Most of the difficult pinyin sounds are initials, like 

zh/ch/sh, z/c/s, j/q/x and r.

zh Like “j” in “jerk”, but with the tip of the tongue curled farther back

ch Like “ch” in “church”, but with the tip of the tongue curled farther back

sh Like “sh” in “ship”, but with the tip of the tongue curled farther back

z Like “ts” in “cats”

c Like “ts” in “cats”, with aspiration

s Pronounced as in English, e.g. “s” in “see”

j As “j” in jam and jump, but softer and the tongue touches the lower front teeth.

q As “chee” in “cheese”, but softer and the tongue touches the lower front teeth

x As “shee” in “sheep”, but softer and the tongue touches the lower front teeth

As in “right” in English, but with lips unrounded, and the tip of the tongue curled
r farther back. Always pronounce the Chinese “r” sound with a nice smile.