I’ve been playing around with teaching myself how to play the guitar in the last couple of years. It’s been slow going as I don’t have much time for it with everything else I have on my plate. I’m curious about the best way to learn to play if you don’t have time for lessons.
I’ve always thought that the best way to learn is to pick out a song you like that’s not too difficult and just keep working on it until you get it right. In the process, you’ll pick up basic skills that can be used to play lots of other songs. If you’re a guitar player, what do you think? Also, I’d love to hear what was the first song you learned to play. Feel free to chime in if you play some other musical instrument, too.
Great question, I’ve been playing for about 10 years and am always trying to find new ways to progress with the guitar more effectively. The question depends on your skill level, but their are many approaches. I started off learning many different chords. Learn what is called I,IV,V chords. Here are a couple examples:
I: A (first chord of progression, IV:D, V:E.
or I: E, IV:A, V:B. This is the basis of many songs. If you are way beyond this, start practicing scales and learn a little theory. Hope this helps somebody.
oh yah, the first song I learned was About a Girl, by Nirvana
Thanks, Chris. I don’t know much theory at all. I know a few chords and a couple scales, but nothing really technical. I like Nirvana, too. Is that a good song to start with? I have an acoustic and an electric. Any ideas for acoustic songs?
You could start learning with some Nirvana songs (unplugged versions). These are simple and good songs to start with. There is a good tabulature book if you read tab., if not, it is easy to learn in minutes. Or, you could find the songs online if they haven’t been shut down yet, a lot of them have. I started with acoustic, but probably doesn’t matter as long as you have an amp for the electric.
I’ve found a bunch of tabs out there (yes, that was one of the first things I learned), but the problem is that so many of them just suck. I’m thinking of getting a fake book so I can play a few recognizable tunes. I’d like to learn more theory later on when I get more time. (This is where Leroy can chime in about time…) Thanks for the tips, Chris!
I learned to play exactly how you described it. I picked up my favourite songs and tried to master them. I don’t know any theory but on the other hand I’m also not a great player.
And the first song ever? Same like Chris, About a girl
Hey Jaro. Thanks for commenting. I’m going to have to find the tabs for that song.
Oh, and I like your blog, but why no adsense? I would think you’ll probably be getting some search engine traffic. Regardless, I’ll be adding your blog to those I read. See ya.
Ray, I’m glad you like my blog. I don’t have any adsense there because I don’t get much search engine traffic. And for these few cents I could earn I think it’s not worth it. Maybe later if my SE traffic gets higher
You are on my reading list too. Keep writing, I enjoy reading your articles
Thanks, Jaro. I know what you mean about the traffic and adsense. I try not to overdo it because it doesn’t bring in that much money, but it’s getting to be more as traffic grows. I figure it’s worth it as long as it doesn’t detract from the content of my blog. I suppose you and others who read this blog will tell me if that’s the case, though…
It’s been a long time since I learned my first song but I believe it was ‘Cat Scratch Fever’.
Welcome, mysterious Don of test.com. Hmmm… Ted Nugent. That would make you pretty old, huh?