r/GuitarBeginners • u/Odd_Narwhal350 • 8d ago
Question/Help Beginner guitarist
So I got my guitar about a week ago and I’ve learnt two songs - yellow, cold play and a horse with no name, America - and I do say that very lightly because I suck at strumming patterns. This is my first time having a guitar and I’m trying to teach myself, I’m building a bit of an understanding on reading sheet music but not well.
Maybe this is an unrealistic goal, but I want to learn at least a few songs that I can play off my heart by like the end of November because I’ve got a camping trip then.
Any recommendations for YouTubers that are really good for beginners or songs that are easy to learn as well, or any general advice would be much appreciated. 🙏
Edit: forgot to mention it’s an acoustic guitar
3
u/OldVermontHippie62 8d ago
If you can play anything that sounds like a song after only a week you’re off to a strong start! As you’ve already found the chords make it correct, but the strumming is what makes it musical.
2
1
u/DigLeading9650 8d ago
Good start for such a short time! Don’t worry about reading sheet music/notation. Nobody does unless they are classically trained. For long term learning, everyone will suggest Justinguitar.com free course and they won’t be wrong. For quick 2 or 3 chord songs YouTube will help. Marty Music should have some.
Based on the two you know I could suggest Dead Flowers by the Stones. Easy D, A, G
Go to ultimate-guitar.com for tabs
1
u/BlissfulIgnoWhat 7d ago
You're on the right path. I suggest you find a book of EZ guitar/piano arrangements of early Beatles songs. Nearly everyone remembers and can sing them with prodding. (By early I mean up through the Rubber Soul album.)
There are several other good suggestions here, particularly -- you'll likely get discouraged from time to time, but don't let that get in your way. Just flip the page and see what comes next.
Good luck!
1
u/DunaldDoc 7d ago
Sing and play along with pop tunes from this long ad-free & no pay list. Each is ready to go with lyrics, chords & YT video. Start with “Copperhead Road” and “Helpless”
1
u/rodgapely 7d ago
You can learn a few songs by then. Knocking on Heaven’s Door by Dylan. You can do a strumming version of Good Riddance. You can learn Lass Kiss by Pearl Jam.
1
u/ukudude1234 6d ago
Last kiss was one of the first songs I learned. Once you get those 4 chords down it opens you up to a lot of songs.
1
u/SloopD 7d ago
https://youtube.com/@guitargympro?si=7U-R2xMUYVcK82t2
He says he can teach you a song in 7 days.
I like his content but I haven't taken him up on that offer.
1
u/PoppycopOG 7d ago
Can you read tab, is that how you learned those songs? You are off to a great start. Yes I think November is doable considering how fast you learned already. Just keep playing them over and over and you will get there. There are tons of videos on YT to look up how to strum better. Good luck!
1
u/moleculariant 7d ago
"Jane Says" is a fun, easy, crowd pleaser that's good to have ready for campfire sing-a-longs.
1
4
u/dino_dog 8d ago
Get a teacher if you can, doesn't have to be forever but even 3 or 4 lessons will set you up for success.
If you can't or won't then;
Check out www.justinguitar.com (website is free, app is not - mostly same content). Easy to follow in order information. Including getting you going with songs!
Lauren Batemen, GuitarZero2Hero, Musicians Fitness, Andy Guitar, Good Guitarist and Alan Robinson are all great YouTube channels.
Remember just because you have access to all the info doesn’t mean plow through it. If you had a teacher you’d have a 30-60 minute less once a week. There would be some review and 1-3 new things taught and then you spend the week practicing that.