Your First Guitar Lesson - Beginner Lesson 1

This is lesson 1 of the guitar roadmap. Don't go on until you've mastered this stuff. I hope this video helps you to start in the right direction on guitar. I'm going to be uploading more in this series so look out for that! And more than anything, PRACTICE! Thanks for watching!
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.
Cheap-ish acoustic I like: amzn.to/44IxFmK
Very cheap acoustic guitar (not great but better than nothing): amzn.to/44teYUg
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Comfortable guitar strap: amzn.to/3pGpt7L
The picks I like for acoustic: amzn.to/3PRCExa
The picks I like for electric: amzn.to/3Ochusn
The picks I recommend for beginners: amzn.to/44l80AC
Awesome amp for beginners: amzn.to/3OoUXJ7
Cheapest amp that's not terrible: amzn.to/43sMOHR
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Thanks for watching!

[@darrellgibson7027]

I had guitar lessons as a kid, but fell away from it because of a personality conflict with my instructor (middle school class). I’m 57 years old now. While going through counseling and therapy for Complex PTSD, my therapist has encouraged me to pick it back up as music is the Universal Language and a healthy emotional release. I purchased a D’Angelico Premier acoustic last Saturday and started searching for lessons on KZbin when I came across your channel. Your presentation style is clear, concise & very relatable. I’m retired and have very little going on in my life aside from hitting the gym 5 days a week and my Therapy sessions twice a week. Now, I have a healthy emotional outlet and have set aside 30mins each morning and evening for practice…and I absolutely WILL be sticking with your program. I can’t thank you enough! God bless you, young man!

[@gabrielzorrilla9471]

On king david!

[@Errorztx]

Hey man, glad to hear you're doing stuff for mental health; I am on a similar downtrodden road (not the same issues, enough to make me contemplate permanent solutions), but using the guitar in the same fashion. When you get the chance I would like to hear how it's working out for you.

[@hard.g0re]

I'm glad you went to therapy and are working through those tough emotions, im so proud of u dude!!!! Much luck and I hope ur guitar treats u well!!☆

[@Tarheel462]

My dad always says a guitar will never talk back.

[@marcustorrez9278]

I too love this guys method of explaining things it’s simple, easy to follow, broad explanations even for new beginners I myself am new to learning guitar one of my favorite hobbies to date

[@Reesanicole83]

Thank you so much for making an "Absolute Absolute Beginner" video. All these "Beginner" videos wanna start with "How to play a ___ chord" and "Step 1 - Play a popular song" but no "This is what these strings are called" or "This is how to read the diagrams I'm gonna be flashing up on the screen". I'm a TRUE beginner - I don't even know what I'm looking at. First time ever holding a guitar and don't even know if I'm doing ~that~ right, or strumming properly. Before I get heckled to death for being stupid, I inherited my gr-gr-uncle's guitar who died 30 years ago. I just never had the heart to repair it because too many parts needed to be replaced and I felt like it wouldn't be his anymore. 3 decades later and now I feel like it's not honoring anyone for it to be sitting in my closet caked in dust, so I just got it professionally restored.. and it's beautiful. It didn't look or sound this good when he was singing us his silly, slightly inappropriate songs on his porch. I wanna learn to play it secretly to surprise my family.

[@YahwehSaves]

How is your guitar journey going?

[@briteboy69]

yesss

[@yestfmf]

Thank you for not starting your video with a showoff clip, shredding at a level years beyond the viewer’s ability. Those who do this tend to assume their viewers know a lot more than they actually do, then blah blah blah blah long complicated explanation packed with jargon. Simple clear and concise.

[@alexbenko8570]

I love watching beginner lessons. As someone who is more intermediate. I find that there is stuff to learn all over this video. Example, paint the strings. Great advice!!

[@kevinnickens]

I appreciate it!

[@Ra-cq4el]

I also love watching beginner videos ... As someone who is more .. beginner.

[@cmonster67]

Scoot over, I wanna get in on this... 🤘🤘

[@Douglas.Scott.McCarron]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/inbJn5quhrCplbs

[@knuckleheadcollections]

It's kind of fascinating, that it took this long, for someone to understand how to make a BEGINNING guitar video. I've never understood these other channels, that claim to be for beginners, and then the dude starts talking and never stops talking. Before you know it ... He's way off track ... Has moved on to guitar theory .... And just has no reason being online teaching lessons. Finally! .... It's good to see someone who gets it. KZbin should give this guy an award for being able to accomplish what no other guitar teacher has been able to do .... ACTUALLY TEACH. I'm not big into influencers or online teachers, so we should all reward this guy with a subscription and make sure he gets to the level he deserves to be at. 💯😎👍🏼

[@kevinnickens]

Dang that’s super nice, glad you got value out of the video!

[@whoyoukidding1]

Let us all share a moment of silence for Eddie.

[@LordChevonlier]

The thing about finding a program is 100% correct. It's also one of the things you mainly pay teachers for. You pay teachers not just for learning, but their ability to organize information so it's easily digestable and you're not drowning in information.

[@jLee-ol2pv]

R.I.P Eddie 🕯️

[@lylalamb1588]

😂

[@Manaliikk]

Rip

[@miau_OF]

@@lylalamb1588thats not fun…

[@goddamn-3702]

Who?

[@Manaliikk]

@@goddamn-3702 eddie

[@jacobpage8028]

You're hilarious and very good at teaching guitar. Keep it up!

[@lovecraftwithme]

Out of all the guitar tutorial videos on KZbin you are the one i resonated with the most. 1. You acknowledged Eddie’s sacrifice, 2. You called Jedi posers and 3. You are pretty 🤩. Thank you, you are literally making the learning curve enjoyable. Really appreciate your videos. Thank you ❤

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks! The Jedi just don’t understand the power of the dark side

[@lovecraftwithme]

@@kevinnickens exactly, if they did they’d be sith instead of wannabes.

[@Vaugha]

Thank you for making this for an actual beginner, Last night, I picked up a guitar I was gifted 8 years ago. I don’t even know what specific type of guitar I have let alone what letter each string is, but thanks to Eddie I’ll remember.. poor Eddie

[@KyleFunk21]

Only thing I’d argue with here.. For beginners… learn and practice on acoustic and electric will be easier to play.. learn and practice on electric and you could still find acoustic difficult. Acoustic typically requires more hand strength due to a more “stiff/rigid” feel. Electric guitars require much less strength of the hands so if you learn on that, then pick up an acoustic, I can almost guarantee it’s going to be very painful to play.

[@CatfishLove]

Brother your method of teaching is on point. At the age of 61 with no knowledge of music this is just what I needed to learn the basics of playing. Your channel is going to explode. Thanks.

[@jlindy73]

I am an older person wanting to pick up his first instrument. I think your teaching style would make this an enjoyable experience

[@MaraBug]

I’m really happy I found this program. My granddad passed and one of the only things I have left is his guitar. I’ve been putting off learning and I’m glad Im trying to play again. Thank you ❤

[@scm6079]

This is the first time I've come across a beginner guitar lesson that I could follow from start to finish with absolute clarity. The pacing of the instruction was simply brilliant, and the level of detail was perfectly tailored for someone like me who's starting from scratch. It's a relief to finally find a starting point that feels right, and I'm genuinely grateful for the evident effort that went into producing such a well-crafted video. A huge thank you for this resource - it's been incredibly useful and appreciated!

[@kevinnickens]

Thank you!

[@ayzerekhamit]

Pretty boy said to stick to his guitar programme... and I will! Thank you!

[@daspicsman]

Thank you for actually posting videos that help and aren't clickbait for something that I have to pay for. I really enjoy these lessons and I've learned so much already!

[@user-kj6ns3gn8v]

excited asf for these lessons bro, my dad just gave me his old takamine acoustic he's had since the 70s so I figure now is the best time to actually learn

[@psjmejia]

Ok, I'm sticking to your program! Learning from level -1. I've been scouting several videos and find that your way of explaining is the one I like and understand the most. Thanks!

[@kevinnickens]

I appreciate it! Good luck with your guitar journey!

[@ra5742]

Wow!! , I was afraid to learn guitar because I thought it would be too difficult, and I didn't know where to begin. I had lost hope and believed I wouldn't find a good program to guide me as an absolute beginner in learning guitar. As an absolute beginner, I didn't even know the names of the strings. You can't imagine the relief I felt when I finished watching that video because I regained hope in learning guitar in such a fun and smart way! I hardly ever comment on KZbin videos, but I felt the need to comment on this one and say THANK YOU!!

[@Magencory17]

We are in the same boat my friend! Let’s rock on! 💪🏽

[@Mari-studyup]

This is the BEST guitar beginner lesson video I've found on KZbin. It explains all the basics in such a simple, yet detailed manner. Thank you so much!

[@greenarrowjs2757]

Woah dude, I’m not new to music having played piano for 7 years, but I’ve always wanted to pick up guitar and this video suddenly helped me have a chance, thanks a lot!

[@rjadamz9117]

I gotta say you and Steve Stine have been the most helpful by far when it comes to actually learning how to play guitar.

[@caciquiiito9507]

Ok, so I've been playing acoustic guitar on and off for about 15 years now. I started as a 15 year old girl learning basic guitar music theory from my cousin who was studying music theory in college. I've been trying to get back to it now, so i love your videos, they're really helping me remember the basics. All guitar players should know this. Thank you!

[@yuutafiles]

oh my god i love the way you explain things. thank you so much i've had a guitar for almost a year but never learned because I got overwhelmed, but this is motivating me! thanks again for the advice!

[@myasiahrowland4672]

I’ve had my guitar for about 2 years but I’ve been procrastinating bc it seemed impossible to learn how to play but I’ve decided to start learning.watching other people’s video they just play they don’t actually show me or teach me how but this video helped me get started and I learned a lot thank uu so much I will be watching ur other videos keep it up🫶🏾🫶🏾

[@danbonk1]

Absolutely love your videos. They are well produced and full of information delivered in a concise way with a little bit of humour thrown in for good measure. As someone that thinks more like a computer than a human, the video you made on the 6 levels of guitar learning is amazing! Keep up the good work, and your efforts will be greatly rewarded by the community you build around your content.

[@kevinnickens]

A fellow computer brain!

[@Douglas.Scott.McCarron]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/inbJn5quhrCplbs

[@bloodyfire3226]

I'm just starting out trying to learn guitar and I really appreciate your video. It's super helpful and I find it easy to follow along. The light-hearted nature of it also helps me to not overthink it as much. Thank you so much for making this and I can't wait to learn more in the future!

[@chrisdoe8632]

You are an inspiration! Clear, concise, believable and in my late 50's I never thought I could ....'till now. Thankyou

[@tunguy]

This is an excellent beginner lesson.. I have been playing ( trying) for almost two years now and regularly revert to beginner lessons.Just LOVE your approach! Once you are widely discovered, your site will attract millions!

[@khaze]

hey man, i really appreciate the pace you teach at and the way you explain everything in layman's terms but still in a way that relates to learning. Excited for the rest of the series!

[@Douglas.Scott.McCarron]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/inbJn5quhrCplbs

[@BabyPleaseFM]

This video is so insightful! Thanks! I’ve had my guitar for over a year now and could not seem to find someone just shooting me straight on where I should start. This is an excellent starting point

[@esmen7055]

i walked into a charity shop very close to me a few days ago and saw a guitar hanging on the wall. so i bought it and as if by magic your beginner video came up tops in my search. fantastic..... i've just organised a tuner and some picks and in the meantime am getting familiar with the strings following this lesson. thank you for your easy and straightforward delivery. i played violin at school but that was now 40+ years ago and i cannot even remember how to read music so i'm hoping your clear instruction will help me resurrect the basics of music. looking forward to my playing adventure and the peace i hope it will add to life. i will be sticking to your channel most definitely.

[@kevinruiz5659]

Dude! Your videos are amazing! I want to learn to play extreme metal for the last two weeks and I honestly have been feeling lost because I don't know how to practice or what things I should be playing and I haven't feel any noticeable improvement, and I found your channel trying to find someone explaining which steps should I take to improve in my guitar playing. Hopefully I will be able to begin to get better at guitar following you. I'll be waiting for more videos!

[@zazanashrulhuda]

After watch this, i will always remember Eddie everytime i strum my guitar 1 strum = 1 respect to Eddie Thanks Eddie, I will not make your sacrifice in vain

[@kevinnickens]

We will never forget Eddie

[@robloxgladiator6917]

@@kevinnickens eddie van halen 👍👍👍👍

[@3puttstan]

Excellent video! Thank you for adding the little bit of theory in there. I’m a 60 year old re-beginner and really enjoy the straightforward and humorous approach

[@zanetheinsane7917]

NEED all the lessons! i love the way you explain things man. its very helpful, i appreciate the knowledge and hope for more in the near future. you have my sub and gratitude

[@lam6027]

Thank you for the detailed and clear explanations.

[@forgetme_nott]

ur so fun and funny to watch ive never had this experience in watching guitar tutorials before ill definitely watch more of ur videos

[@Michelle-ep1kc]

These are awesome! Thanks so much for sharing and putting together this roadmap :) Humour is also 11/10!

[@brianramsey7048]

I cant wait to get started.

[@annonymous161]

I'm going to learn using your lessons. You're awesome. Thank you for your content!

[@benmiller9754]

Dude thank you. I want to learn guitar so I can play some of my favorite songs from artists that have passed away as well as just always wanting to learn it. Thank you for giving insight into the music so I don’t just know what I’m doing. I understand it

[@manueldomenechtito]

I just started my guitar learning journey. Thank you for your videos. 🙏🏻

[@amolsolanke7230]

The best guitar tutorial for beginners. Kevin gives a masterclass 👍🏼

[@MeGoHeHe]

Kevin, please continue to create these amazingly concise videos. I know you by name now because after watching your step-by-step involving all the levels of learning guitar I made a word document with a checklist and put your name on it. I'll email it to you if you'd like lol But I feel like you're the person that is going to keep me motivated the most because you're the most comprehensive, other people feel somewhat sporadic which leads to early onset frustration. Thanks for the direction.

[@mariajoseolivaresr]

I just bought a guitar today and this video was gold! Excited to see the other videos 😊

[@Douglas.Scott.McCarron]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/inbJn5quhrCplbs

[@singkamachinao4068]

Your lucky to find him when you have just started your journey. I wish he had been there when I started but nevertheless he is still a great teacher even at this stage

[@isaacsmothers820]

I am a newbie at this and eager to learn. I found your channel Kevin and feel I will learn much from you. I like your Witt, style, pace and diction. Thanks sooooo much!! 😊

[@rayvanhorn1534]

Really enjoy your explanations, keeping it elementary for guys like me…especially your emphasis on technique. Get it right the first time, I agree. Also appreciate your wit & sense of humor, keeps it light which I think makes for a better learning experience. You have mad skills, I’m subscribing because of your genuine & sincere nature…& that you are 180 degrees out from others who either want to sell something (or we can tell they’re not interested in helping anyone who doesn’t send $). You’re the first I’d be willing to sit down, have a beer & talk to. Look forward to more videos…now I’m gonna practice about an hour…keeping Eddie’s sacrifice in mind. 😊

[@sammlehman5840]

Absolutely love this. Your clear and concise teaching style is impeccable.

[@pam8819]

I'm learning to play my guitar which I hadn't touched in a year. Thanks for this video

[@actie-reactie]

Years ago I picked up a cheap acoustic guitar.... put it down very quickly because of I had no system.... I picked up Dig.Piano....found simply piano ....yeah I know... but practice every day for an hour.... picking up the guitar again....piano theory and practice is going to help me with this....I think....but the way you explain in a calm relaxed way, is a fresh breath of air.... subscribed , and hope your lessons will teach me good....doesnt need to be fast...just good.....thanks for this first vid!

[@abiLLity]

Love how approachable you make it feel

[@davetonyjohn1391]

You're a really cool guy . Thank you for putting out these videos for noobs like me . I like your mixture of fun with intimate learning and techniques .

[@projectndv]

Thank You for these great videos!!! I love that you sprinkle in some comedy in there as well. It really helps to break things up. You keep me laughing while learning at the same time. Thank You Again - Will keep watching and practicing the lessons.

[@BCastless]

This is very incredible! On Monday, I'm getting an electric guitar. and I can't wait to figure it out. This was really interesting and I will definitely continue with your program.

[@keithhorgan178]

Alright, I'm going to do this. I watched your 0 to 6 and it makes sense. I am working on your lesson 1. Please keep creating, gonna ride this horse till I can't no more. Thank you!

[@user-lf3kr1nq2d]

I've settled on you as my guru. I'm an older learner, and I appreciate your style and humour, plus you don't miss a single important point. Except about the Jedi. Did you call them POSERS?! You better have the high ground.

[@kevinnickens]

From my point of view the Jedi are evil

[@ava8352]

Thank you so much for this dude!!! I’ve been searching for weeks trying to find a video that isn’t immediately going into how to play a chord or song. It always made me feel lost and confused. You start at the very very beginning and i appreciate it. I’m a baby to this stuff. This really helped me. Thanks again 🤍🎸!

[@firefighteruppy9121]

I have recently received a gift certificate for a couple of guitar lessons. I've always had a fascination with them and their players but have never even touched one. So at the age of 54, we'll see if this old dog can learn a new trick. I came across this video and it answered a lot of questions I had. Thank you! Subbed!

[@petersutton2182]

Just bought my 1st guitar, can't play a note, don't know a E from a G so this tutorial is like gold for me. I'll be watching them all!

[@phakyou]

Thank you Kelvin. You are my teacher now. Hope you upload other lessons soon ❤🙏

[@LMQC]

first time watching a vid of yours. very well done with the production and delivery of information

[@dhairiyasundar1285]

Just got my guitar. Cant wait. Thanks ❤

[@solereeper3955]

Picked up my first guitar yesterday. Think I'm gonna be listening to your soothing voice for a while big dawg.

[@Iwillcommit_Arson]

I love this man

[@Sirpuntsalot]

mateeee ive been playing around for a week or so and keep not hitting shit properly and realized i was centering in between frets and as soon as i changed to near the edge i can hit them so much easier... thank you

[@Findingdrj]

Thank you for taking the time out to explain everything!

[@kevinnickens]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottgilmet7215]

This was my first guitar lesson. Great video! Can't wait to start the next one! Thank you!

[@cloudszzyy9881]

these videos are the best beginner guitar lessons ive found so far. pls make more 😢

[@fzelt]

you’re actually hilarious, i already love this😭. i have an electric guitar & i wanna learn it, being self taught! this is really helpful and i am VERY thankful for that. your content gives me entertainment and knowledge too! ❤

[@user-gi3xj8nz3s]

What a great detailed video. Keep up the good work 😉😎

[@danieldukes1954]

"Painting the strings." Excellent.

[@mikep3616]

Love the video, easy explanation for new 53 yr old learning the guitar! 👍🏻

[@GregoryMueller-ss2qv]

I have 4 students and im telling all 4 to follow this guy here , i like the way he explains everything 😊😊

[@PinkiePirate]

I love this! Will there be a season with more lessons on the way? I think that’s be really useful. Subbing now!

[@kevinnickens]

Yes! There are some other videos on the channel right now that are a part of the next level, but soon I will have a full lesson up! Thanks for watching!

[@JolieMcCartney24]

i bought my first guitar yesterday i cant wait to start learning !

[@CatieD]

Hey, this was really helpful and fun to watch. I’ll definitely be back. Thank you so much for creating some excellent content.

[@kevin.middletown]

Amazing video! This is a great video for any starting guitarist. I'd love to put our brains together and do these same kind of intro videos but with a band perspective!

[@practice.account]

i know i commented yesterday but, seriously, if you commit to creating these lessons they will be the best on KZbin by far. I wish you absolute luck.

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks! I’ve made a playlist on my channel that has the next lessons in order!

[@practice.account]

@@kevinnickensthank you sm!

[@Purple_Wellies]

My guitar will be delivered in a few days. I'm an absolute beginner. Your method of teaching will suit me A LOT! Much love from the UK

[@ashleysbored6710]

I took guitar lessons in middle school for a year, decided I didn't really care about guitar, and then got into rock and decided I wanted to be able to shred, so now I'm here.

[@advaitkulkarni2513]

Really appreciate the content❤ and the humor is great😂

[@crunchycookie6712]

this is amazing! thank you for this. i will be sticking with your program! :)

[@tani3762]

thank you! im so excited to learn guitar

[@EntityNomade]

Thank you I just started to learn the classical guitar and this video is perfect i understand more how to use my hand, im waiting your next video !

[@brianlippold4805]

You are so easy to follow and your instruction is designed not to frustrate. Hope you can monetize your talent for teaching. You deserve it.

[@kevinnickens]

Thank you so much!

[@hwangie9861]

Your videos are amazing! I recently ordered a guitar and I haven't got it yet but I'm trying to learn the basics and I feel like I learned a lot just from this video. Thanks!! :)

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks! Keep practicing!

[@jess_eck]

You're so cool for making a video like this :) thank you👊

[@aedreezy]

This is the best guitar lesson I’ve found on KZbin. Seriously, I hope you make more

[@tatjanaelevate]

Wow thank you so much !!!!💫🌸

[@BogansKia]

Just got my new guiter, and I think your channel is the perfect one for me❤

[@practice.account]

I need you to know you’re doing it better than anyone else right now. younger me would have killed for this and the previous curriculum video. cannot wait for more ^_^

[@alexwinterholler6243]

This content is fire. Keep it up

[@kevinnickens]

This comment is fire. Your support and encouragement is fire. This emoji is 🔥

[@joannefleet5546]

Thank you KEVEN , LOVED YOUR TEACHING METHOD. i JUST GOT MY FIRST GUITAR AND iM 74 BUT IT looks like a lot of fun ,

[@evalova]

Kevin, man!!! This is SUCH a great video!!!! ❤ Bought my first guitar a couple of days ago and fell into a endless hole of beginner videos and left the hole with more confusion… Im sticking to your videos! not just because you’re a great teacher actually targeting a COMPLETE beginner. Your videos are so engaging and fun to watch. The editing, lighting, angles, props, your camera presence and humor - TOP NOTCH! There was not a second of this video where I zoned out! And of course because you’re pwetty!! 😅

[@user-ey1ju7ro8p]

your the most helpful out of anyone! Thanks

[@HiFiFiben]

I will love to learn more from you 🙏🏻 thank you.

[@arcelius8255]

This was very helpful. I hope the next video for this series comes out soon because I really like how you break things down and was gut renched to find you didnt have more videos on beginner lessons. Keep it up!

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks for watching! I’m working on getting more videos up as soon as I can, but I’ve got a playlist that has some other lessons that might help, and they’re in order! Hope this helps!