The basics of ultrasonography include a well-focused knowledge of physics, transducers, imaging modes, the assumptions behind image generation, the artifacts resulting from the breakdown of these assumptions, and the safe application of this point-of-care imaging technology. It is not surprising that the contrast between a scanning beginner and a seasoned sonographer is usually obvious even before an image is obtained; with the unanchored novice hand crudely pressing the transducer into the side of an often unsuspecting patient, while the seasoned operator starting their exam by fluently adjusting machine controls to match the settings to body types and target areas of the exam. The goal of this chapter is to morph the frustration that accompanies “I can’t see anything” into actionable knowledge that enhances the strengths of imaging modes while attenuating interfering artifacts. Several concepts that may seem dry in the abstract are presented with clinical examples and references that make them useful right out of the box.