You can’t teach guitar nowadays without noticing Guitar Hero, and in fact I think it can be a good introduction to learning finger coordination. I don’t get the craze but I have to admit that these videos of people playing it on Youtube are a trip. Based on the millions of views these are getting, these people have become famous by imitating rock stars. I guess that’s not the first time it’s happened, but even the most famous Elvis impersonator never had an audience of 5 million people!

He even has the rock star attitude…

This one is cool because I have never seen a piece of pizza playing guitar!..

This guy has got to be a “real” guitar player, or should be.

Even Heidi Klum can do it.

Here is a series of guitar lessons youtube has from several teachers going through the basics.

The first lesson starts with basic chords for the guitar:

Here is a really well done barre chord lesson:

Once you learn some chords then here is a nice lessons on strumming:

Next on to learning scales, starting with the major scale:

This young guy does a nice review of tuning the guitar:

Guitar is a very popular instrument to learn and yet many people don’t even know how to go about starting.  Here are a few basics that will set you on the right track:

• Make sure you buy a guitar with the best “action” which means that the strings are very close to the frets.  This will make your learning so much easier and is critical to eliminating frustration.  In many cases I suggest an inexpensive electric guitar like the Fender Squire Stratocaster.
• If you can’t afford to take lessons, you should still get a guitar and just start learning.  Ask a friend to show you a few things and practice whatever you can pick up.  Most important is to just enjoy the process and take it one step at a time.  The most important thing you can do is set your expectations very, very low and just have fun.  This is contrary to how most people approach learning a new instrument, and that’s why allot of people give up - too much pressure.
• The next thing you can do is pick up a couple of books marked “Easy” or “Beginner” guitar.  Again, when you sit down with this book you must be extremely patient and relaxed.  Just try to follow the directions until you have had enough and then come back to it another day.  Do not force yourself and get frustrated.
• In addition to books and friends, you can use the Internet to find sites like mine that teach a certain song or style that you are particularly interested in.  If you don’t understand the lessons, just take in what you can and then move on.  Some Websites are better than others for teaching beginners.   In fact there are teachers who specialize in Internet lessons and use video and audio to make the process more fun.
• Once you start to get a little exposure, learn a few chords and feel comfortable, the learning method I recommend above all others is learning actual songs you love.  Just type “Song Name Chords” into Google and you will find almost any song.  For instance “Rolling Stones Wild Horses Chords”.  Then you can also try to play along with the CD.  I suggest doing this because it takes your learning right to the heart of the matter - playing music you love!

I can not say enough that you should stick to learning the basics with a positive attitude and calmness.  If you have that approach you can pick up a guitar and just start learning at any age.  Don’t be intimidated, just have fun!