Your First 7 Days of Learning Guitar Should Look Like THIS

Happy new year you guys! I hope this helps lay out the practice routine that I think everyone should start with. Sorry for my voice being a little weird in this one, I just got over being sick.
Get acquainted with guitar video: • Your First Guitar Less...
Smoke On The Water Lesson: • Smoke On the Water - D...
Chord Changing Exercise Video: • The Secret to Changing...
Guitar Roadmap Video: • What to Learn on Guita...
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Here's some Amazon links to help you out. These are affiliate links so I earn a small commission, but you can still trust my recommendation because I can link any gear I want, I choose to link this stuff. I'm not sponsored by any of the manufacturers listed below.
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The picks I recommend for beginners: amzn.to/44l80AC
Awesome amp for beginners: amzn.to/3OoUXJ7
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Thanks for watching!

[@ryanloughlin3485]

Saw my friend play guitar, said i wish i could play... Gave me a flying v and bought me an amp, mark my damn words, i will figure this out, i will learn guitar.

[@kevinnickens]

Flying V is a great starter guitar. Good luck!

[@gardyjeanplong3638]

How you progressing

[@shakirashakira5361]

Lucky bastard

[@macafromthewired]

he was subliminally trying to get you to play in his band

[@starchild4627]

You are very lucky with a flying v, bcuz it allows you to sit in the right posture

[@waleid-isa]

You are really doing God‘s work, bro. I know you have other important things to do in life and a bunch of obligations. So, taking your time to teach the guitar in such a thoughtful and sincere way to complete strangers that you will most likely never meet is very admirable. The law of causality is real, and causality will be very kind to you. I’m looking forward to watching your future videos and learning how to play this majestic instrument from you. Thanks a lot, bro.🎸

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks for this comment bro, seriously appreciate it

[@seaxviking9545]

This is superb, Kevin! 👏👏👏 Im in my early 40s, bought my first acoustic some weeks ago. Been watching SEVERAL videos for beginners, and man I gotta say, as a guitar-noob - its a jungle out there! What sets you apart from the rest imo, is that you cut the bs and go straight to the core of things. Easy to understand and very well explained, and I love your laid-back and informal approach. Thanks A LOT, man! 🤜🤛

[@daveh7137]

Agreed!

[@koffiefilter]

Yeah, absolutely!

[@dpgoodale]

Looking forward to your dads videos as i am a 70 year old stuck somewhere between a beginner and a somewhat intermediate that just had surgery on my fretting hand thumb. Been a long two months but looking forward to getting back at it.Not looking for pity just some direction to get over the hump.!!

[@jenniferditty2904]

I feel.like getting past beginner is hard since I started later in life and have adult responsibilities. I have been playing for 2 years and am till really beginner level. Better for sure but not intermediate by any means. I just am still amazed that I can get those sounds out of it and am tickled when I figure out anything new. I do find having a teacher I pay keeps me motivated and practicing when I might prioritize other things. It also gives me a solid hour every week that I am focused and it is all about me and my guitar with no distractions. I did find a teacher that makes me feel that way. I am not sure if it is because I opted for an hour over half an hour session this time, but I tried a couple teachers before I found him. I think just the daily focused practice is probably key.

[@lovecraftwithme]

You are legit the BEST guitar mum EVER. Thank you

[@noah..guitar]

I wish there was a channel like yours but for piano, it would make my life so much easier cause you have everything catogorized so well and since I play guitar for quite a while I just can easily tell you don’t fuck around in your videos and that’s great man, keep going!!!!!

[@Frygonz]

Kevin, as a fellow music educator, I must say I admire the way that you elegantly present information and know exactly what NOT to include so that beginners don't get off track. As a person who has to know the "why" of everything, it is good to see an example of someone teaching where only the "whats" come first and listeners are given the security that it's okay not to know the "why" right away.

[@g0atdude]

I watched many youtube videos about guitar basics, but yours are THE BEST. by far. Thank You, and please upload more!

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks, will do!

[@patrickchen7898]

This channel is so high quality, pls keep doing what you’re doing!!! Grateful for these videos

[@yehurek1883]

His video quality is just chef’s kiss

[@Rebecca_33]

I started learning guitar 8 days ago and I’ve learned some notes to play but can’t change them quickly, a bit of spider exercise and some basic theory but didn’t knew what to really practice everyday to become better and now you’ve helped me with this. Huge thanks! 🙏🤘

[@Peshy_]

Just picked up the guitar a month ago and have been watching your videos to help make a roadmap for myself, thanks for helping new players in a clear and concise way man, your videos are great!

[@Liftmycurse]

Hey Kevin! I just bought my first guitar yesterday at age 53. Also picked up an amp and every other thing I would need in order to try to be a successful player. I’m going to follow your videos and also challenge my younger brother to see who can playby Thanksgiving.

[@SebbGuy]

I had my guitar for almost 2 years and with my ADHD I had few moments when i started learning but after a while I left it so now im starting from scratch and without knowing You posted this video I picked up the guitar just now and decided to check for any beginners exercises. Im glad I subscribe to Your channel, so it feels like this video was meant to be for me right now 😂

[@andriirad]

That's brilliant, mate! I'm 38 years old and finally decided to chase my dream and start learning how to play the electrical guitar. Luckily I was able to find your channel, so my plan is to follow your learning guides from A to Z, as it looks like perfectly structured information.

[@TofuDuffington]

Same here! 37 and finally unlocking the magic of music theory

[@nicks931]

Think I'm your target audience. My geetar is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I'm 60 and have time to practice, and motivated. But dang man, hope I can keep up and complete your assignments and goal. Will definitely try. Thanks for everything.

[@anthonygallantmcdavid4532]

Man, you are the best, I've tried to learn before, and I never understood ever since I started watching your videos. I've been getting a lot better

[@darkimora]

daddy kevin always delivers

[@aeea3306]

He really delivered me to the guitar world

[@TofuDuffington]

This video just changed my life I think 😂. THANK YOU for laying out the basics. The information provided is exactly what I needed to hear. You’re a fantastic teacher. Seriously, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Srobinson102]

I was sure you were going to say you would teach yourself left handed! Looking forward to Guitar Dad and Guitar Mom shredding.

[@markbutler1158]

Kevin, you are the best that I have found at teaching guitar. I am 62 year old Navy Veteran retired and guitar is really giving me something new to keep me going. Love your sense of humor.

[@oskarcottam9868]

Thanks for making this new challenge I'm taking on feel less daunting and more achievable!

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks!

[@daveh7137]

Great channel. Great attitude. Great teaching style.

[@Mysterios0]

I love the spider exercise. I know that’s a skill I don’t have, so it’s fun to build it. Thanks

[@davidpascoe293]

One thing I’ve found useful, especially as not a young dude anymore: spend a few minutes stretching out your hands and forearms before you start playing. Makes fretting easier and less uncomfortable, and chord changes happen faster.

[@weirdchick216]

This was the first really helpful video I've found. It gave me a plan and all there was for me to do is sit down and focus on that plan. After a while of being overwhelmed and not knowing where to start (thus not getting anywhere) I now know two chords and can play some of Seven Nation Army. My biggest gain is the confidence that I can do this. Thank you!

[@antoine5086]

this guy is crazy useful, i am not a native english speaker, 'been surfing on ytb to find how to learn guitar in many languages, and this is clear, structured and not overhelming at all. Thanks a lot for making that stuff !

[@byob1423]

Been playing drums since I was born I’m 27, now just brought a guitar, I feel like I can pluck the strings in a beat like sense but my fret hand needs a ton of work 😂, thanks for this vid man, been looking all over KZbin for this kind of explanation, I’m a step by step guy like you, subbed 👌

[@premhessenkamp]

Such useful videos Kevin! Brilliant, clear, thoughtful, goal orieted and just challenging enough. I feel like I have a well built ladder🙌🏼

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks! Happy practicing!

[@gnjprice]

Started this last Tuesday. One week under my belt playing between 1 and 2 hours in the evening. I will keep continuing to do this and add week two. I will search your list again; however, I would love to see you play chords and show us how to strum them correctly along with muting unneeded strings. Another lesson would be strumming power chords along with picking the string. Do you have an exercise for picking. I seem to miss the correct string. Maybe just Doug the neck scale will help naturally.

[@FeliciasJourney27]

Idk if i have told you before because this is me rewatching this and writing notes but I really appreciate this spelled out the way that you have here.

[@JaRew]

Very cool idea to teach your father. Really looking forward to what sounds like a wholesome experience.

[@AdrianOlivas_]

I laughed SO hard at having a life outside of guitar being dumb but understandable. HYSTERICAL! 😂😂😂

[@digitalcoin333]

Thanks!

[@kevinnickens]

No problem!

[@killakacti]

Really appreciate the level videos, I've been playing since the 90s, just a handful of Marley, nirvana, and sublime songs. I recently picked back up the guitar and really want to progress. I learned the first position of the minor pentatonic scale and am now working on sweet home Alabama. Thank you for giving those of us who don't want to take in person lessons a direction to go in. Really want to play bluegrass, got plenty of work ahead of me.

[@cuiq]

These are the most phenomenal videos I have found. Like seriously, your lessons are on par (and sometimes better) with Rocksmith. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher. Your explanations are detailed and thorough and understandable. Subscribe and notifications set.

[@matildaaaa789]

i probably don’t need this but i’m gonna watch the whole thing cause i love you

[@ianbrown5486]

Good video Kevin one point no one has said your guitar needs to be in tune some guitars de tune so your guitar ing will not sound good play on guys enjoy dont give up

[@JuanPerez.47]

I love the sarcastic deadpan delivery I always start to believe exactly what you’re saying then realize you’re messing around 😂😂

[@johnjames77]

I am doing your class and the Fender class at the same time.I think it's a great combo !

[@tinkerbellbetty]

I like you stight no nonsense lessons. Especially the string names🎉

[@Mushra453]

My goal is to finally have a skill that I don't need a heavy reference in order to enjoyably practice it (i.e., drawing, crochet); but my ADHD has been keeping me from learning guitar effectively, because no one had a solid, exact starting routine video. I'm finally making good progress! Now I need to ask: should my second week of practicing guitar be similar to the first, but maybe practice a different song, and a different set of chords? Thanks, you're amazing for taking the time to teach us!

[@abulmeed4492]

I'm excited for the upcoming videos, and I will be learning along. Thank you!

[@jackdixon1892]

Thank god, I was starting to miss my guitar mommy

[@kevinnickens]

I missed you too, jack

[@actie-reactie]

Bought myself the yamaha 112v and going to give it a try....hope 40 minutes.....but allready practice piano for about an hour and a half daily....thanks for your lessons!!

[@kevinnickens]

You can do it!

[@actie-reactie]

@@kevinnickens thanks! I also own an acoustic guitar... but considering the neighbours.... I will practice electric with headphone.

[@Zyxalis]

Where was this vid 10 yrs ago? The fact I’m here learning E and G tells you I’ve been going at this all wrong.

[@masontomlinson7180]

Album wall looks sick 🤟

[@bradflores7878]

Great video. I disagree with 40 minute limitation. If you love doing it play your heart out. If you dont at first or for awhile then the 40 minute rule is great. I played 3 hours sometimes 5 hours a day and i learned very fast. (So i was told)

[@wildside.nikki.]

Thanks guitar mom!!! I literally searched the title of this video A WEEK AGO lol better late than never! - So far I can switch cords - kinda - Play a bit of a song and strum with bad rhythm - And I’m working on my dexterity Looks like I’m track 😅

[@anonymous-ds4ix]

I have a son your age .. and I am trying to learn guitar ... following you .. thnaks

[@annonymous161]

Going to learn using your videos. Thank you for your content!

[@fisheyefish]

I am indeed watching this in june

[@gavinmoss1603]

goodluck dad

[@KevinsdadNorb]

Thanks- I’m a little nervous but looking forward to it.

[@edrichmaass2637]

love your videos man! keep up the good work💪

[@andaniletlalo2877]

Rockstar in me manifesting🤘

[@thomascouch4864]

Get acquainted with your guitar..... hmmmmm..... :Goes into George Strait The Chair: Well, excuse me but I think you've got my chair.

[@josephmaxfield7705]

I love your content! Your video on what to learn on guitar in order literally started my playing journey and I'm better than I ever thought I'd be! I love your presentation and editing as well :) I do hope you can change some of the spelling errors I see in your videos occasionally! You are such a talented creator and teacher, so it's just a little hard to see because they feel out of line with the rest of the incredible quality you are putting out.

[@milkeebeatz]

I can play chords kinda. What i wanna be able to do now is play only notes and make melodies with them... ive never practiced spider exercice as well, i always directly practice with songs that i really want to play, when i struggle, i keep changing between two chords till master, then go on to the next

[@milkeebeatz]

Started 8 months ago. I can play 21 pilots - ride, jessie reyez figures and coffin, tupac changes, akon dont matter... not bad heh

[@NINETYDEGREES_]

funny enough its June I got my first guitar and I'm here hahaha

[@kevinnickens]

lol nice

[@d-5384]

Yes!! Finally!!

[@RizzlerLegacy]

First day: Parts of guitar, names of strings, how to hold the guitar, how to hold the pick, how to pick a single note, how to fret a note, how to strum Goals for the week: Learn two chords (preferably g major and e minor), learn to fret notes with all four fingers, learn to play one song Second-seventh day: 40 minutes of practice a day 7 days a week, 6 minimum 20 minutes practicing your first song 10 minutes practicing spider excercise 11:42 10 minutes chord changing excercise 8:05

[@Tessaquin]

Okay okay...you're in charge

[@adriandrake4208]

Hi Kevin, how do we pluck when doing the spider exercise? Thanks for the best instruction out there.

[@cyraxvisuals6203]

9:15 how do u mute it?

[@3BeatSketcher]

just stumbled upon your channel while having a (midlife crisis?) urge to learn how to finally play guitar. Absolutely love it your videos have been a great starting point for me and after 3 days my fingees hurt! Have a question tho! What's a good way to try and avoid having your bottom fingers touch the high (G, B, e) strings? Maybe i'm just too weak but I've found that after a few minutes of trying different chords my fingers start getting fat and prevent the strings from ringing out because they're touching them.

[@mathusael]

You are just amazing man ❤ Can you make a video on capo?

[@zeke3187]

Thank you mom

[@MyNamesHunter75]

i decided to start learning to play guitar because I always wanted to as a kid but never did I'm 21 and bought a guitar to practice away from my other hobby because that's been stressing me out and only having a single hobby is pretty boring for me

[@darylgholson4481]

Very good video. I feel like veteran teachers go too fast and talk over the heads of beginner students. I hate that 😂

[@kevinnickens]

Haha thanks!

[@CraigTravis]

Thanks

[@kevinnickens]

Thank you!

[@CraigTravis]

@@kevinnickens My friend has loaned me a beautiful 1986 Jap Strat to learn on. It's his pride and joy. I have to make an effort... I'm going to learn along with your dad this year! I already have a blister on my pinky. Thanks again.

[@wallyQ2]

Really, 1st week learning & u want to start on the 1st frett to 4th and go up. I can't & most others I know Can't spread my fingers that wide to start with.

[@jaybee9155]

Hey Kevin! I followed the minor and major pentatonic scales and have them locked in! I've nearly completely memorized the fretboard in the span of 5 days. What scale should should I work on next? Could you make on the next scales to work on?

[@kevinnickens]

Video is on the way! Short answer is positions 3, 4, and 5 of the pentatonic scale

[@adthey]

im watching this in june

[@DavidKerner-en1ww]

Great video thank you

[@bradenmayfield4845]

What are reasons to use different tunings? Like do certain tunings sound better with different genres? I know how to change the tune I just wanted to know what it did.

[@mrdivit1]

Where do I find the sheet music for the songs records? Thank you.

[@matthewboston1570]

I cant do the spider exercise as my ring and pinky dont spead out enough, so I cant play the 3rd and 4th frets, what can I do? I can do it by having my index and middle fingers let go and slide along

[@amyshek9685]

Hi, thank you for the video. Very useful. When I do the spider exercise, I can't use all four of my fingers because my hands are too small. Does this mean I need to buy a smaller guitar, or will it get better over time?

[@hournd30fah]

Same here I can’t even do the spider exercise on frets 9-12 😂

[@JohnMcintosh-dm1gn]

G chord? Can't even get this without blocking other strings! Seven weeks in and still struggling with basic chords, on the other hand my Travis picking is coming along!

[@garrylyon4921]

I’m a complete novice, just tried to figure out the spider scales, do I have to be able to dislocate my fingers??

[@kevinnickens]

Haha yes 😂. They will be hard at first but just take it slow and you should progress!

[@wokeupwithsunlight]

I think you could do a monthly update on this chanel of your dad :)

[@toddluders2730]

Came to say you misspelled learning in the title

[@kevinnickens]

Omg thank you

[@Smashachu]

i guess it just depends on HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

[@meshackmohlomonyane9846]

Hi Kevin please can you help me on playing music thanks

[@NostolgiaDrive]

20 minutes learning a riff/song 10 minutes chord changing 10 minutes spider exercise, i think

[@Koijn2K]

Guitar mom huh, imma know you as that from now on.

[@therazorscooterkings]

After learning 8 or so chords, would would you continue to do the chord changing exercise with just two chords at a time or would you add more?

[@kevinnickens]

You could add more, but once you’ve got a handful of chords just practice the changes that are giving you trouble. So like if c to g is hard, just practice that change, for examole

[@therazorscooterkings]

@@kevinnickens Awesome. Thanks!!

[@Messihaz]

This guy looks like a grownup version of Jake from Two and a Half Men

[@kevinnickens]

lol this is the most unique one yet

[@patrickdev8211]

Love your lessons but at minute 10 you talk about taking your hand off the shape. I ask that you rethink this. Holding the shape in practice as a beginner helps with neuroplasticity of the hand/brain which makes for cleaner chords which get memorized more quickly.

[@gonkong5638]

Is Bo burnham trying to teach me guitar ?

[@Denvercoder]

Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve EVER seen you play guitar… are you a poser? 😂

[@herbertlulebiyinzika7710]

Bro talks alot

[@kevinnickens]

For sure, that’s how explaining stuff works

[@420DOTcom7]

this is crazy IT IS JUNE FOR ME

[@markbutler1158]

Thanks!

[@kevinnickens]

Welcome!