Learning to play the guitar takes time and effort, however you can still amaze your friends and yourself by playing simple songs and learning the basic chords! This is also a great way to encourage your development as a guitarist. Plus, learning to play basic songs will improve your sense of rhythm and help you develop confidence, especially if you want to sing and play at the same time! Play your new repertoire of basic songs while having fun, to show the gentlemen that you don't need 10,000 hours of practice to really know how to play the guitar!
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Before You Begin
Step 1. Learn the "open" major chords
In order to play the songs in this article, you will need to know some simple "open" chords, which are relatively easy to play, have a nice sound, and are used in a wide variety of songs. Specifically, learning the chords open A, Mi, Re, Do, Sol and Fa you will acquire a solid foundation for playing the most popular songs.
- The rest of the article assumes you are familiar with these agreements. If not, read the WikiHow articles below or search the Internet for beginner resources at guitar tutorial sites, such as the following great, donation-supported English-language site Justinguitar.com.
- Agreement opened in La
- Open agreement in Mi
- Open chord in Re
- Open agreement in Mi
- Open chord in C
- Open chord in Sol
- Chord in F major (It is important to note that the F major chord is not really an open chord, because it follows the "barré" technique. However, being a fundamental chord in many songs, it is often categorized as an open chord.)
Step 2. Learn the E, A and D minor chords
The open chords, described above, are the major ones in very simplified terms, which basically means that their sound can sound "happy" or "positive". Conversely, "minor" chords, recognizable by an "m" written next to the normal wording, have a "sad" or "gloomy" sound. Although the number of existing minor chords is the same as the major ones, many basic songs use a few minor chords and are usually Mim and Lam and / or Rem.
- Again it is important to remember that the rest of the article assumes you are familiar with the following chords.
- Chord in E minor
- Chord in D minor
- The chord in A minor is very similar to that in A major, except for the highest note C # (B string, second fret) which becomes a natural C (B string, first fret).
Step 3. Learn to play "power chords"
The power chords, also recognizable by the wording, with the number 5 placed after the chord (for example: G5, C5, F5), are simple chords consisting of only 3 notes, i.e. tonic, perfect fifth and octave. The name of the power chord is determined by the root and octave. A power chord with a tonic in C is called a C power chord (or C5) and so on. These chords are often used with a chugging rhythm to give punk and heavy metal songs more intensity.
- To play a power chord, all you have to do is simply press a note on the low E or A string and play it along with the two strings above and two frets below the neck of the guitar. It is much simpler than it looks! Here are some examples of power chords to get you started:
-
Power Chord by Fa
Rope I sing:
Do not play (X)
Si chord:
Do not play (X)
Sol string:
Do not play (X)
King's rope:
Third key (3)
A chord:
Third key (3)
Low E string:
First button (1)
-
Power Chord by Mi
Rope I sing:
Do not play (X)
Si chord:
Do not play (X)
Sol string:
Do not play (X)
King's rope:
Second button (2)
A chord:
Second button (2)
Low E string:
Empty (0)
-
Power Chord of Do
Rope I sing:
Do not play (X)
Si chord:
Do not play (X)
Sol string:
Fifth key (5)
King's rope:
Fifth key (5)
A chord:
Third key (3)
Low E string:
Do not play (X)
Step 4. Practice changing agreements
The songs in this article have very simple strumming characteristics and you won't need to play all the notes like Rodrigo y Gabriela to perform them well. In any case, it is very important to practice strumming and changing chords until it becomes a natural and fast movement. If you do not practice, during the performance, you will have to pause very often to try to place your fingers on the neck of the guitar, interrupting the flow of the song.
A great way to improve your chord changing skills is to set a stopwatch to one minute, then play any two chords and change them continuously until the time runs out. Make sure "every string has a clean sound". This will take some time, but it will help you tremendously in the long run by forcing you to develop a great technique
Method 2 of 6: Learn "Lean on Me"
Step 1. Play the open A, D, and E chords throughout the song
This Bill Withers classic is "very simple" but it is much better when played excellently, especially if you sing while playing. Fortunately, this song has a very simple and widespread vocal melody, easily reachable by any singer. Follow the agreements listed to practice:
-
Lean on Me (Chorus)
Lean on me… | (There)when you're not strong | (King)and I'll be your friend | (There)I'll help you carry | (Me) on. | (King) For | (There) it won't be long | (King) 'til I'm gonna need | (There) somebody to lean | (Me) on. | (There)
Step 2. Alternate verse and chorus
Although the chords described above are played throughout the song, the famous chorus isn't the only part you need to know. The verses of "Lean on me" are sung with a melody that mimics and completes the chorus, but with a different text. This text is almost perfectly suited to the tune of the refrain. Here is the first verse (the rest of the song can be easily found on the Internet):
-
Lean on me (Verse 1)
Some | (There)times in our lives | (King)we all have pain | (There)we all have sor- | (Me) -row | (King) But | (There) if we are wise | (King) we know that there's | (There) always tomor- | (Me) -row. | (There)
- A great way to learn this song is to listen to Bill Withers' official recording from the award-winning 1972 album "Still Bill". This makes it easier to memorize it and then play the verse and chorus. Indeed, It is a great idea to listen to the official recording of each song contained in this article for practice.
Step 3. To play it more like the original, use a nut on the third fret
If you've tried to play it using just chords, you may have noticed that it's not very similar to the original. This is because the song is "actually" played with a special accessory placed on the guitar called the "nut" on the third fret, which raises the pitch of each string by about three semitones. With the nut, it's much easier to play this song the way it needs to be heard, using the same chord shapes you did earlier, but "in front of the nut".
For example, to play the first A chord in the song (which becomes a C with the nut), place your fingers on the fifth fret on the D, G and B strings and play all the strings except the E string. This position is the same as the A chord, three frets below
Method 3 of 6: Learn "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)"
Step 1. For the verse, play the G, C, and D chords
This Green Day high school song uses a pretty simple chord progression, which changes slightly throughout the song. To get started, you simply need to be able to repeat the G - C - D chord progression. Play the G chord for two bars (eight beats) and the C and D chord for one beat (four beats) each, then return to the G chord and repeat the progression. Here is the scheme:
-
Good Riddance (Intro and Verso 1)
(Sol) | (Sol) | (Do) | (King)(Repeat 2x)
(Sol)Another turning point, a | (Do)fork stuck in the | (King) road. | (Sol) Time grabs you by the wrist and | (Do) directs you where to | (King) go.
Step 2. In the chorus play the chords Mim, G, C and D
Once you've perfected the progression described above, you'll just need to add another chord to be able to play the entire song. It starts with a Mim chord at the beginning of the progression for one bar, then plays the D, C, and G chords (the same three chords but in different order) for one bar each. Repeat the progression twice. Finish the chorus by playing Mim - G - Mim - G - Mim - D - G - G.
- As you can see, the first two lines of the chorus change, but the third and fourth remain unchanged in the song. Here is the scheme:
-
Good Riddance (Chorus 1)
(Mim)So make the best | (King)of this test | (Do)and don't ask | (Sol) why… | (Mim) It's not a question | (King) but a | (Do) lesson learned in | (Sol) time. It's | (Mim) something unpre- | (Sol) -dictable, but | (Mim) in the end it's | (Sol) right. I | (Mim) hope you have the | (King) time of your | (Sol) life …
Step 3. Switch between the two melodies for the rest of the song
Once you have mastered the pattern described above, you know the chords of the entire song. Here is the guide to follow to help you perform the entire song:
- Intro and Verso 1 (as described above)
- Chorus 1 (as described above)
- Interlude (progression of G - C - D repeated twice)
- Verse 2 (Sol - Do - D twice)
- Chorus 2 (Like chorus 1 but with a different text)
- Solo (G - Do - D four times)
- Chorus 3 (as in chorus 1; only the part "It's something unpredictable …" is sung)
- Interlude (progression of G - C - D repeated twice)
- Final chorus (only the second part of the chorus progression, slow down as you play)
- Finale (G - Do - D twice played softly and dramatically, ends with the chord in G).
Step 4. Add pizzicato when you have practiced the chords
If you want to play the song exactly the way it was recorded, you'll need to listen and add the riff as it appears in the song. Fortunately, the notes of the riff are the same notes that appear in each chord, played on individual strings, rather than all together.
This technique can be difficult for beginners, but with practice it will become natural. Even Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong skips this part sometimes. In fact, in the original engraving, you can hear him messing with the riff and cursing at the beginning of the song
Method 4 of 6: Learn "All the Small Things"
Step 1. For the introduction and the verse, play the power chords Do, Sol and Fa
The classic pop-punk song "All the small things" by Blink 182 is very easy to play once learned, because it uses only the power chords, which all have the same shape. Always keep your fingers in the same position and move your hand along the neck of the guitar. Here is the introduction and the verse:
-
All the Small Things (Intro and Verso 1)
(C5) | (Fa5) | (G5) | (G5)(Make chords faster towards the end) (Repeat 2x)
(C5)All the | (G5)small things | (Fa5) truth care | (G5) truth blinks. | (C5) I'll take | (G5) one lift. | (Fa5) Your ride | (G5) best trip. | (C5) Always | (G5) I'll know | (Fa5) you'll be at | (G5) my show. | (C5) Watching, | (G5) waiting | (Fa5) commis- | (G5) -erating.
Step 2. Play the same chords in the pre-chorus and in the chorus
In the very catchy chorus, the same power chords as the rest of the song are used, but in a different order. Listen to the recording to understand the rhythm. Maintain the rhythm in octaves most of the time.
-
All the Small Things (Pre-chorus and Chorus)
(C5)Say it ain't so. | (G5)I will not go. | (Fa5)Turn the lights off | (C5) carry me | (C5) home. (Na na na na…) | (C5) | (G5) | (Fa5) | (C5) | (C5) | (G5) | (Fa5)
Step 3. Follow the patterns below for the rest of the song
Like "Good riddance", another pop-punk song, "All the small things" is a very simple composition. Use the guide below to play the rest of the song:
- Intro and Verso 1 (as described above)
- Pre-chorus and chorus (as described above)
- Intro
- Verse 2 (like verse 1)
- Pre-chorus and chorus
- Interlude (from the introduction follow the progression C - F - G, but play each chord only once and let it play)
- Outro (alternates pre-chorus and chorus, like this: Do - Sol - Fa - Do - Do - Sol - Fa and repeat)
- Finale (he plays the chord in F on the piece "the night will go on …" several times and ends in C).
Step 4. Use the palm mute technique to make the song more like the original
For the final bar of the song, you will have to employ the technique called "palm mute" to alternate the loudest chords with the quietest ones. To do a palm mute, place your right palm on the strings as you play. When done correctly, you will hear the notes you are playing more muffled.
The palm mute technique takes a lot of practice, so don't be discouraged if you can't do it correctly the first few times
Method 5 of 6: Learn "Wish You Were Here"
Step 1. For the verses he plays the chords C, D, Lam and G
The verses of the classic ballad-style song "Wish you were here" by Pink Floyd, uses a simple four-chord progression, played slowly but continuously. If you play solo, you can manage the tempo by slowing down and speeding up for a more dramatic effect. However, try to stay in time. Here is the scheme:
-
Wish You Were Here (Verse 1)
(Do)So. So you think you can | (King)tell heaven from | (Lam)hell, blue skies from | (Sol) pain. Can you tell a green | (King) field from a cold steel | (Do) rail? A smile from a | (Lam) veil? Do you think you can | (Sol) tell? Did they get you to | (Do) trade you heroes for | (King) ghosts, hot ashes for | (Lam) trees, hot air for a | (Sol) cool breeze, cold comfort for | (King) change? Did you ex- | (Do) -change a walk-on part in the | (Lam) war for a lead role in a | (Sol) cage?
- Remember that, in this song, the rhythm of the guitar (which makes the chords play) is not heard for a minute and a half, because initially two guitars play a slow but beautiful instrumental section. You can find the tablature for this part on the Internet, but the topic will be taken up again at the end of this section.
Step 2. Play the Mim, G and A chords in the interlude
After the first long line, the instrumental interlude is found in the song, while an electric guitar plays the main riff and a lead guitar plays background tunes. The progression of this part of the song is very simple. Here is the scheme:
-
Wish You Were Here (Interlude)
(Mim) | (Sol) | (Mim) | (Sol) | (Mim) | (There) | (Mim) | (There)
Step 3. Use the pattern just described for the whole song
In addition to the intro, which has no rhythm guitar chords, the whole song follows the patterns explained above. Follow the guidelines below to play the entire song:
- Intro (see below)
- Verse 1 (as described above)
- Interlude (as described above)
- Verse 2 (as in the first part of verse 1, play the same chords up to "Do you think you can | (Sol)tell?)
- Interlude (with fade effect at the end of the song).
Step 4. Learn the signature riff for the intro and interlude
Playing only the chords during the interludes of this song is a bit boring. To give more character, learn the main riff repeated often in the song, which is also the riff that is played during the intro, before the main chords.
- The main riff is played like this:
- Between one line and another alternate the following chords:
Rope I sing:
Rope Yes:
Sol string:
King's rope:
A chord:
Low E string:
3---------------
Rope I sing:
Si chord:
Sol string:
King's rope:
-2--------2-0-
A chord:
Low E string:
Rope I sing:
Si chord:
Sol string:
King's rope:
A chord:
Low E string:
3---------------
Rope I sing:
Si chord:
Sol string:
King's rope:
-2-0---------
A chord:
---------2-0-
Low E string:
Power Chord of Do
Rope I sing:
Third key (3)
Si chord:
Third key (3)
Sol string:
Empty (0)
King's rope:
Second button (2)
A chord:
Do not play (X)
Low E string:
Do not play (X)
Power Chord of Do
Rope I sing:
Third key (3)
Si chord:
Third key (3)
Sol string:
Empty (0)
King's rope:
Empty (0)
A chord:
Do not play (X)
Low E string:
Do not play (X)
Method 6 of 6: Learn the 12 Bar Blues Round
Step 1. Play an open A for four measures
Most of the blues recordings, which have inspired the most recent rock and roll artists, are in the form called "12 bar blues", ie 12 bar blues. This means that the entire song repeats the 12-bar structure. In the simplest 12 bar structure, all the rhythm guitar has to do is to play 12 bars over and over while other solo instruments play on the chords. In this section we will explain the 12 bar blues in the key of There.
To begin with, play an open A for four measures. Use a "swing" or chugging rhythm to make the song even more bluesy. Strumming should be like this: "dun da-dun da-dun da-dun…". To pick up the beat, it might help to listen to the blues song "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom" by Robert Johnson
Step 2. Play an open D for two measures and then an A for two more measures
In a 12 blues bar, after the A chord, he plays the fourthof the first chord for two measures, before returning to the initial chord. Since the D is three notes above the A (making it the fourth note, if you count the A as before), you will need to play the D.
Step 3. Play Mi - Re - La - Mi, for each beat
The last four bars of the 12 bar blus are called "the turn". In the turn, the fifth of the chord is played, the fourth, the initial chord and finally the fifth again. Mi is the fifth of A, since it is a few notes above the D, the fourth, so it plays Mi - D - A and then again Mi.
Step 4. Repeat this ad nauseum
These are the basics of the 12 bar blues progression. It just plays La - La - La - La - Re- Re - La - Re - Mi - Re - La - Miuntil the end of the song. Remember that when doing this progression, you have to finish according to the songs. To try out all the blues progressions, look for a friend who has more guitar experience than you to play on your chords. With a little practice, you will be able to handle this simple but important blues progression.
To play in different clefs, choose a different starting string and move the fourth and fifth. For example, if you want to play in the key of C, the C chord will be the initial chord, the F chord the fourth and the G chord the fifth. On the internet there are several guides for playing the 12-bar blues progression in different keys
Step 5. Play the seventh chords for a more bluesy feel
True blues players play a special chord called a "seventh" (or dominant seventh chord) to make the song even more bluesy. These chords are like major chords, but with a different note. Search the internet for more information.
You have two options when replacing the seventh chords for the blues progression: you can change the fifth to a seventh (for example, in the key of A, E would become E7) or you can replace all the chords (in the key of A, A would become A7, D would be Re7 and I would become Mi7). Try the different arrangements for each song and find the solution you like best
Advice
- The fingering diagrams in this article are called "guitar tabs" (or tabs). Basically, it's like a guitar score, acting like a map of the song, telling you which string to play and on which fret.
- You are in difficulty? Keep practicing and don't give up. Even the best guitarists had a hard time at first, but kept practicing to improve.
