Basic Guitar with Mark Lincoln

Beginner Guitar Course from Mark Lincoln

Learning the basics of the guitar, the building blocks if you will, is an extremely important step in learning and mastering the guitar. This series is all about the basics.

51 Lessons

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

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

84% Appoval

570 of 619 of our members have given this their approval.

Tabs & Info

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

Included

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Full Course Breakdown

Mark will start with the very basics, including the parts of the guitar, and move on and talk about chords, playing techniques and more. This series is meant for beginners.

Begin the Course

Guitar Basics

This lesson is all about the basics. Mark explains guitar parts, holding the guitar, and more.

13:12 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Tuning, Gear, and Chords

Mark begins by discussing equipment every guitarist should own. Then, he introduces chords and proper tuning methods.

17:28 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Chords and Strumming

Mark finishes his discussion of the "open" chords. He applies these chords to basic rhythm and strumming concepts.

17:33 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Minor Chords and More

Mark reviews the major chords and introduces the minor chords. He also covers strumming techniques in greater depth.

25:48 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Expanding Chords

Mark introduces a few more minor chords. He also provides a monster chord exercise.

16:36 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Strumming Exercises

Mark Lincoln continues his discussion of chords and strumming. He introduces several new exercises in this lesson.

19:30 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Music Theory and Barre Chords

Mark covers several topics in this lesson. He explains scales and barre chords. He also demonstrates how to find notes on the fretboard.

21:45 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

E Shape Barre Chords

Mark Lincoln covers E shaped barre chords in greater depth. Mark refers to these chords as "Type 1" barre chords.

15:12 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

A Shape Barre Chords

Mark covers the A Shape / Type 2 barre chords in greater depth.

17:12 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Minor Barre Chords

Mark introduces minor barre chords that utilize the shape of the "open" Em chord.

13:10 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

A Minor Shape Barre Chords

Mark introduces minor barre chords based on the shape of the "open" Am chord. He refers to these chords as "Type 2 Minor" barre chords.

12:36 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Mini Barre Chord

Mark demonstrates abbreviated versions of the "Type 1" and "Type 2" barre chords. He calls these "mini barre" chords.

17:43 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

A Shape Mini Barre

Mark teaches the "mini barre" version of the A major shaped barre chord. He also explains dissonance.

20:29 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Minor Mini Barre Chords

Mark Lincoln applies mini-barre chord concepts to minor chords.

12:28 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Guitar Technique

Mark Lincoln explains essential components of guitar technique.

15:59 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Guitar Dynamics

Mark Lincoln explains how dynamics can enhance your playing. He covers topics such as volume, tempo, rests, and more.

27:48 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Transistion Strums

Mark Lincoln explains more about guitar technique. This time around he introduces "transition strums" and continues his discussion of liquid chords.

26:12 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Harmonic Technique

Mark Lincoln explains what harmonics are and how they are played.

15:31 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Expanding Liquid Chords

Mark Lincoln expands on the concept of liquid chords. He explains new chord variations and how they can be changed in mid-strum.

16:21 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Spicing up Chords

Mark demonstrates how chord progressions can be spiced up by adding hammer-ons and pull-offs.

12:21 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Chord Fingering

Mark explains how chord fingerings must be altered when applying "liquid chord" concepts. He also provides a few new "liquid chord" exercises.

11:10 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Precision Strumming

Mark returns to the land of chords. This time around, he provides an exercise that contains four variations on the A chord.

14:28 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

D to D in Six Steps

Mark provides a chord progression that shifts from one D chord to another in six steps.

15:20 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Chord Voicings and Construction

Mark delves deeper into chord construction and alternate chord voicings.

13:36 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Quantitative and Qualitative Changes

Mark tests your guitar knowledge with a pop quiz. Then, he discusses quantitative and qualitative changes.

22:54 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Quantitative and Qualitative Review

In the 26th installment of his basic guitar series, Mark reviews the quantitative and qualitative changes he presented in lesson 25.

17:34 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Rhythm and Guitar

Mark provides exercises designed to make you a better rhythm player.

0:00 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Expanded Rhythm Exercise

Mark Lincoln expands on the rhythm exercise from lesson 27. This time around he incorporates several C based chords.

14:31 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Hand Structure

Mark discusses proper playing technique. He provides a few exercises that facilitate right hand mechanics.

17:02 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Cadd9 and Dsus2

Mark provides an exercise that features two new chords - Cadd9 and Dsus2.

0:00 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Finger Glue and Flexibility

In the 31st lesson, Mark discusses his "finger glue" technique. This technique improves speed and accuracy.

21:31 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Reviewing Chord Changes

Mark takes a step back in lesson 32 to explain how to make quick and accurate chord changes.

22:14 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Sliding

Mark explains how to use the slide technique between chords.

19:24 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Keeping Time While Playing

Mark reviews qualitative and quantitative changes. He explains how to keep time while performing these changes.

21:17 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

A Minor Progression

Mark discusses qualitative and quantitative changes within an A minor progression.

19:56 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Chord Transistions

Mark Lincoln discusses several techniques that can be used when transitioning between chords.

21:43 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Chord Transistions Revisited

In this lesson, Mark once again covers the subject of chord transitions. This time around, he focuses on barre chords and includes several helpful exercises.

23:25 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Playing Individual Notes

In lesson 38, Mark discusses how playing single notes rather than chords can spice up your playing.

22:56 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Rocking Out

Lesson 39 is all about rocking out. Mark discusses some tips to take your playing to the next level.

18:08 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Slash Chords

Lesson 40 takes a deeper look at slash chords. Mark discusses why they're called slash chords, and how they are formed.

14:42 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson

Strumming from the Wrist

In lesson 41, Mark reviews the warm-up section and provides new tips on playing adequately from the wrist.

22:09 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Raising the Barre

Mark builds further on barre chord techniques and liquid chords.

17:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Building on Your Chord Knowledge

In lesson 43, Mark discusses additional skills related to learning and playing chords, specifically "liquification" of chords.

20:42 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Experiment With Playing

Lesson 44 is all about trying new things. Mark discusses experimenting with your playing in order to take it to the next level.

17:20 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Diversifying

In this lesson, Mark once again talks about changing up chord derivatives to create a more unique sound.

20:56 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Shaping the Hands

In lesson 46, Mark explains how to maximize your options by maintaining chord shapes while playing.

21:44 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Precision Strumming

Today, Mark takes in depth look at strumming.

23:57 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Shine Like the Sun

Mark Lincoln teaches an original song entitled "Shine Like the Sun."

18:59 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Changing Chords : Accuracy and Speed

Mark teaches some useful information on how to mix postures, "finger glue," and techniques to make your chord changes speedy and more effective.

30:56 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Play Along with Mulitple Chord Voicings

In this lesson, Mark guides you through the world of alternate chord voicings. He teaches several shapes and shows how they can be used to enhance your playing.

23:06 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Understanding Liquified Chords

Mark brings us a very appealing aspect to better understand the guitar. With his explanation of "liquified" chords, mark will explain how to move up and down the guitar to create different chord voicing.

25:32 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

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Mark Lincoln

570

Fort Collins, CO
Playing since 1982
100 lessons at JamPlay

Begin Course

Mark Lincoln was born in S. California but was raised near Portland Oregon in a town called Beaverton. When he was twelve years old, he began his journey into the realm of the creative by composing poetry and was later published in a journal called "In Dappled Sunlight." He wrote for four years until his older sister blessed him with his first guitar, an old beat-up nylon stringed classical guitar. Mark played that guitar for five years, continuing to compose his own lyrics and starting the process of matching his own words with chords that he was learning on the guitar. He learned to play chords from his friends and from music books that he both bought and borrowed. Mark cited his four biggest influences, at that point at least, as The Who, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, The Rolling Stones.

Mark cites his most current influences as Radiohead, U2, older music by REM, and Peter Gabriel amongst others. He performs with two acoustic guitars, one being a six-string M-36 Martin with a three-pieced back for increased bass response, and a Guild Twelve-string which is his most recent acquisition. Mark is fond of saying that the twelve-string guitar is better because you get two guitars for the price of one, but he still plays his Martin equally as much and with the same passion.

Mark ended up in Fort Collins Colorado where he currently lives, works as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and continues to write, teach and perform music. He currently performs with a group called "Black Nelson" as well as with a number of other seasoned professional musicians including his cousin David, a virtuoso lead-guitar player. Mark has performed in many of the smaller venues in Denver and Boulder, as well as some of the larger ones including the Fox Theatre, The Boulder Theatre, Herman's Hideaway, and also at The Soiled Dove where he opened for Jefferson Starship as a soloist. Some of Mark's originals are also available for your listening pleasure on MySpace.

Reviews & Feedback 84/100 with 619 ratings

wesedwards

awesome instructor!

bill macclemmy

he is a little goofy but very likeable and easy going. It is easy to learn from him, good job.

simca

good teacher

Ketch

He is repeating each step before playing the chords again, I really liked that. He seems like he is really energetic and exited to teach. Love that.

cassidey67

I enjoy watching Mark Lincoln's video's because he is a great at explaining the lesson as best as someone with experience can teach someone who's new.

treiers

This guy taught me the barre system and from there a whole lot came along. Really grateful to him for what Ive learned.

pence

Mark has enabled me to use chords up and down the fretboard. It's a whole new world!

cheager

I love his attitude about guitar being fun and just relax. Its so helpful because I get frustrated with it all the time. He has a good way of teaching me to calm down and have fun.

gunrun46131

Moved a little fast but i will figure it out he has been playing 20yrs. we just started i have a little trouble transition chord to chord and not real sure of my finger placement and can not wait to play a song but hope it keeps my attention I

rita_aleman

After checking out all of the other teachers, and as a fresh beginner, I found Mark's style super easy to follow and explanation of everything outstanding! Looking forward to more lessons!

MTMals

Nice foundation lessons. The chord visuals are excellent and Mark's early phrase D and A with strum got me to haul out my Fender F-210. Good stuff on beginning strumming.

Flatulator

I have a Martin 12 String guit and since he shows 12 strings guitar later I decided to start from scratch with Mark

attyramsey

Mark has clearly been my favorite teacher thus far. He explains the chords well and provides actual visual diagrams of the chords.

journalistically

Always love and watching Mark's lessons! :)

cam94zee

Explains everything slowly and clearly. Covered a lot of the little questions most beginners have, but most teachers leave out. Says, mmkay a lot, but that's not a bad thing. :)

gregco

Mark is why I signed up. Very good teacher to rebuild my foundation which was loose and full of mistakes when I tried to improve. - Greg C.

NVHUSKERS

you guys help me so much :)

dottmcse

Really helpful

curtpetguy

good teacher, very clear and easy to understand

lenshaw

Where do I find the homework assignments.......or are they the exercises under the "supplemental" tab?

ScSmith

Good stuff! Thanks.

nikkialice

I enjoyed this very much

briguy4

He cool 8).

Phil1969

different chords to the standard opens. Mixes things up a bit

Audball

I like the way Mark explains things.

mmonaghan2012

getting tougher

ricac114

Great teaching Mark Thanks Rick

t672953

Yes I still like the teacher .... :) yes he is a good teacher, very clear/easy to understand. I also very much like all the content he teaches.

burger624

off 2 a good start

Michaelt52

very good and I liked the tip about holding the guitar properly

gamerwolf100

cool thats what i neded

ndeyarmin

I am having a little trouble

Swedemercy

Great teaching style, and delivers the teaching material in a clear and understandable way

20172018

Excellent use of triads moving over the entire fretboard!

jamiehworkman

Thanks

Rambutan

I live in Singapore. This is my first trial lesson with JamPlay. I am already liking it.

tayea01

Great pace and straight to the point. Easily understandable.

DavidDarko

I have chronic fatigue and have learned what I do know by ear. I write songs because it prevents self combustion....that is what art is about, its not a wank, and you won't find it on the Voice or the X factor....or on "Who needs talent?" when

Murielle

all the lessons in this course have been great! thank you :)

doh2dohdoh

nice hat

Dina_A

This was exactly what I needed. I have taken classes before and could not retain the information. The teacher spoke at a lesson at my speed.

rwechtenhiser

Thanks Mark. I have been struggling for a long time. Finally some things are becoming clear, thanks to you, and I am enjoying learning much more.

DennisAring

It’s such a good lesson

Connor14

I love Mark's energy and passion, he seems like a legit guitarist who loves playing and teaching.

Basic Guitar with Mark Lincoln

Beginner Guitar Course from Mark Lincoln