Piano keyboard notes: find C, D, and E
Find the piano notes C, D, and E by spotting two black keys, then follow the repeating note pattern along the keyboard.
Read this guideBeginner music guides.
One little idea at a time.
Clear, practical answers about piano notes, guitar strings and chords, drum sounds, rhythm, and making time for practice.
A LITTLE PIANO KNOW-HOW
Piano guides
Major and minor chords: C major vs C minor
Hear and build a C major and C minor chord on piano by changing one note: E becomes E-flat.
Read this guideA LITTLE GUITAR KNOW-HOW
Guitar guides
Guitar string names: standard tuning from low E to high E
Learn the six guitar string names, E A D G B E, how string numbers work, and how to practice open strings on an online guitar.
Read this guideBeginner guitar chords: E minor, A minor, C, and G
Read four beginner guitar chord shapes, understand open and muted strings, and start with an E minor picking exercise in your browser.
Read this guideHow to read guitar tabs: strings, frets, and a first melody
Read simple guitar tablature: six lines represent strings, numbers show frets, and 0 means open. Try a five-note melody on the B string.
Read this guideA LITTLE DRUMS KNOW-HOW
Drums guides
Drum kit sounds: kick, snare, and hi-hat
Learn what kick, snare, and open and closed hi-hat sounds do, and try them alongside toms and cymbals on virtual drums.
Read this guideHow to play your first beginner drum beat
Make a four-beat beginner drum groove: kick on counts 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4, and optional hi-hat on each count.
Read this guideA LITTLE RHYTHM KNOW-HOW
Rhythm guides
What is BPM in music?
BPM means beats per minute. Learn how tempo relates to a steady beat, with simple 60 BPM and 120 BPM examples.
Read this guideHow to use a metronome for beginner practice
A simple beginner metronome routine: choose a tempo, count a steady pulse, practice a short piano, guitar, or drum pattern, then repeat calmly.
Read this guide