Music as a Second Language & The Modern Band Movement – Little Kids Rock Teacher Manual v3.

Parts of the Acoustic Guitar

Headstock

Tuning Machines

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GUITAR

Frets

Neck

Sound Hole Body

Strings
Pickguard

Bridge

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 Music as a Second Language & The Modern Band Movement – Little Kids Rock Teacher Manual v3.3

Parts of the Electric Guitar

Tuning Pegs Headstock

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GUITAR
Frets
Neck

Pickguard
Pickup
Volume Knob
Strings
Tone Knobs

Body Output
Bridge

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 Music as a Second Language & The Modern Band Movement – Little Kids Rock Teacher Manual v3.3

Some of the Basics

Fret Numbers
String Numbers
3rd Fret 1st Fret
6
5
4
3
2
1
2nd Fret
GUITAR

Think of each box as a fret. Put your

finger in the first box, and you’re playing
the first fret.

E A D G B E String Names

1 2 3
4

2. Finger Numbers
The thumb doesn’t get a num-
ber because it sits on the back
of the neck (The guitar’s neck,
not your neck!!!)

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 Music as a Second Language & The Modern Band Movement – Little Kids Rock Teacher Manual v3.3

Chord Diagrams

A chord diagram is just a drawing of what a chord

looks like when you play it on your guitar. Look at
the chord diagram and key below.

D
Chord name

Don’t play this string

XX O Play this open string

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GUITAR
Frets

1 2
Finger number
Fretboard
3

Here are tips for Reading Chord Diagrams:

❶The black dots with numbers in them are where you place your fingers.
The numbers tell you which finger to use. Play strings that have black dots.
❷ Any string that has an “O” above it is supposed to be played, even though
there is no finger on it.
❸ Any string that has an “X” above it is NOT supposed to be played.

Note x x 1 3 2

Lots of song books that you will find in music stores use chord
diagrams like this one to the right. The drawing is simpler and
there are either no finger numbers, or they are shown above. 1 2
That’s because after awhile people begin to remember chords
3
by their shapes. Once you are familiar with a chord’s shape,
your fingers will find their places automatically!

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