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At Everest Music, we’re not just a music shop—we also run a busy School of Music in Bray and Rathnew. So while we’re all for self-learning (and there’s never been more resources out there), we’ll also tell you straight: having a few lessons to get you started can make a world of difference. Whether it’s getting the basics right, avoiding bad habits, or just having someone to guide you and keep you motivated, it’s often the smartest move for beginners.
However, guitars and ukuleles have many distinct advantages for beginners and self-taught players!
Compared to, say, the violin, learning to play the guitar seems relatively simple. You learn your first major and minor chords, get comfortable with a pick, start figuring out where to place your fingers on the fretboard, make a few moves, a few bars, or even your first solo.
Some beginners understand guitar lessons quickly, while others take hours of hard work. We’ve put together some brief recommendations for you on how to start learning to play a stringed instrument.
Step #1: Pick your instrument
If you’re starting out, we usually recommend a ukulele or an acoustic guitar. They’re both great for beginners—lightweight, versatile, and fun to play. That said, there’s nothing stopping you from jumping straight into electric guitar either.
Step #2: Learn the Basics (with or without a teacher)
There’s no shortage of free content online—YouTube, apps, PDFs—but all that info can be overwhelming. That’s where a few structured lessons can help set you off on the right foot.
But whether you’re doing it solo or with a tutor, here are a few key skills to focus on:
- Reading tabs: These show you where to place your fingers, even if you can’t read sheet music.
- Chord diagrams: Learn the shapes and finger placement for common chords like C, G, D, and Am.
- Proper hand position: Avoid sore fingers and dead notes by learning to hold and press the strings correctly.
- Simple riffs: Riffs are short, catchy patterns that make playing feel instantly rewarding.
We cover all of this and more in our beginner guitar and ukulele classes at Everest School of Music. It’s tailored to your pace and experience, with friendly tutors who’ve taught hundreds of beginners just like you.
Step #3: Use Good Resources (and be careful with Google holes)
YouTube: Great for tips and quick tutorials, but you can easily go down rabbit holes.
Online courses: These can work well—but make sure the course covers everything you need.
Books: A solid beginner guitar book is still a great shout.
Apps: There are plenty of free and paid ones to help with tuning, chords, strumming, and more.
But again, don’t underestimate the value of a few proper lessons to keep you on track. At Everest School of Music, we offer private lessons for kids and adults, and even do group sessions if you want a more social vibe.
Step #4: Practice Little and Often
Even just 15–30 minutes a day is enough to build solid progress over time. Try this:
- 10 minutes: Technique (chords, picking, strumming)
- 10 minutes: Try playing along with a song you like
- 10 minutes: Repeat what you’ve already learned
We’ll say this though—if you’re not taking lessons, then routine and self-discipline are key. No one to give out homework means it’s all on you!
Step #5: Don’t Rush into Tricky Songs
We’ve all been there—hearing a song and wanting to play it right away. But trying to play something too difficult too soon can be frustrating.
Pick songs that match your skill level. Focus on progress, not perfection. And have a listen to others who play your instrument—you’ll pick up loads just by watching and hearing. This is where learning with a teacher is great, you can both work towards playing a song as your goal.
Step #6: Stick with it!
You’re going to hit a few bumps along the way. That’s completely normal. Everyone struggles at some stage – fingers get sore, chords don’t ring out properly, or it feels like you’re going nowhere. That’s where encouragement helps. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or one of our tutors here at Everest School of Music, having someone to cheer you on (and give a few handy tips) makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Look, no one becomes a master overnight. Even legends like Van Halen put in the hours. What matters most is that you enjoy the journey.
We say: pick up that guitar or ukulele, give it a go, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you book in a few lessons with us or start out on your own, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
And above all – never forget this: playing an instrument should be fun.