitar Journey?
Get personalized guidance from an experienced teacher and accelerate your learning.