Starting to play guitar, like a lot of things, is the most difficult part. It can be very frustrating contemplating the amount of time and effort that is required to get any good, but, as soon as the first song is mastered, it becomes very rewarding and fun. Here are a few straight-forward but fantastic tracks to play along to.
1. Oasis- Wonderwall
This modern classic from Oasis is simple to play and great to sing along to. Ideally it is played with a capo on the second fret, but the song still sounds great without one. The chords for the intro are as follows- Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4.
Those unfamiliar with chord names, should get a chord book or visit web pages such as Ultimate-guitar.com, which shows the reader how to play certain chords. It is not complicated at all, and just requires a bit of application.
The strumming pattern will come in time, players just need to keep practising. To excel at guitar, players really need to put the time in. Try one or two hours a day, every day if you can. If this is done considerable progress will almost certainly ensue.
2. U2- One
This all-time classic track, taken from U2’s Achtung Baby album is a little more difficult to play than Oasis’ Wonderwall, but worth the extra effort. It goes a little something like: Am, Dsus2, Fmaj7, G. The strumming pattern for the track is fairly straight forward for this song. If you’re singing along to it also, good luck with hitting the high notes that Bono can reach!
3. Greenday- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
This song has been included as it is a great way to introduce beginners to plucking and strumming through the same song. A phenomenal track from the album Nimrod, perhaps Greenday’s finest, Good Riddance is played in with a plucking sequence for the following chord pattern: G, Cadd9, D (Played twice), then Em, D, Cadd9, G (Played twice).
The strumming section is then played with the exact same chord sequence, played in the same order. The pattern of the strum is fairly easy to work out. If the player cannot get it initially the main thing to do in order to improve is simply to keep practising. Time is the guitar player's weapon. It is totally normal when starting to learn to experience stumbling blocks.
4. Tracy Chapman- Talkin’ ‘Bout A Revolution
Not as popular as the other songs in this list, if are not familiar with Talkin’ ‘Bout A Revolution, give it a listen. The track is peculiar in the sense that the guitar tablature for the song is very straight forward to learn, but the track is quite difficult to sing along to whilst simultaneously playing. Along with Oasis’ Wonderwall, this track is a learner guitar player’s dream.
It is so easy to play. The chords are simply G, Cadd9, Em, D. This sequence is played throughout the song with the same strumming pattern without interruption. Enjoy!
5. Bob Dylan- Blowin’ in the Wind
A very old but still fantastic song from a musical pioneer, Mr. Dylan, Blowin’ in the Wind is another track filled with the most basic of chords and indeed chord sequences. The track begins with vocals instantaneously. With the opening line “How many roads must a man walk down before you can call him a man?” play the chords: D,G, D, G.
The track then carries on with A4, A, D, G, C. Again, if the player is unfamiliar with these chord names they can be easily located on any tablature website, such as Ultimate-guitar.com or Guitar Tab Universe. A timeless song and a joy to play, Blowin’ in the Wind is slightly more difficult than all previous tracks in this list, but it is a very realistic target to aim for.
If all of these tracks can be played competently, the player can look forward to taking on ever more intricate and difficult songs. Every beginner guitarist experiences frustration and problems with their play. The most important thing to remember, though, is practice makes perfect. Just put in the time and it will pay dividends.
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