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Action

A word used to describe the distance of the strings off the fretboard, as in "high" or "low" action.

Archtop

A type of acoustic or semi-acoustic guitar, with an arched soundboard, often played by jazz guitarists.

Arpeggio

The playing of the tones of a chord separately, rather than simultaneously.

Augmented

The quality of a chord having its intervals as the 1st, 3rd and sharp 5th notes of the major scale.

Barre chord

A chord which uses the index finger to bar across several strings to act as the nut. Familiar shapes are fingered to the treble side of it.

Bridge

The part of the guitar where the strings transmit their vibrations to the soundboard. Made of either wood or metal. See anatomy.

Capo

A device which clamps onto the fretboard acting as the nut. Allows unfriendly keys to be changed to friendly.

Chord

A group of scale notes which are played together, the simplest being the triad consisting ot the 1st, 3rd and 5th of the scale.

Diminished

The quality of a chord having its intervals as the 1st, flat 3rd and flat 5th of the major scale.

Double stop

The playing of two notes simultaneously.

Fingerpicking

Playing guitar with the finger tips rather than flat pick. Finger picks can be used, which fit over the ends of the fingers.

Flatwound strings

Steel strings which use flat ribbon winding rather than round wire for the thicker strings. Preferred by jazz guitarists.

Fretboard

The fretted surface of the neck where you do the playing, sometimes known as the fingerboard. See anatomy.

Fret

The wire inset on fret board; also describes the distance between notes on the fretboard.

F-Hole

The F shaped opening in the sound board of some guitars, usually archtops or resonators.

Hammer-on

The creation of a new and higher note by hammering down on an already ringing string on a new fret. Opposite of a pull-off.

Headstock

The "top" of the guitar, where the tuning pegs are.

Improvisation

The art of inventing music on the fly. This is acheived by knowing the structure of music, hearing it and inventing according to the rules.

Interval

The "distance" between any two notes, usually measured relative to the major scale, as in "thirds" or "fourths", meaning the distance from the tonic to the third or fourth note of the major scale.

Major

The quality of a chord having its intervals as the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the major scale.

Minor

The quality of a chord having its intervals as the 1st, flat 3rd and 5th of the major scale

Mode

Another word for scale. The major scale yields 7 modes, one starting and ending on each note. They have Greek names which I won't confuse you with here.

Nut

The small grooved piece of bone that the strings sit in between the fretboard and the headstock. See anatomy.

Pickup

The electronic device used to pick up the sound of electric guitar strings. There are many types and configurations.

Pitch pipe

Old fashion device used for tuning guitars. Works by tuning to the notes created by blowing into its six tubes.

Plectrum

Official word for guitar pick.

Pull-off

The creation of a new note by pulling your finger off an already ringing note to a lower fretted or open note. Opposite of a hammer-on.

Resonator

The circular speaker-like device, usually chrome, that fits into the body of some guitars, used to increase volume.

Root

Sometimes referred to as 'root note' -- Another word for Tonic, or the first note of a scale.

Saddle

The upright blade which sits in the bridge, often bone, where the strings sit. See anatomy.

Scale

A series of intervals, usually spanning an octave. Scales are more often viewed as a series of notes (generated by the intervals)

Slash chord

A chord such as G/B, meaning a G chord with a B bass note.

Slide

A tube which fits on the finger and is used to slide along the strings to pitch notes; als the technique of sliding notes or chord shapes up the fretboard.

Sound hole

The round hole on the front of most acoustic guitars. See anatomy.

Sound board

The front surface of acoustic guitars. This is where the sound from the strings is amplified via the bridge. See anatomy.

Sus4

A chord consisting of the 1st, 4th and 5th notes of the major scale. The (4) in effect replaces the (3). This chord demands resolution.

Tablature

A pictorial system of notation for guitar music, showing six strings and fret positions. More here.

Tail piece

The metal device usually used on archtop guitars to anchor the strings beyond the bridge.

Thumb pick

A plastic pick which fits around the thumb and projects a blade out to act as a pick.

Tonic

The tonic; the first note of a scale; the main note of a chord, the note the chord is named after. Also known as "the root".

Triad

The simplest, smallest chord there is, consisting of the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the scale. More here.

Truss rod

A steel rod which fits inside the neck of some guitars. Its tension can be adjusted to straighten the neck.

Tuner

An electronic device used to tune guitars. More about tuning here.

Tuning pegs

The geared devices on the headstock used to tighten or loosen the strings. See anatomy.