Just Starting Out
I know it can be daunting starting a new instrument with no musical experience. Before your first lesson, it would be a good idea to review the anatomy both acoustic and electric guitars.
Music Theory from the Guitar Perspective.
Here is some basic terminology with simple definitions that would be helpful to review before starting....
Note: The sound of a single pitch. You can make the sound of a note on the guitar by simply picking one string with your right hand.
Interval: The distance between two notes, either played at the same time or consecutively. You can play an interval on the guitar by plucking two strings.
Chord: The sound of three notes or more played together. You can play a chord on the guitar by strumming at least three strings at the same time.
4/4 Time Signature: Repeatably and evenly counting 4 beats. You start playing in 4/4 by steadily counting 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4.... For every number you count, tap your foot down and strum or pluck.
Picking: The motion of striking up or down on a string(s) by using a pick, finger nail or the flesh of your finger. Produces the sound of a note or interval. You can pick more than one string if you use your fingers.
Pick: A thin piece of plastic held in the hand used for strumming or picking.
Strumming: The motion of striking up or down on three or more strings. This produces the sound of a chord.
Note: The sound of a single pitch. You can make the sound of a note on the guitar by simply picking one string with your right hand.
Interval: The distance between two notes, either played at the same time or consecutively. You can play an interval on the guitar by plucking two strings.
Chord: The sound of three notes or more played together. You can play a chord on the guitar by strumming at least three strings at the same time.
4/4 Time Signature: Repeatably and evenly counting 4 beats. You start playing in 4/4 by steadily counting 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4.... For every number you count, tap your foot down and strum or pluck.
Picking: The motion of striking up or down on a string(s) by using a pick, finger nail or the flesh of your finger. Produces the sound of a note or interval. You can pick more than one string if you use your fingers.
Pick: A thin piece of plastic held in the hand used for strumming or picking.
Strumming: The motion of striking up or down on three or more strings. This produces the sound of a chord.