Guitar lesson plan for beginners: first eight lessons
A guitar lesson plan for beginners covering the first eight lessons: posture, open chords, strumming, simple songs and a short home practice each week.
By the Abhyava team3 min read
In this guide
The first few guitar lessons set the tone. Sore fingers, awkward chord shapes and slow progress can make beginners give up. A clear plan helps you keep lessons enjoyable and give students quick wins, while still building good habits. This outline covers the first eight lessons, and you can stretch or compress it to fit your students.
What to cover early
Beginners need four things before anything else:
- Comfortable posture and holding the guitar.
- Clean notes, with fingers placed near the fret.
- A few chords and a way to change between them.
- A steady strum, with a simple rhythm.
Everything else, including theory and reading, can be added gradually.
Lesson by lesson
| Lesson | Focus | Activities | Home practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setup and first notes | Holding the guitar, tuning, naming strings, playing open strings | Pluck each string slowly for 5 minutes a day |
| 2 | First fretted notes | Single notes on one string, finger numbers | A simple melody on one string |
| 3 | First chords | Two easy chords, such as Em and Am, strum each slowly | Switch between the chords for 5 minutes |
| 4 | Strumming | Steady down strums, then down-up | Strum with a metronome at a slow speed |
| 5 | Chord changes | Add a third chord, practise changing without stopping | The "one-minute change" drill |
| 6 | First song | Play a simple song using the chords learned | Play it twice a day, slowly |
| 7 | Rhythm patterns | Introduce a basic strumming pattern | Practise the pattern on muted strings |
| 8 | Review and performance | Play the song for the group or family | Pick a new song to learn |
Chord choice varies by teacher and style. Some prefer starting with easier shapes, and others begin with a few notes first.
Structure of a 30-minute lesson
| Part | Minutes | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Greet and check in | 2 | Ask how practice went |
| Warm-up | 5 | Open strings, finger stretches, chord shapes |
| New skill | 10 | Teach one new chord, note or pattern |
| Apply | 8 | Use it in a short song or exercise |
| Plan the week | 5 | Write or send the home practice |
For the general pattern, see our music lesson plan template.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Buzzing notes | Move the finger closer to the fret, press with the fingertip |
| Sore fingertips | Short sessions, build up gradually, expect it to pass |
| Slow chord changes | Practise the change alone, then add the strum |
| Rushing the strum | Use a metronome, count aloud |
| Tension in the shoulders | Check posture, take breaks |
Reassure students that soreness and clumsy fingers are normal at first.
Make rhythm part of every lesson
Beginners often focus on the left hand and neglect the right. Include strumming in every lesson, and practise with a metronome. See the guides on the metronome method and teaching rhythm to beginners.
Teaching adults versus children
Adults often want to learn particular songs, and can handle more explanation. Children may need shorter sessions, a smaller guitar and more play. See adult beginner music lessons for more on motivation and pacing.
Keep it musical
Don't wait until students have learned many chords to play a song. Two or three chords can make a recognisable tune. Early success builds motivation.
How Abhyava helps
Abhyava lets you send a weekly practice by private link, with a metronome built in, and students can send a short video of a chord change for you to review.
Frequently asked questions
How long until a beginner can play a song?
Often within a few weeks of regular practice, using simple chords.
Acoustic or electric for beginners?
Either can work. Choose what the student is excited about and make sure the guitar is set up well, because a hard-to-play guitar is discouraging.
Should I teach reading music?
It depends on your style and your student's goals. Many guitar students start with chords and tablature and add notation later.
How do I handle sore fingers?
Suggest short, frequent sessions, and remind them that fingertips toughen over time.
Keep reading
A music lesson plan template for private teachers
4 min readMusicMetronome practice method: how to use it without hating it
3 min readMusicTeaching rhythm to beginners: steps, games and exercises
3 min readMore in Music · How to get music students to practise (without nagging) · All guides