Just starting out? Follow this step-by-step roadmap to go from zero to playing your first song.
Start with an acoustic or electric guitar that feels comfortable. You'll also need a tuner, picks, a strap, and a gig bag. Don't worry about expensive pedals yet.
An out-of-tune guitar sounds bad no matter how well you play. Learn standard tuning (E A D G B E) using a clip-on tuner or the Musoca built-in tuner.
Focus on the 'Cowboy Chords': E minor, C major, G major, D major, and A minor. With these 5 chords, you can play thousands of popular songs.
Rhythm is crucial. Start with simple down-strokes on the beat, then introduce up-strokes. Practice with a metronome to develop a solid internal clock.
Pick a simple 3-chord song you love. Don't worry about playing it perfectly; focus on getting through the changes and keeping the rhythm going.
Your fingertips will hurt at first. Practice for 15-20 minutes a day to build calluses. Don't push through severe pain, but consistency is key.
Learn what whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes look like. Understanding rhythm notation helps you follow tabs and sheet music more accurately.
The minor pentatonic scale is the foundation of rock, blues, and pop soloing. Learn the five positions across the fretboard — it's the most practical scale you'll ever study.
Smooth chord changes separate beginners from intermediate players. Pick two chords and switch between them for one minute straight. Speed up only when every transition is clean.
Start identifying the distance between two notes. Recognize a major third vs a perfect fifth. Use the Musoca ear trainer daily to build this skill — it unlocks improvisation.
Tablature is the universal language of guitar. Each line represents a string, and numbers tell you which fret to press. Most modern guitar music is shared as tabs, not sheet music.
Learning guitar is better together. Join online forums, share progress recordings, ask questions, and play with others. Accountability keeps you motivated through plateaus.