To branch off the current branch

git branch mybranchname

git checkout -b mybranchname   <- create a branch and check it out

git checkout mybranch               <- swap to this branch

Show all information about branches

git branch -a

master

mybranch

sometherbranch

coolbranch

remotes/origin/HEAD -> origin/master

remotes/origin/mybranch

remotes/origin/sometherbranch

remotes/origin/fredsbranch

git branch --set-upstream timsidea remotes/origin/timsidea

=> sets bi-directional link to the remote repository

detached head

This is when you have checkedout a HASH that is not the latest.

Note: You can branch from this point.