Guitar Basics

Parts of the Guitar

Here is a video on the parts of the guitar and how to hold it, which also demonstrates the difference in the sound quality of classical and steel-string guitars. Pay attention to the three points of contact.

String Names

The typical guitar has six strings, so we will be learning their names. In music when a string is being indicated it has a number that usually is inside of a circle.

The letter names are based on the pitch the string produces when it's played open, without placing a finger on the fret. The numbers are given from the highest pitch to the lower pitch strings.

An easy way to remember the string names is to use a mnemonic device. If you go from left to right or the lowest pitch string to the highest pitch string you can use:

E- Every

A- Adult

D- Dog

G- Grows

B- Ears

E- Ears

Or you can create your own mnemonic device.

How To Tune Your Guitar

There are lots of ways to tune your guitar but for beginners, I suggest downloading an app onto your smartphone, tablets, or computer.

Here is a short video on how to tune your instrument with the free app GuitarTuna.

Finger Names

So when we play guitar we use our right hand for articulating the string (plucking or strumming) and our left to place our fingers on the frets.

If you are left-handed you can choose to swap your hand functions or just stick with the conventual hand functions. The reason is both hands are going to be used a lot so having a dominant hand doesn't really affect the learning process. It's the same with piano, doesn't matter if you are left-handed or right everyone plays the piano the same. However, Jimi Hendrix actually restrung his guitar so he could play it left-handed and it worked out great for him.

Hand Positions

This next video is 12 minutes in length but it covers finger names as well as left and right-hand placement. You will be tested on the material covered and it's very important to develop good technique, so pay close attention and practice the exercises.

Pay attention to the right-hand position:

• Where does the forearm come over?

• Where does your right-hand thumb go?

• Where is the triangle?

• Which direction should the fingers move when playing?

• Which direction does your hand move the playing?

• TRY the right-hand tension experiment!

• Why is it important to have a straight right arm when playing guitar?

• Try Thumb Circles!

Pay attention to the left-hand position:

• When you play with your left hand what part of the fingers do you use to play?

• Where should your left-hand palm be when playing?

• What is the potato chip rule?

• Always use the potato chip rule, do not rest your thumb on top of your neck because it takes your hand out of a neutral position.

• Remember small knuckle up.

Try the left-hand pressure exercise!

• Does your finger actually touch the fretboard?

Learn and Practice the Left Hand Finger Strength Exercises. You will be demonstrating it in your first video submission next week. Make sure to keep your fingers close to the string and fret. Try doing it without plucking the string first then add the right hand.

TIP: Always place your finger next to the metal part of the fret (fretwire) for less tension and a clear sound.

Rest-stroke Technique

Rest-stroke: rest the finger on the adjacent string after playing the string. If you use your thumb it will be the string below the one you played. If it's your index, middle, or ring finger it will be the string above.

REST STROKE Fingers i, m, a

1. Place the finger on the string.

2. Push the string down towards the inside of the guitar.

3. Move the finger back towards your palm.

4. Let the string release.

5. Rest string on the string above

Thumb:

1. Place the thumb on the string.

2. Push the string down towards the floor.

3. Let the string release.

4. Rest finger on the string below

In the video below pay attention to:

• Why is it called rest stroke?

• Finger movement scratching exercise (Try it)

• what part of the finger do you place on the string?

• Where should your big knuckle be?

• What are the steps to rest-stroke?

• How is it different for your thumb?

• Practice and learn the "Rest-stroke Exercises"

Review

• • String Names

Low E 6 string

A 5 string

D 4 string

G 3 string

B 2 string

High E 1 string

• • Finger Names

Index = i

Middle = m

Ring = a

Index = 1

Middle = 2

Ring = 3

Pinky = 4

• • Parts of the Guitar

  • Use the least amount of effort when using your left-hand place your finger behind the fret wire.

  • TIP: The guitar has more tension in the first few frets so to strengthen your fingers start at a higher position and then move towards the 1st fret.

  • Positions: When playing a position you place your first finger on the corresponding fret and your other fingers follow in the frets above. For example 2nd position your first finger would go to the 2nd fret, your 2nd finger would go to the 3rd fret, your 3rd finger to the 4th fret, and your 4th finger would go to the 5th fret.

• Here is a quick video on how to read guitar tab and how positions work.

More Tips

• Always use good technique, it will help you develop a strong sound as well as speed and efficiency while preventing injury.

• Be aware of your right forearm position, and make sure it's above the bridge.

• Make sure your fingers are a straight line from finger to elbow.

• Remember the "Triangle in the Right Hand and Forearm" as you set up.

• Potato chip rule, keep your thumb behind the neck behind the 1st and 2nd finger.

• Try all the exercises in the videos

• When doing rest-stroke with (i, m, a) make sure to always have your finger rest on the string above, don't lift right away.

• Practice alternating fingers comfortably

• Don't rush when learning new techniques

• Left-hand finger exercise focus on controlling the movement don't let your fingers control you.

How Frets Work!

This is a short video on how to count frets and where to place your fingers so you get a clear sound with the least amount of effort.