Guitar chord forum - chordie — need help

Re: need help

null@example.com (Zurf) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:46:32 +0000

All the best songs are "three chords and the truth" in my opinion. I heard an interview with George Thorogood one time. The interviewer mentioned that a lot of his songs have the same sound to them. George Thorogood replied, "I only know four chords. Of course they sound the same." If George Thorogood can make a whole career out of four chords, I expect you can get off to a good start with a few more than that.

Keep up the good work. Lots of good advice on this thread.

- Zurf

Re: need help

null@example.com (dino48) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:59:35 +0000

Hi paul,the few chords you know can be put too hundreds or more songs, i was a little lost in the beginning also. Afriend of mine showed me how he did what I say by ray charles,he also said I needed to keep the tempo up and told me that the rests are important also,so I bought the record and listend too it.It worked!! Try some buddy holly,neil diamond,or credence clearwater revival. Most of their tunes are afew simple chords. We all have these struggles as we reach musical blocks,and it seems like we can not go any further. Do not give up,it will come too you. I forgot too mention make sure your guitar is in TUNE!! dino

Re: need help

null@example.com (zguitar) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:51:41 +0000

Paul,

If u want something easily recognizable and easy to play try Free Fallin - Tom Petty.
Simple down strum once for each chord. Capo 3rd fret, play D G G D A. That's how I play it.
Check out this lesson, this dude is an awesome teacher.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_yWxo0Q … annel_page
I didn't pay attention to his timing and counting. I just do 1 downstrum per chord.

I scour youtube to find lessons to help me play. It has helped me lots!

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!

Re: need help

null@example.com (AccoustikNoyz) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:56:30 +0000

Paul - you're on the right track. Try Knockin' On Heaven's Door. G, D, Am, G, D, C all the way thru. Play it the same intro, verse, chorus, outro until you don't need a cheat sheet. Move up to something more challenging maybe Wonderwall by Oasis, perhaps. In either case, write down how you interpret the song and play it just like that. The idea being to play it as a song instead of as a portion of a song. You'll be pleased. Good luck and let us know how it pans out.
Steve

Re: need help

null@example.com (wlbaye) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:46:03 +0000

Hey Paul,
I think everyone gets frustrated at times and everyone has a different way of getting back at it. One thing I think is the most important is to have fun. Playing along with others is a great way to learn when your starting, most every player I know would be glad to have someone strum along.
They will keep the rhythm going and it is a great way to have to keep up with the beat and tempo. Even if you can't keep up they will keep on going and you will be jammin before you know it.
Good Luck

Re: need help

null@example.com (paul1970) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:07:34 +0000

illinois about 120 miles west of chicago

Re: need help

null@example.com (normtheguitar) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:28:55 +0000

Welcome Paul1970 - where are you based? Just thought there might be some other Chordians nearby that you might be able to get together with.

Re: need help

null@example.com (bensonp) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:48:59 +0000

Yes, try doing what Zurg suggested. I think that is a wonderful way to learn. Then you don't get stuck on the same old stuff. I try to do this, but like everyone, I stray from the practice. I play a few songs, then do a few scales and I always practice on Classical Gas, which is very hard for me.

Re: need help

null@example.com (paul1970) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:39:59 +0000

through this post i've gotten alot of encouragement, tried hard to look at my Rutt, and figure out why i'm not progressing, i'm beginning to think i'm spending too much time on just practicing, and not actually trying to play, i'll start a song or two that i know chords for, when it doesn't sound right i quit and go back to just strumming and switching between chords, i think i need to stick with one song, play it a million times til i get it right, then move on, got any easy song suggestions, i thought maybe brown eyed girl or stand by me,

Re: need help

null@example.com (Zurf) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:13:51 +0000

The conversation with Ozy in another thread where he says that he has a need for routine got me thinking. Would it help you to set up a routine for yourself, such as practicing/playing for an hour before bedtime? 0:15 on scales and arpeggios, 0:15 on new songs/riffs/chord patterns; and 0:30 reviewing songs you already know or are trying to improve. Something like that? Many people think structured practice time is the best way to improve, and I tend to agree, though I admit hypocracy by not taking my own advice on the topic.

- Zurf

Re: need help

null@example.com (dfoskey) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:43:59 +0000

Work on learning a few new chords like A, E, F, B, AM, DM, BM & FM then the barre chords and so on and how to transition to and from each of them to the other. When you get that done you can play thousands of songs. Just don't give up and remember to practice alot. I started out the same way you have and then progressed from there to having my wife and kids and pretty much anyone that hears me play and sing tell me that i'm really good. I will always feel that i'm not progressing like i wished but i've come to realize that i will always feel that way as long as i compare myself to the musicians i listen to everyday on the radio or the seasoned professionals. Stay with it and before long you will be finding different and better ways to play their songs and helping those in the same place that you're in now.

Re: need help

null@example.com (Detman101) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:17:16 +0000

paul1970 wrote:

i know a few chords G C D Em can change quickly between them, with a simple DDU UDU strumming pattern, and see lots of songs i know and like, that can be played with these but i can't play a single recognizable song, is it a rhythum problem ? timing ? help me out guys i'm ready to give it up

"If I had a million dollars" by Barenaked Ladies

That song uses those exact chords in that order (with the chorus using the Em)
A little funkier/faster version of that strum (DDU-UDUDDU)
And of course...singing.

=]
Dm

Re: need help

null@example.com (cameronkl7) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:21:52 +0000

Hi Paul,

It sounds to me like you already have the making of a song in your second post on this topic, when you spoke of "the wifes given up on ever singing along, the kids don't come around and the dog would rather be outside, its bad" Just make up your own!

Naolslager, it's ok, Justinguitar has been mentioned many many times, a great place to start.

Cam

Re: need help

null@example.com (paul1970) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:10:13 +0000

thanks to everyone for your encouragement, Wayne if you ever get a chance to do a few more easy lessons know that us newbies sure appreciate them

Re: need help

null@example.com (naolslager) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:24:01 +0000

I apologise for recommending another website (other than Chordie.com) BUT... check out www.justinguitar.com. specifically look at his "Easy Songs". try cutting your teeth on "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. Three chords: A, E, D and all downstrumming. it doesn't get much easier than that. Now if I only had the courage and rythym to sing along!