Most so-called “free” guitar courses online come with hidden costs. They reel you in by promising a breakthrough moment, only to hit you with paywalls when you’re just getting started. That’s not really free, is it?
At Hank’s Guitar Shop (aka: Clearwater Guitar Lessons), we do things differently. Our beginner guitar course is genuinely free, no strings attached. We focus on teaching rhythm guitar—perfect for accompanying singers or lead instruments—and we make it accessible to everyone from ages 8 to 108.
We offer both group and private guitar lessons.
What You’ll Learn
In the very first lesson, you’ll master two simple chords, and we’ll give you several popular songs that you can play and sing along to using just those two chords. Many of our students are playing these songs after just one lesson!
In the second lesson, you’ll learn a third chord, which—combined with the first two—enables you to play hundreds of songs across various genres. These three simple chords form the foundation of nearly all Western music.
Why Our Method is Different
Our teaching method is designed for ease and simplicity. Unlike other courses that overwhelm beginners with complex finger movements and confusing music theory, our three-chord method uses just three fingers, and the finger placement is simple:
- Your index finger stays on the first fret.
- Your middle finger stays on the second fret.
- Your ring finger stays on the third fret.
Even better, the movement between these chords requires minimal effort. The difference between the chords is just one string apart, so you won’t be straining your hands or getting frustrated with complicated transitions.
Avoid the Overwhelm
Most big-name online courses start with difficult chords, long finger stretches, and complex exercises that can be discouraging for beginners. Plus, they often dive into scales and music theory, which can feel unnecessary when all you want to do is play songs.
With our method, you’ll skip the headaches. We get you playing music from day one, building confidence and enjoyment along the way.
Easy Resources to Supplement Your Learning
There are plenty of affordable songbooks that complement our teaching style, most in the keys we focus on, which makes them super easy to play along with our method. While you can explore any music genre, we recommend starting with this simple country music songbook, which is great for beginners and will prepare you for more complex styles like rock ‘n’ roll.
(And no, we don’t earn anything if you buy through this link!)
These books are known as “Easy Fake Books,” and despite the name, they’re used by professionals on stage. Whether you want to play the melody or just strum along with chords, these books make it easy.
Your Path Forward
Once you’re comfortable with strumming and our three simple chords, you’ll be well on your way to playing full songs. This free beginner course gives you everything you need to get started.
Want to take it further? We offer private lessons that build on this method, or you can check out our Play Guitar Now! book (available on Amazon).
Can’t make it to lessons in person? Don’t worry—we’ve put everything you need into that book so you can continue learning from the comfort of your home.
Ready to Start?
What are you waiting for? Grab your guitar and let’s get started with our free beginner group guitar course. Whether you’re looking for the benefits of playing guitar as a senior or a child, this course is designed for everyone.
Please note that in September 2024, Hank’s Guitar Shop moved to Clearwater, just 10 minutes south of our former Palm Harbor location.