Beginner Guitar with Steve Eulberg

Beginner Guitar Course from Steve Eulberg

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If you are a beginner to the guitar or looking to brush up your skills, this series is for you. This beginner series starts off pretending you have never touched a guitar and gets you playing in no time. The skills in this series will be the foundation for your guitar-playing career.

59 Lessons

Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

89% Appoval

2695 of 2853 of our members have given this their approval.

Tabs & Info

Download tabs, helpers, JamTracks and docs included with lessons.

Included

Access this course, along with all other courses with Membership.

Full Course Breakdown

Steve starts us out with the basics of the acoustic and electric guitars, and quickly gets us up and running with easy, fun exercises that will have you playing in no time! Learn left and right hand essentials, chords and single string exercises designed to give you a solid start on your guitar playing journey.

Begin the Course
1

Introduction to the Course

Steve Eulberg introduces his beginner course and talks about who the course is for and what will be taught. He also demonstrates several beautiful pieces of music to get your blood moving. It's time to learn guitar!

5:06 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson
2

Meet the Acoustic Guitar

Steve introduces you to the wonderful world of the acoustic guitar. He talks about the instrument, its parts, and considerations when purchasing one.

8:46 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

3

Meet the Classical Guitar

Steve introduces the classical guitar in all of its nylon-stringed glory. He discusses the parts of the instrument and talks about how it differs from the traditional steel-stringed acoustic.

9:07 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

4

Meet the 12 String Guitar

Steve Eulberg introduces the 12 string guitar and talks about its merits and the differences between it and a 6 string guitar.

6:57 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

5

Meet the Electric Guitar

Steve Eulberg introduces the electric guitar. He talks about all of its parts and explains what makes it different from the acoustic offerings.

8:53 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

6

All About the Strings

In this lesson Steve Eulberg delves into the mysterious and wonderful world of strings. He talks about the standard tuning on the guitar and moves on to introduce the concept of string physics. Don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it sounds!

12:58 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

7

Tuning and the Magic of the 5th Fret

Before you play your first chord, your guitar must be in tune. In this lesson, Steve talks about a simple, effective and free way to tune using the magical properties of the 5th fret.

7:30 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

8

Tuning Devices

It isn't always possible to tune by ear or using the magic of the 5th fret method. Whether it's a noisy room, or you simply are not comfortable doing it, having a tuning device can be valuable. Steve talks about the common tuning devices.

14:18 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

9

Holding the Guitar

It may seem like a tedious subject for a lesson, but learning how to properly hold guitar can make you a better player and prevent unnecessary strain and pain.

5:08 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

10

The Left Hand

In this lesson Steve introduces the left hand, or fretting hand. He talks about how to properly play notes on the fretboard and gives you an exercise to build your dexterity and accuracy.

15:11 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

11

The Right Hand

In this lesson Steve talks about the role of the right hand, or the picking hand. He discusses proper placement, demonstrates the use of a pick and thumbpick, and talks about alternate picking.

21:48 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

12

The G Chord

Steve guides you through getting your fingers on the fretboard and playing your first chord. Don't be intimidated; this version of the G major chord only requires you to use one finger!

12:09 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

13

The C Chord

Steve Eulberg introduces your second chord, the C. He teaches a 1 finger version of the chord that you will be strumming in literally no time.

5:30 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

14

Your First Song

Steve Eulberg takes the one finger G and C chords from the previous lessons and combines them in an easy song we are all familiar with.

7:25 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

15

The D7 Chord

Steve moves on to teach the D7 chord, which is your first chord that makes use of three fingers at once! Don't worry though, if you've followed the lessons up until now, this will be cake for you! You will also learn a bonus chord that doesn't even require you to fret a note; how's that for efficient?

8:20 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

16

Moving Between Chords

The focus of this lesson is nurturing the ability to change between chords in a quick and accurate fashion. Steve uses two techniques which he calls "pivoting" and "sliding" to facilitate improvement.

8:25 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

17

Moving Between Chords Part 2

Steve moves on and talks about transitioning between two chords that do not have any fretted fingers in common. He uses a technique he calls "hover fingers" to accomplish this task.

4:32 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

18

Steve's Guide to Practice

Steve talks about his five-pronged approach to practicing. He also explains how he would recommend making use of the JamPlay progress report for the best results.

12:41 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

19

Written Resources

As a guitar player you will be assaulted with a wide variety of written resources, ranging from tablature to chord charts. In this lesson, Steve introduces the most common sources, so you won't be left in the dark.

10:13 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

20

Conquer the World with Three Chords Part 1

If you know three chords, you can play thousands of songs. In this lesson, Steve demonstrates how three chords can be use to conquer the folk genre using the song "This Land is Your Land".

14:17 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

21

Conquer the World with Three Chords Part 2

Steve Eulberg explains how learning three chords allows you to play most bluegrass songs.

12:06 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

22

Conquer the World with Three Chords Part 3

Steve advances his assault on the free people of planet Earth by showing how three chords can be used to conquer the blues.

5:53 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

23

Conquer the World with Three Chords Part 4

Steve demonstrates how three chords can be used to dominate the rock genre. He uses the song "Bad Moon Rising" as a demonstration.

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2.5 Difficulty

24

Conquer the World with Three Chords Part 5

Steve shows how knowing three chords can be used to play gospel music.

6:47 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

25

Conquer the World with Three Chords Part 6

Now that Steve has covered 5 genres of music that you can dominate with a mere three chords, we will move on and learn an extremely valuable tip about switching chords.

9:57 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

26

The Strumming Workshop Part 1

Think of this like bootcamp, but for strumming and rhythm playing. Steve introduces a few new chords to practice with, and then helps you get your strum on with new and exciting patterns.

15:50 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

27

The Strumming Workshop Part 2

Strumming in 4/4 time is an invaluable and fun skill, but alas it is time to move on. In this lesson, Steve teaches 3/4 time and shows how it can be used.

7:10 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

28

The Strumming Workshop Part 3

Steve teaches the song "Over the Waves" as an example of how to strum in 3/4 time.

3:50 Runtime

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29

The Strumming Workshop Part 4

Steve is back with some more strumming goodness. He introduces what he calls a "fan strum," or what most guitarist refer to as 'rolled' chords.

4:58 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

30

Single String Goodness

It's time to return to the world of picking single notes, the precursor to busting out some sweet lead guitar. In this lesson Steve teaches a single string exercise that will take you from the first fret all the way up to the twelfth. Don't forget to alternate pick!

4:49 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

31

The Ultimate Skipping Exercise

Now that you've practiced playing the frets in order it is time to skip around! This challenging exercise will have your fingers reeling and your mind beginning for mercy, but don't let them win. This is an important skill for any guitar player.

3:26 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

32

Playing across Strings with Clarity

Steve brings an old exercise back from the dead and breathes new life into it. The goal of this lesson, and exercise, is to focus on making the transition between two strings seamless.

4:30 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

33

The C Major Scale

Don't let the terms scale and music theory drive a black wedge of fear deep into your soul. They exist to make the guitar easier, and once understood, are valuable tools. In this lesson Steve introduces the concepts of a chromatic and diatonic scale. Then, he moves on to teach the C major scale.

11:12 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

34

Chords and Their Intimate Relationships

In this lesson, Steve talks a bit about how chords are made, but more importantly how they relate to each other. This lesson serves as a very basic introduction to the I-IV-V chord progression, which is one of the most common in Western music.

8:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

35

Relating to Minor Chords

In this lesson Steve Eulberg talks about minor chords and explains how they relate to major chords, how the minor chords in any key can be figured out using only your hands, and how they work with the Nashville Numbering System.

5:19 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

36

Fast and Easy Chord Transitions

Now that you've learned a slew of new chords, Steve Eulberg takes a look at them and sees if any can make use of a "pivot finger" to expedite the process of transitioning between them.

3:00 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

37

The D Family of Chords

In this lesson Steve covers several chords built from a D root note.

11:02 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

38

The A Family of Chords

With the D family of chords firmly in our rearview mirror, it is now time to move on to A. Steve teaches the popular open position A chord and its many variants.

9:39 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

39

The G Family of Chords

This time around Steve takes a look at the G family of chords. As with previous lessons, he explores the many variations of this wonderful chord.

6:31 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

40

The C Family of Chords

Now it's time to delve into the mysterious world of the C family of chords. Steve teaches all of the common variations of this extended family.

8:00 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

41

The E Family of Chords

Steve moves on to the E family of chords. Memorizing all of these chord families is a challenge, but don't worry, we are nearing the home stretch!

7:55 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

42

Pump up Your Pinky

Steve takes a break from the punishing chord lessons he has been serving up day after day to examine two exercises designed to increase the power of your pinky.

5:17 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

43

E Shape Barre Chords

You've been dreading this for months, perhaps even years, but we can't run any longer. It's time to learn the dreaded barre chord. Surprisingly this isn't as difficult as you have been told, and has uses that range far and wide. This time around, Steve covers the E shape.

11:47 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

44

The A Shape Barre Chord and the CAGED System

Now that you've learned the E shape barre chord, it's time to ratchet up the difficult a notch. This time around Steve teaches the A shape. While this only requires a 5 string barre, fingering can be more difficult, so get ready for a challenge! He also talks about the CAGED system, a very useful system which grants players the ability to play up and down the entire neck without confusion.

10:53 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

45

Hand Stretches and Exercises

Steve talks about exercises and stretches that are useful for protecting your hands and wrists from strain and overuse.

12:29 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

46

The Circle of 5ths

Though it may sound complicated, the circle of 5ths can be a very useful tool, and can be learned quicker than expected. Steve covers this topic in today's lesson.

9:17 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

47

Bringing It All Together: D

Steve brings together your understanding of music, theory and the understanding of keys. He combines these skills with useful chord progressions. Get ready! This is a test of your skills and knowledge.

5:12 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

48

Bringing It All Together: A

Steve takes the chord progression from the previous lesson and transposes it to the key of A. Again, this lesson combines your knowledge of music theory and keys with the ability to strum and play chords.

7:33 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

49

Bringing It All Together: G

Steve continues with his "bringing it together" theme. This time he ventures into the key of G. He introduces new ways to strum this chord, and once again talks about transposition.

9:45 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

50

Bringing It All Together: C

Steve continues in the theme of his previous lessons and brings everything together in the key of C.

10:03 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

51

Bringing It All Together: E

In this lesson Steve takes a look at the key of E, and brings together all of your past lessons to understand this key and how to play progressions in it.

10:16 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

52

Introducing the CAPO

In this lesson we introduce the CAPO, a fabulous tool that can be used to change the key of your guitar on the fly. Steve talks about what it is, how it is used and why this is important.

8:04 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

53

Major Scale Pattern

Scales can seem a daunting and confusing topic, created only to stifle young musicians. But never worry, even this indomitable beast can be tamed. The major scale can easily be conquered by learning a simple, movable pattern.

7:38 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

54

Introduction to Fingerpicking

Steve introduces the concept of fingerpicking, and teaches a basic picking pattern.

9:32 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

55

Introduction to Fingerpicking Part 2

Steve introduces a fingerpicking pattern that sounds quite complex, but in all reality isn't that difficult to play. That, my friends, is the beauty of fingerstyle.

4:48 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

56

Introduction to Fingerpicking Part 3

Steve returns to the world of fingerpicking and introduces a new platter that he dubs "the pinch-pluck". This is slightly more difficult than the last pattern, but the rich, complex sound is worth it.

6:54 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

57

Introduction to Fingerpicking Part 4

In this lesson Steve talks about one of the core tenets of fingerpicking: using your thumb to create an alternating bassline. This is when the guitar truly starts to sound like more than one instrument.

4:14 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

58

The Major Pentatonic Scale

It's time to return to the world of scales. This time we take a look at the major pentatonic scale. Don't worry; this one is easy, it's just a major scale with two notes removed.

5:27 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

59

The Minor Pentatonic Scale

Steve moves on to teach the minor pentatonic scale. Like the major before it, this scale can be mastered by learning a simple pattern and moving it up and down the neck.

6:36 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

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Steve Eulberg

2,695
  • Greeley, Colorado
  • Playing since 1970
  • 320 lessons at JamPlay
Begin Course
An Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Steve Eulberg weaves mountain and hammered dulcimers with a variety of unusual instruments to create thought-provoking, smile-inducing, toe-tapping acoustic experiences.

He has sung and composed for religious communities, union halls, picket lines, inter-faith retreats, mountain-top youth camps, as well as the more familiar venues: clubs, coffeehouses, bookstores, festivals, charity benefits and showcase concerts.

Born and raised in the German-heritage town of Pemberville, Ohio, Steve was exposed to a variety of music in his home. Early piano lessons were followed by trumpet in school band, and he became self-taught on ukelele and guitar and harmonica. Mandolin was added at Capital University where, while majoring in History, he studied Ear Training, Voice and took Arranging lessons from the Conservatory of Music.

While at college, he first heard hammered and mountain dulcimers, building his first mountain dulcimer just before his final year. Seminary training took him the west side of Denver where he built his first hammered dulcimer. With these instruments, he was able to give voice to the Scottish, English and Irish traditions to which he is also heir.

Following marriage in 1985 to Connie Winter-Eulberg he settled in Kansas City, Missouri. There he worked cross-culturally in a church of African-Americans, Latinos and European Americans, with music being a primary organizing tool. He moved with his family in 1997 to be nestled beside the Rocky Mountains in Fort Coillins, Colorado.

Founder of Owl Mountain Music, Inc. he teaches and performs extensively in Colorado and Wyoming with tours across the US and the UK. He delights in introducing the “sweet music” of dulcimers to people in diverse settings and in addition to his own recordings, has included dulcimers in a variety of session work for other musicians.

In 2000 he was commissioned to create a choral composition featuring dulcimers for the Rainbow Chorus in Fort Collins. It was recorded in the same year (BEGINNINGS). He is currently at work on a commissioned symphony that will feature hammered dulcimer and Australian didjeridu.

Eulberg passionately believes that music crosses cultural and language barriers because music builds community. Influenced by a variety of ethnic styles, his music weaves vital lyric with rap, rock, folk, gospel and blues. Audiences of all ages respond well to his presentation and to his warm sense of humor.

Steve is a member of Local 1000 (AFM), The Folk Alliance, BMI and BWAAG (Better World Artists and Activist's Guild).
Reviews & Feedback 89/100 with 2853 ratings
ande1

Great teacher! Looking forward to more.

peter bourke

,he is just a tad too fast in demonstrating exactly what he does, but after 3-4 viewings you can get it, however a very good lesson

JanerikTromso

It just got easy!

Patanda

All of the above. Thank you.

Cjerdody

Wish I could choose them all. Thanks, Steve.

TomTaylor

Would like to see lead sheets in supplemental. It's great to be working/practicing on a song.

triplet

Great information and a great teacher!

Gorthaurg

Amanint teacher!

obbig

And easy to understand

pitbull1779

Quiz helps reinforce most important points to take from lesson and helps me to feel like I am ready to move on!

Travelchick

Some really great points here. I particularly like playing G and C different so it will be easier to change them quickly. HOWEVER... That means I have to unlearn the way I have been playing them. That makes it a bit awkward. I suppose practice

miles5150

As usual Steve, you are the best! Fantastic easy to learn teaching style. Thank you so much man.

jjod4

I had to watch it over and over and then, I will watch it over and over again.

djrockie

Awesome

kentejosh

Awesome lesson

lgshakel

Been in music since I was a kid. Always woodwinds. Just last few years wanted to be able to play the guitar. Bug has been getting stronger the last year.

JTROX5150

don't know how to continue on new lesson when he says press that button. what button?

PamelaSK

Enjoying the content so far! Once I took the tour, everything became much easier to navigate through!

deepSoul

Even as an experienced player there is so much to learn from Steve. Thanks a lot!

ChandoRocks

Excellent

Dangerus1

Excellent teaching of the fundamentals, Steve covers all the problems I had learning the guitar first time around, making it much easier to play well later on. The first couple of episodes were a bit too basic, but now it's a perfect pace. I al

dansrain2385

explaining and showing as he teaches in detail. He makes learning the guitar fun.

Toadkillerdog

My ear is awful at this point. Using phone app. Great series on tuning. I had no idea these things could be done with magic fifth fret

rpruhland

First time I ever hear the torsion bar on a steel-string acoustic explained. I thought classical guitars were for beginners to toughen up the fingers first.

Zoie

Oh man this one is hard. I will have to get that pinky in shape. But you know what .... at the beginning of the course I wouldn’t have been able to play C like that at all.

Malster59

Friendly approach. Thanks

Mike135

good length. clear. important topic.

Samy7Snow

Good lesson.

atroutcatcher

Good pace and information. Very clearly explained.

Mustangs54

Good stuff

Walmartdriver1

Very thorough explanation to lay the ground work for the next lesson. Looking forward to it.

Brandoe1176

Good vibes

highway77

Great advice on practicing and how our brain works with Muscle Memory

Copper919

Great communication

machinehead1

if I could I would mark all three check boxs

ccreider

great tips

therealtnt220

Great explanation, very clear to understand and follow

Huitzil

Great intro, I’m ready to begin!

Jim with 53s

Great stuff Steve. You are a gifted teacher!!

Thurmi88

Great teacher, looking forward to his lessons, also I am a person who really needs structure and following things in order. a good course like this keeps me focused and is much more helpful than youtube. looking forward to learning more.

older

great teacher.

fightingtiger

Great to have an easy to remember practice plan and some advice on getting stuff to stick in my brain :-)

Keith Binding

Great, practical advice.

Roert1959

Have used other online lessons but not as through as JamPlay. Keep up the good work.