About This Video

In this beginner guitar lesson, Alex introduces participants to the basics of playing guitar.

The lesson begins with the parts of the guitar, the difference between acoustic and electric guitars, and the importance of tuning before playing. Alex explains the six guitar strings, E, A, D, G, B, and E, and shares an easy way to remember them.

Participants also learn how the left hand presses down near the frets while the right hand plucks or strums the strings. Alex introduces the idea of frets, open strings, and how changing where a string is pressed changes the sound.

The lesson then moves into the first beginner chords, including E minor, A minor, and B7. Alex shows how to place fingers, listen to the sound, and practice moving between chords while reminding participants that sounding good and not-so-good are both part of learning guitar.

This video gives participants a first step into guitar playing with a focus on tuning, string names, frets, finger placement, beginner chords, practice, and encouragement.

Supplies Needed

• Guitar, acoustic or electric

• Clip-on tuner or another guitar tuner

• Guitar pick, optional

Good For

• Adults with IDD who are interested in learning guitar, music, rhythm, chords, or trying an instrument at their own pace.

• Caregivers looking for a first beginner guitar lesson with clear explanations, repetition, and encouragement.

• Adult day programs, home routines, or group activities about music, guitar basics, fine motor practice, listening, following directions, and creative expression.

• Participants who benefit from visual modeling, repeated practice, flexible pacing, and permission to learn gradually.

How to Use This Video

Use this video as the first lesson in the guitar series.

Caregivers can help participants set up a guitar, clip on or open a tuner, and get comfortable holding the instrument. Because tuning and finger placement can take time, it may help to pause often and practice one step at a time.

This lesson does not need to be completed all at once. Participants can practice naming the strings, using the tuner, pressing near the frets, playing one chord, or moving between two chords before trying the full lesson again.

Because guitar playing involves finger pressure, coordination, sound sensitivity, and repeated practice, caregivers can provide support with tuning, hand position, pacing, volume, frustration tolerance, and celebrating small wins.

At the end, participants can review the string names, practice E minor, A minor, and B7, and return to this first lesson before moving on to the next guitar video in the series.