Guitar Basics

Let us start this post by discussing the parts of the guitar.



Let us now come to the strings. The following image shows you the nomenclature of strings.



An easy way to learn the names of the strings from bottom is to remember it by following:
Every Boy Gives Dad An Eclair

The strings are named from thinnest to thickest. The strings are numbered as:
E = 1
B = 2
G = 3
D = 4
A = 5
E = 6

You must remember the names of the strings as it will be used a lot. It is prerequisite you must know the names of the strings when you tune your guitar. Before we start playing guitar, it has to be tuned. For this, I will recommend you buy an electric tuner and metronome. It is a very useful piece of instrument which you would be using again and again while learning guitar. There are a lot of tuner and metronome apps for iPhone and Android phones. You can also use them.

You must tune each string by playing each string individually and mapping it to tuner. If the tuner points to the left, you have to tighten your string and if it points to the right, you have to loosen your string. If the tuner points in the middle, your string is properly tuned. As a general rule, you must tune the string from loose to normal rather than the other way round, because excessive tight string creates large tension in the string which can lead to breakage of string and damage to guitar.

That is enough for this post. Next we will discuss proper technique to hold pick, and to hold strings. We will also be discussing a few finger exercises and shall be putting in an assignment for you guys to practice.