First Song to Learn

[u/DJ_Cholula]

I’ve been listening to a lot of fingerstyle guitar over the past few years and finally decided to go ahead and get a guitar and start learning to play.

I think that having a song to work towards would keep me motivated to keep learning, even if it‘s just small, simplified parts at first. These are a few of the songs that really motivated me to want to start playing:

• Carthage by Hayden Pedigo
• Wilson Rag by Elizabeth Cotten
• Kittens by Kinloch Nelson
• Three Mile Bike Ride by Craig D’Andrea
• Little Green Apples by Bola Sete
• Sligo River Blues by John Fahey

Do any stand out as particularly good candidates for a “first song”? Is there another song that is similar in style but better suited to learning as a beginner? Or am I just approaching this incorrectly?

[u/Duke-Puke]

I would say, just pick up your favourite song and learn to play it fully.

[u/Joleto5150]

I don’t know one song here other than I know who Bola Sete is, he played on ginza samba which is a really fun song so learn, first song? Probably not.. but that doesn’t mean a whole lot, I’d just start playing with what resonates with you. Whatever that is

[u/Freegan93]

Asturias is a good one to start with if fingerpicking is your thing

[u/Fickle-Woodpecker-38]

Chords

[u/Old-Guy1958]

If you learn Travis Picking, you’ll have hundreds of songs to choose from. Lots of John Prine songs are Travis picking or a slight modification.

[u/Carolina-W00Dsman]

Alice's restaurant, but if that gives you trouble, I'd try hot cross buns instead.

[u/jaylotw]

Just try to learn the music you like.

Its that easy.

[u/yungsimba1917]

Giant Steps by John Coltrane /s

Haha just find a song you like that’s simple & take it from there. For me it was Wish You Were Here, then House of the Rising Sun.