Confessions of a Beginner 2: 'Oh, Is THAT What You Call It?!'

I’m super excited about starting my guitar lessons. But just as I’m about to start on Level 1, Electric Rock Path, I injure my hand and can’t hold a guitar pick for a few weeks. Luckily, the first Fender Play lesson won’t require my strum hand, as it covers the most basic of basics, such as what you’ll need to start playing, the different parts of the guitar, the names and numbers of the strings, how to plug in and turn on your amp, how to get a sound and how to tune. I already know some of this stuff, but frankly I’ve never been entirely clear on a few things.

For instance, I knew the letter names of the strings, but I’ve never understood the whole “top string, bottom string” thing, which has led to a certain amount of confusion over the years. Do they mean the string farthest from the floor? Or do they mean the highest-pitched string? Thanks to this helpful video, it turns out the high E is the “top” string, even though it’s on the bottom. Phew, glad that’s settled.

Another thing I’ve always been unclear on is the names of the various parts of the guitar. Electric guitars have a LOT of parts. It’s probably better for everyone concerned if you call them by their official names instead of “the thingamajig you wrap the strings around” or “the whatchamacallit you stick the cable into” like I tend to do.

The lesson also shows you how to plug in and turn on your amp, goes into great detail about what the various knobs and switches do, and shows you how to methodically troubleshoot if you can’t get a sound. I know that might sound ridiculously basic, but trust me, it will come in handy.

Speaking of amps, Matt, the Fender Play instructor, insists that an unplugged electric guitar is inaudible to the human ear. I wish he’d tell that to the neighbor who complained to me about playing an unplugged electric guitar near an open window. Of course it was quite late and I was playing very badly, but still. Obviously an amp is essential for playing with other people or taking lessons, but you can totally get started without one. Luckily for me, I have a tiny Fender Mini-Twin practice amp that runs on batteries, fits in my purse and, most importantly, has a headphone jack, which is a godsend for any novice guitarist who wishes to remain loved by their families and neighbors.

I can’t wait to get my hand back.

Janet Housden is a rhythm section refugee who has played with a dozen or so obscure LA bands, and even a couple of semi-obscure bands. She lives in Silverlake, Calif., and harbors a deep love of burritos.

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