One of the biggest mistakes I see beginners make is trying to skip steps, so today I'm breaking down a step-by-step guitar roadmap for beginners—what to practice first, what to avoid, and how to build the skills you actually need to start playing real songs (without the frustration).
Want a visual guide to go with this lesson? Grab my FREE Chord & Scale PDF that maps it all out with diagrams and tabs. It’s linked below—totally free, just for you!
https://www.martymusic.com/the-ultimate-guitar-guide-ebook
In this video, you’ll learn:
⦿ Easy one-string riffs to build confidence and rhythm
⦿ Foundational open chords (the “cowboy chords”)
⦿ Power chords for rock and punk songs (hello Nirvana + Green Day)
⦿ How to build up to barre chords without burning out
⦿ Essential Scales & Common Pitfalls – E minor pentatonic, C major, and what not to do as a beginner
Skip the stairway—take the steps. Your guitar journey starts with one note at a time
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0:00 – Avoid This Common Mistake Beginners Make
1:13 – Progress at Your Own Pace: Why Beginners Shouldn't Overreach
2:27 – One-String Riffs: The Essential Starting Point for Beginners
3:51 – Intro to Open Chords: E Minor & Asus2 (Breathe by Pink Floyd)
5:13 – Building Your First Chord Progression: Power Chords for Rock
6:33 – Power Chords 101: The Foundation of Classic Rock
7:55 – Playing Songs with Power Chords (Nirvana, AC/DC, etc.)
9:05 – Beginner Acoustic Path: Open Chords You Must Know
10:30 – Chord Order That Makes Sense (Em, G, D, C, etc.)
11:30 – When to Learn Barre Chords: Timing & Practical Tips
12:00 – Beginner Scales: E Minor Pentatonic & C Major Essentials
13:20 – Wrap-Up: Next Steps for Your Guitar Journey