Summary: Mastering the basics

Just before we get into the actual playing, we need to cover a few basic concepts. We take a look at holding the guitar, tuning it, holding a pick and how to use the controls on your instrument.

Part 1: Holding The Guitar

As shown in the video, the key to holding a guitar is to find a comfortable position for you. The ideal scenario is to have a stool and footrest to support your right or left leg. If that isn't available, crossing your legs also works well to create a raised platform for resting the guitar on. Remember, you should be able to keep the guitar steady, using nothing more than your strumming arm and your leg, so experiment a little until you get it right!

Part 2: Holding The Pick or fingers

The video above takes you through exactly how to hold the pick and hold your fingers, and the images below should help to get it just right. At this point, it is your choice as to whether you use the fingers or a pick, but for the purpose of our future lessons, we will be using just the fingers. Remember, both ways will feel strange at first; it will probably take a week or two to become comfortable, so stick with it! If you are using a pick, In terms of any medium to heavy pick will do.

Part 3: Tuning & string Names

To be able to tune your guitar, it is crucial that you learn the names of each string on the guitar. They are named for their musical notes when the guitar is in standard tuning, and the easiest way to remember this is using a memorable saying, such as:

Every Artist Draws Grapes

You can always make up your own, of course! The thing to remember is that, in standard tuning, the strings (from thickest to thinnest) are tuned: E, A, D & G.