Beginner Guitar Foundations:

Tips to Get You Started Quickly and Make You a Better Guitar Player

Quick Tips For Beginners Videos

Adult Beginners Start Here

Getting stuck on traditional open chord shapes? The open C chord shape alone, has stumped many beginners for months to play it successfully. To bypass that, here are the first chord shapes I show all beginners so that they can start playing a song in under an hour.

Your First Strumming Pattern

Strumming patterns are confusing at first and can cause unnecessary frustration when you're first starting out. What this short video to see how you can comfortably get started playing a song today.

How To Hold The Guitar Pick

Holding the pick correctly helps you bring confidence to your playing and let's you stay in control when strumming . In this quick tip, you'll discover the best way to hold your guitar pick.

Which Way Is Up On Guitar?

The guitar works on pitch. So when a teacher or another guitar player says to go up - it's contrary to what we know. Confused? You won't be after you watch this video.

How To Tune Your Guitar

A simple, 'clip-on' tuner will clickly become a very good friend for you. Watch this video to see how you can easily and quickly get your guitar in tune.

The BEST Pick For Beginners

In the years to come you will change preferences for what pick works best for you. Discover the best pick for your to start with so that you can strum with confidence.

Strumming Insights

Why You SHOULD Focus on Strumming?

Strumming, rhythm and timing are key areas that all adult beginners should focus on. Having a strong sense of rhythm will give you the confidence to play songs for fun.

How To Play Any Strum Pattern

Strumming can be a challenge for many adult beginners. In this video I share the one thing that you must constantly do to have great sounding strum patterns.

Have Better Control Over Your Strumming Patterns

It's very common that your strumming patterns aren't where you would like them to be. This video shows you how to gain rock solid control over your strumming hand.

Songs and Playing Tips

Don't Struggle to Play Songs - Do This Instead!

Playing your favourite songs is why you picked up the guitar in the first place. You'll find in this video, that dogged determination is not the way to play a lot of songs on your guitar for fun.

To Play Campfire Style Songs, Focus on These 3 Areas

When learning how to play guitar, many things can grab our attention. As a cautionary tale, don't chase everything, make these 3 areas your focus of study.

How I Teach a Day 1 Beginner a Song Like "Learning to Fly"

"Learning to Fly" is a great campfire song. However, I teach it in a way that day 1 adult beginners can play it - without tedious finger gymnastics from traditional open chords

Articles For Beginner Guitar Players

beginner guitarist practicing open guitar chords with focus

Unlocking The Magic Of Your First Chord

Starting out, your hands are accustomed to gripping, pulling, and holding – the routine actions of daily life. Now, with a guitar in your hands, you're introducing them to new shapes and positions. This adjustment is what we fondly call 'growing pains.'

Happy student at Gold Coast School of Guitar learning his first song

Why Learning Songs Is Best for Beginners

So, you've just embarked on your guitar journey, and the excitement is palpable. The question on your mind: where to start? It's tempting to dive headfirst into the world of scales and theory, but hold your horses!

students playing together in a group having fun

The Joy of Learning Guitar in Small Groups

In the world of guitar learning, the trend is shifting towards collective experiences. in this article we delve into the harmonious journey of discovering the joy of playing guitar in small groups. The
benefits of group learning:

a beginner guitarist happily working on a song he loves,

A Roadmap For The Complete Beginner

Embarking on the journey of learning the guitar as an adult beginner is akin to setting sail on a thrilling odyssey. At the Gold Coast School of Guitar, we wholeheartedly embrace the notion that mastery is not a distant peak but a series of conquering milestones along the way.

A guitar teacher instructing his students

A Great Guitar Teacher Once Told Me...

To truly learn guitar, one must trust the process. It's a journey that becomes effortless when you're not side-tracked by distractions."

This statement piqued my interest. "Distracted?" I pondered what he meant by that.

A happy student playing and singing around the campfire with his family

Thriving in Your First Few Months of Lessons

Maybe you've bounced between teachers before, trying to teach yourself, or are just starting. No matter the case, you're with a new guitar teacher, buzzing with excitement, dreaming of becoming the life of the party with your guitar skills or even jamming with your friends on weekends.