Hot Acoustic Guitar How-Tos
How To: Play "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus on guitar
Want to play "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Party in the USA" on your own acoustic guitar, take a look!
How To: Use jam tracks backing tracks for the acoustic guitar
Jam tracks/backing tracks act like an instantly available band: while you play riffs on the lead guitar, backing tracks add the bass line and help ground your beat. This allows you to practice anything from major scales to minor scales. A drum beat is included to keep you strumming on the right beat.
How To: Play open string voicings in "Hall Goes West"
Open string voicings are one of the first skills you learn in guitar. Essentially, open string voicings are the fundamental notes of unstopped, full strings. So, for instance, an open string is playing the G note and letting it resonate.
How To: Analyze an easy jazz standard for the acoustic guitar
Jazz music, along the lines of jazz greats like Coltrane and Thelonius Monk, is usually associated with the piano and the sax (as well as backup clarinets, oboes, etc.). But an equally fit instrument for playing jazz tunes is the acoustic guitar, which offers a light contrast to the larger, deeper toned instruments.
How To: Play different rhythms on the acoustic guitar
Without alterations in rhythm, your guitar strumming would consist of bland picking and chord strumming. That's why it's important to know how to play different rhythms and alternate between them for interest.
How To: Use a melodic-percussive strumming style on guitar
In this free video guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play guitar with a melodic/percussive strumming style reminiscent of old Neil Young. Regardless of your preferred style of music, if you want to be great, you'll need your head and hands on the same page. And there's no better way to get your head and hands on the same page than to practice. Happily, the Internet is awash in video tutorials like this one.
How To: Do hammer-ons on the guitar to increase articulation
If all guitarists did was play chords with a single strum or individually pick notes, the music industry - and guitar music - would be dead as we know it. Some of our favorite songs, both past and present, are so memorable because they vary the articulation of notes on the guitar. This means that rather than boringly stick with the same strumming pattern they include cool sounding tricks like pull-offs and hammer-ons.
How To: Fingerpick the acoustic guitar for folk songs
If you told people you played folks songs even a decade or so ago, you could be sure that they would think you sat around outside a trailer park, a piece of hay stuck between your teeth and your fingers picking a banjo.
How To: Play the major scale on the guitar for beginners
There are zillions of fun and cool things you can do with guitars, including riffs, hammer down, and so on. But in order to unleash the rock star that we know is hidden deep within you, you have to start with the basics first.
How To: Play the six note blues scale on the acoustic guitar
There's no better time to sing the blues than in this current economy. After all, picking at your guitar strings and humming a bittersweet tune is a lot better than sitting around depressed and verbally complaining about your life.
How To: Use open-string chord voicings in your guitar playing
In this free video guitar lesson, you'll learn how to incorporate open-string chord voicings into your playing. Regardless of your preferred style of music, if you want to be great, you'll need your head and hands on the same page. And there's no better way to get your head and hands on the same page than to practice. Happily, the Internet is awash in video tutorials like this one.
How To: Adjust an electric guitar's intonation and action
First off, if you're new to electric guitars, here are some handy dandy definitions for you before you watch this video:
How To: Play "You Could Be Happy" by Snow Patrol on guitar
Want to play "You Could Be Happy" by Snow Patrol? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "You Could Be Happy" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play an easy version of "Hey There Delilah" on guitar
Want to play "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White Ts on your guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Hey There Delilah" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Tune a guitar without a tuner using harmonics
Say you are out & about and, oops, you forgot your guitar tuner. No problem. Use this technique to tune your guitar by harmonics. For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use natural harmonics to tune a guitar relative to itself, and to get started using this tuning technique yourself, watch this video guide.
How To: Play Tay Zonday's "Chocolate Rain" on guitar
Want to play Internet sensation Tay Zonday's "Chocolate Rain"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Chocolate Rain" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play a medley of four-chord songs on acoustic guitar
In this clip, you'll learn how to play a medley of four-chord songs on an acoustic guitar. Specifically, you'll learn how to play Jason Mraz' "I'm Yours," Coldplay's "Viva la Vida," Busted's "Year 3000," the Fray's "How to Save a Life," Green Day's "Time of Your Life," Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and Taylor Swift's "Teardrops on My Guitar."
How To: Play the intro to the Fray's "How to Save a Life"
Want to play the introduction to the Fray's "How to Save a Life" on acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "How to Save a Life" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Love Story" by Taylor Swift on acoustic guitar
Want to play Taylor Swift's "Love Story" on acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this Taylor Swift song on your own guitar, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play "Perfect" by Simple Plan on the acoustic guitar
Want to play Simple Plan's "Perfect" on acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play "Trouble" by Never Shout Never on acoustic guitar
Want to play Never Shout Never's (or NeverShoutNever's) "Trouble" on acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this NSN song on your own guitar, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play Cascada's "Everytime We Touch" on acoustic guitar
Want to play "Everytime We Touch" by Cascada? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this Cascada song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer on guitar
Want to play "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Kiss Me" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Live Forever" by Oasis on the acoustic guitar
Want to play Oasis' "Live Forever" on acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Live Forever" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz on acoustic guitar
Want to play Jason Mraz' "I'm Yours" on acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
Want to play Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" on your acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Mona Lisa (When the World Comes Down)" on guitar
Want to play the All-American Rejects' "Mona Lisa (When the World Comes Down)"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Broken Strings" by James Morrison on guitar
Want to play "Broken Strings" by James Morrison on your acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Collide" by Howie Day on acoustic guitar
Want to play "Collide" by Howie Day? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Hey There Delilah" on an acoustic guitar
Want to play "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's on your acoustic guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Hey There Delilah" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" on acoustic guitar
Want to play "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Use Somebody" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play the Glee version of "Don't Stop Believing"
Want to play Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" Glee-style? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Wonderwall" by Oasis on acoustic guitar
Want to play "Wonderwall" by Oasis? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Wonderwall" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga on the acoustic guitar
Want to play Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Restring your guitar for beginners
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to restring their guitar. If the guitar is out of tune or has grit and grime, it needs to be re-stringed. The strings will feel and sound better. The strings should be changed every few months. To tighten a string, turn the peg counterclockwise. To loosen the string, turn the peg clockwise. Users can use a string winder to speed up the turning process. When the string is loosened pull it out and remove the peg that holds the string at the bridge. This...
How To: Play 30 Seconds to Mars' "Kings and Queens" on guitar
Want to play 30 Seconds to Mars's "Kings and Queens"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Kings and Queens" on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Play Paramore's "Only Exception" on acoustic guitar
Learn how to play Paramore's "Only Exception" on acoustic guitar with this free guitar lesson. This video guide presents a complete, step-by-step breakdown of the song including chords and picking patterns. For more information, and to get started playing this popular Paramore song on your own acoustic guitar, watch this tutorial.
How To: Play Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" on acoustic guitar
Learn how to play Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" on acoustic guitar with this free guitar lesson. This video guide presents a complete, step-by-step breakdown of the song including chords and picking patterns. For more information, and to get started playing this popular early Rod Stewart song on your own acoustic guitar, watch this tutorial.
How To: Make a three string guitar out of a cigar box
This video will show viewers how to simply make a 3 string guitar using an empty cigar box, a piece of oak, some string, and a few eyebolts. You start with a 1 by 2 piece of oak which is about 3 feet long. First, you should begin by making some markings along one side of the oak, first at 1/2 an inch and then at 1/4 inch spacing after that. Drawing 3 symmetrical lines where the strings should go, drill holes at the intersections of the lines you have drawn. The holes should be made using a 1/...
How To: Get started playing slide guitar
In this guitar lesson, learn how to play basic slide guitar. With the guitar, as with any other instrument, if you want to improve, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash with free, high-quality guitar lessons like this one. For more information, and to get started playing slide guitar yourself, watch this video tutorial.