Hey everyone, just wanted to ask if it’s okay to start by playing the songs I find on YouTube. I can read tabs, but I don’t know much about music theory except for a few basics.
Is this a bad approach?
PS: I managed to learn ‘Nothing Else Matters’ pretty well, at least up to the solo part.
I started with an intro guitar class in college. It was a good foundation, but I struggled to keep up with the concepts until I started learning songs. Every time I learned a new song, I’d practice it, record myself, and try playing it in different styles. That really kept me motivated to play every day. I went from simple 3-chord songs to more complex ones I promised to learn when I got better. The binder of songs I built up over time helped me see my progress. As a teacher, I believe there’s no one right way to learn. The first thing you need to figure out is what you want to get out of playing the guitar — whether it’s playing songs, composing, performing, or something else.
I just want to play for myself and maybe perform in front of family and friends, or maybe even at a college event. I love metal and rock music, and after listening to them, all I want to do is pick up the guitar and play.
The best way to learn is whatever keeps you interested in playing.
Miller said:
The best way to learn is whatever keeps you interested in playing.
Definitely going to stick with metal songs. Metallica’s songs just make me want to grab my guitar and go all out.
Learning just chords and tabs for popular songs is totally fine, especially if you just want to strum along at parties. But if you want to get serious, you’ll need to pick up some music theory sooner or later.
@Zane
How do I start with music theory? What should I learn first?
Theory is great for writing and improvising music, but if that’s not what you want to do, it might not be as fun. Stick to playing what makes you happy, and maybe down the road you’ll want to get into theory. The key is to enjoy the process.
@Toryn
I do feel like part of me wants to write music, or at least make it sound fun.
Jem said:
@Toryn
I do feel like part of me wants to write music, or at least make it sound fun.
I get that. When I started, I just wanted to play songs too. But as I learned more, things started getting easier. I started studying theory and practicing scales, and it’s been fun. Don’t force yourself into it. Learn the songs you love first, and eventually, you’ll find yourself learning theory as well.
@Toryn
I think I’ll start learning something new every day, better to do it now than later.
Play what you want to play. That’s the only rule.