You want to learn electric guitar and don't know exactly where to start? Don't worry – the beginning is easier than you think. In this guide, we'll show you how to master your first songs with the right equipment, a structured learning plan, and lots of fun in 5 clear and simple steps.

Whether you love rock, pop, metal, or blues, the electric guitar offers you all kinds of sound possibilities. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Finding the Right Learning Method

Before you start learning the electric guitar, an important question arises: How do you want to learn? The answer depends on how you best absorb information, how much time you can invest, and what resources you have available. Everyone has a different learning style – some need visual cues, others learn better by listening or through direct guidance.

Here’s an overview of the most common methods:

Online Electric Guitar Courses or Apps	Online courses and learning apps are especially suited for people who want to learn flexibly and independently. Platforms such as music2me offer structured video lessons, interactive exercises, playalongs, and a clear course structure that guides you step by step through all the important content. You can learn at your own pace, repeat lessons as often as you like, and organize your practice time yourself. At the same time, structured learning paths keep you motivated and help you track your progress. Many online learning platforms are also much cheaper than regular one-on-one lessons, making them especially attractive for beginners.
Private Lessons at a Music School or with a Teacher	The classic method: If you prefer personal instruction or find it difficult to motivate yourself to practice on your own, private lessons may be the better choice. An experienced guitar teacher can respond individually to your strengths and weaknesses, provide direct feedback, and help you when you get stuck with certain techniques or songs. Personal contact often enhances motivation, especially in the beginning. However, this method is usually more expensive and less flexible because you have to stick to fixed appointment times.
Self-Taught Learning	For especially disciplined people, self-teaching can also be an option. With the help of YouTube videos, free online tabs, learning books, or forums, you can teach yourself many aspects – as long as you proceed in an organized way. Without a clear plan, there’s a big risk of getting off track or missing important basics. Additionally, you lack direct feedback, which means mistakes can creep in. However, this route is particularly cost-effective and offers a lot of freedom when it comes to content and pace.

For many, the most effective approach is a combination of several methods. For example, you can build a solid foundation with an online course like music2me, get inspired with additional YouTube videos, and occasionally take a lesson from a teacher to specifically work on your weaknesses. This way, you combine the benefits of flexibility, structure, and personal attention – and make faster progress.

Ultimately, the best method is the one that motivates you to practice regularly and fits into your everyday life. Don’t hesitate to try out different methods – what matters most is that you keep going and enjoy the process.

Step 2: Electric Guitar and Suitable Equipment for Beginners

Gerade als Anfänger ist die Auswahl der ersten E-Gitarre nicht einfach. Es gibt unzählige Modelle, Designs und Marken. Korpusform und Tonabnehmer-Typen beeinflussen den Klang – doch welche ist die richtige? Dabei kommt es auf deinen Musikgeschmack und dein Budget an.

What makes the electric guitar so special?

The electric guitar is at home in many music genres, whether Pop/Rock, Blues, Metal, Funk, Soul, or Jazz – it plays an important role in all of these. Some styles, like Rock or Metal, may never have come about without the sound of an overdriven electric guitar.

Unlike an acoustic guitar, the electric guitar does not have a hollow soundbox; it produces its sound via pickups and amplifiers. This makes it versatile and offers countless possibilities for different sounds and effects.

Important Guitar Types

• Stratocaster: Versatile, ideal for Rock, Blues, and Pop. (Known through Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, John Mayer)

• Les Paul: Fuller sound, perfect for Rock and Hard Rock. (Known through Jimmy Page, Slash, Gary Moore)

• SG: Aggressive sound, suitable for Hard Rock and Metal. (Known through Angus Young, Tony Iommi)

• Telecaster: Clear, distinctive sound, often used in Country and Indie-Rock. (Known through Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Cropper)

It’s worth trying out different guitar models and getting advice at a music store. What’s most important is that the guitar feels good and is comfortable to play.

Our tip:
For beginners, a model priced around 200-300 euros is perfectly sufficient. Brands like Yamaha, Epiphone, Squier, or Harley Benton offer good quality at a fair price.

What You Really Need: Your Starter Equipment at a Glance

To start learning electric guitar, you obviously need the right equipment. You don’t have to spend a lot of money immediately – many manufacturers offer great beginner sets. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for your learning success. The electric guitar has no sound without an amplifier, so what equipment is really necessary?ig?

Basic equipment includes:

• Amplifier:
  For beginners, a small practice amp (e.g. Fender Mustang, Yamaha THR, or Boss Katana) is sufficient. There’s also software for computers or smartphones that can be used as a sound source.

• Cables:
  A good guitar cable ensures interference-free signal transmission.

• Plectrums:
  Try out different thicknesses – softer for strumming, harder for rock and guitar solos.

• Guitar Strap:
  If you want to play standing up.

• Tuner:
  Whether as a clip-on tuner or app, a well-tuned instrument is indispensable.

• Spare Strings:
  Always keep a spare set, with .009 to .042 gauge being standard.

• Headphones:
  If you want to practice quietly.

It’s even easier if you get a complete starter set, like the Harley Benton ST-20HSS Standard SBK Set.

Step 3: Understanding the Basics of Music Theory

Even though it might sound dry at first, a bit of music theory is essential when learning the electric guitar – and it’s worth creating a solid foundation from the start.

Because: If you understand how music works, you can practice more purposefully, write your own riffs, and orient yourself on the fretboard much faster.

Don’t worry – you don’t need to be able to read sheet music or analyze jazz chords right away. It’s enough to learn the following basics gradually:

Tune the Guitar

Before you start, you should tune your guitar. The standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) can be checked with a tuner. It’s important to regularly tune your guitar, especially as a beginner, or even the simplest chord will sound wrong.

Proper Posture

When sitting, keep both feet firmly on the ground, and the guitar should rest comfortably on your right thigh (for right-handed players). When standing, make sure your guitar strap is well-adjusted so the guitar stays stable.

Reading Tabulature & Sheet Music

Tablature (short: tabs) is a simple way to notate guitar music without using the standard sheet music. The tabs show you exactly which string and fret to press. This allows you to start playing songs even without prior knowledge. Once you've learned how to read tabs, it's worthwhile to study the basics of traditional sheet music notation.

Practice Basic Chords

Learn the basic chords on the guitar to accompany songs. Start with open chords like E major, A major, or D major. These sound great and are relatively easy to play. Power chords (two to three-note chords) are particularly popular in rock and punk.

Learn Different Strumming Patterns

To play a song, you need not only the right chords but also a specific rhythm. Check out our workshop on different strumming patterns.

Step 4: Learn Your First Song on the Electric Guitar

Nothing is more motivating than playing your first song. Here are some easy classics that are perfect for beginners:

• Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple): An iconic riff that’s easy to play and a lot of fun.

• Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes): A catchy and easy-to-learn song.

• Knocking on Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan/Guns N' Roses): Ideal for practicing chord changes.

• Come As You Are (Nirvana): Perfect for beginners wanting to play their first melodies.  (We’ve written the article "The Best Guitar Solos for Beginners", I suggest we also create one for beginner riffs, which would fit perfectly here.)

Small Tutorial – Your First Riff on the Electric Guitar

An easy riff for beginners is the classic “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. It’s played using just two fingers:

• The lines represent the 6 strings of the guitar, with the lowest E-string at the bottom.

• The numbers (3, 5, 6) indicate the fret positions, and 0 means the strings are played open.

• Tip: You can start by playing on just one string. Once you’re comfortable, try pressing two strings simultaneously and strumming them.

Step 5: The Best Tips for Effective Practice

If you want to learn the electric guitar, you need to practice – but not every practice session takes you the same distance. The key is to practice purposefully, regularly, and with a plan. It’s not about playing for hours, but about practicing more often with a distinct focus on quality.

Tips for Your Practice Routine:

• Practice regularly:
  15-30 minutes daily is more effective than 3 hours once a week.

• Start slowly: Speed comes with time – focus on playing cleanly first, then gradually increase your tempo.

• Use a metronome:
  It improves your timing and ensures you develop a good sense of rhythm.

• Record yourself:
  This will help you identify mistakes and improve; be critical of yourself.

• Work on weaknesses:
  Don’t just practice what’s easy for you. Focus on techniques that you find difficult.

• Take breaks:
  Short breaks help you stay focused. Be sure not to overstrain your hand.

• Set realistic goals:
  Set small, achievable goals to keep your motivation high.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

As a beginner, there are mistakes that can easily happen, which shouldn’t be reinforced. Here are the most common ones, along with tips on how to avoid them:

• Playing with too much force:
  This leads to tense playing and fatigues your hand. Warm up your fingers before playing.

• Trying too difficult songs too quickly:
  Start with simple songs and gradually move to more challenging ones.

• Bad timing:
  Practicing with a metronome or backing tracks helps improve your sense of rhythm.

• Bad posture:
  Poor posture can lead to pain in the long run. Make sure to play relaxed. Ask friends or a teacher to correct you if necessary.

• Not tuning your guitar:
  Tune your guitar before playing – it also trains your ear.

• Impatience:
  Two words that belong together: Patience and Discipline!

Learning Electric Guitar is Worth It!

Getting started with electric guitar playing can seem overwhelming – but if you take it step by step, you’ll see quick results. The key is to keep going, practice regularly, and enjoy the process. Be patient with yourself – every bit of progress, no matter how small, gets you closer to your goal.

Learning the electric guitar is a journey – and this journey is full of exciting discoveries, musical challenges, and unforgettable moments. And the best part: you can take it at your own pace! So, start today and enjoy the road ahead. The guitar is just waiting to be conquered by you!