Fundamentals

Music comprises just three things:

1. Notes (or melody)

2. Harmony (chords)

3. Rhythm

This section provides a fundamental introduction to all three, and is the basis for everything else in this guide.

Before teaching anything about those concepts, however, I first try to pass on a bit of advice about how to practice.

If you are an absolute beginner on the guitar, I strongly suggest you first go through a beginner’s course elsewhere. I think Justin’s new for 2020 beginner guitar course is probably the best and most complete beginner course out there.

In the section on notes we will review some fundamental theory (the diatonic and chromatic scales in particular). Then I provide some practical lessons for learning the notes on the fretboard.

In rhythm we’ll introduce the ultimate task master: the metronome. We’ll also discuss some more fun topics like syncopation and “flat tire” rhythms.

Lastly, in harmony we’ll discuss the most basic chords: triads.

Each section has a collection of proficiency tests to help you practice and master the material.