[lucybeth]

hi everyone. as I am just really starting out, I am a bit confused as to what is the best thing to learn first. Should I start with chords, or should I be learning the actual notes on the fretboard etc. Where is the best place to start, or does it come down to personal choice.
thanks

[solidwalnut]

Originally Posted by lucybeth

hi everyone. as I am just really starting out, I am a bit confused as to what is the best thing to learn first. Should I start with chords, or should I be learning the actual notes on the fretboard etc. Where is the best place to start, or does it come down to personal choice.
thanks

Welcome. One of the best ways you can go about learning is a bit of both. Check out the links at the top of the page back at the beginning of the site http://www.guitarforbeginners.com The Guitar, What is Music?, Chords, etc. and then check out Kirk's lessons for the beginner. These will help answer some of your questions.

I think that learning basic chords and learning how to switch back and forth between them is an excellent way to start.

Have fun,

Steve

[zappa]

i guess its worth knowing to begin with , is that chords are derived from scales , so it is imperative to learn them in order to grasp the understanding of chord construction.

[do_you_really_care]

I think this is what you might like to do as a beginner:

1) Learn all open position chords. Will help you to start strumming along to many songs and will make the process of learning the guitar more exciting...

2) Learn one scale at a time along with some related chords and understand how chords are constructed from a scale and how they relate to that scale.

3) Practice finger exercises, to increase finger strength!

Cheers!
- Gaurav

[lespaul7]

i took lessons last year and i was learning notes and i hated it i quit.........and ive just been teaching myself