I was spoiled rotten at Christmas, and received a brand new guitar! I’m very excited; however, I have the slightest clue how to play it …..YET, that is! Maybe you could help? Any helpful tidbits would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve heard of many people teaching themselves, but I just don’t think that is an option for me. I have no musical background whatsoever; nor am I known for any musical abilities.
When you learned how to play, what helped you? Is there an instructor you’d recommend? Teaching book? YouTube video?
Also, if you can suggest any super simple songs (like Tom Petty’s “Free Falling”) that would be awesome too! It is much more inspiring for me to continue practicing when I can actually play a song.
Thanks for all your help. Also, I must commend anyone who can play any instrument. It is hard work, tedious, and my fingers hurt!
I’m not expecting to become some amazing guitarist like Keith Urban or Brad Paisley, but I am determined to at least be decent! 
Wesley
I started taking guitar lessons last fall, and I’m still not very good(probably because i had to quit taking lessons for other reasons and now i dont really play that much), but the easiest song to play that i know, is Sweet Home Alabama. The rythym/backup part is very easy. Its only three chords and a very easy strum pattern. A couple more to try is Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash and the backup part for Living Our Love Song by Jason Michael Carroll.
carissa
What a great group of songs AND they’re easy!? That is exciting. Thank you so much, Wesley!
brenda
carissa, congradutions on get a guitar, i learned from my father i cannot read notes play by ear. and if you learn the basic cords d,g,a7 things will come easier also. there are books also for learning the gutiar. use liquid band aid or check with any music store put across your fingers before playing.but if you get past the hurt it does not hurt much.my first lesson i learned the wildwood flower.good luck drop me e-mail on how you are doing. please.
Travis
Congrats on picking up the guitar. I’ve been playing for about a dozen years myself and it is by far my favorite hobby. There’s nothing better than playing music. The advice I give beginners is… First, fork over the money for lessons from a qualified instructor for at least a year. Teaching yourself is possible but it is difficult and frustrating. A good instructor will not only teach you how to play but will also teach you the theory behind the music which is invaluable. Unfortunately I don’t have any recomendations for instructors in COMO but i’m sure the various music stores around town have some qualified instructors. Second, clip the finger nails on your left hand. Long finger nails just won’t work. Third, focus on the basics to begin with. Learn how to play the basic major chords…A, B, C, D, E, F, G….and practice switching back and forth between the chords and getting them to ring clean. Fourth, practice, practice, practice. You should practice at least an hour a day every day in the beginning. Learning how to play guitar is a long, slow, and painful process but it is absolutely worth the effort in the end. Oh, don’t worry about the painful finger thing, it will go away in about a week or so if you are practicing for an hour every night. Just have to get the calluses built up.
Jonathan
If you can handle “Free Fallin”, check out the website “Countrytabs.com” if you’ve never heard of it. You have to register but you can do so for free. It has just about any country song you can think of. When you bring up a song, it will show you the lyrics and the chords to play along with the lyrics. If you roll your mouse over the chord, it will pop up a diagram of how to play that chord. (This is the case with most songs, but not all). Its a good way to practice chords without the boredom of memorization. Hope it helps! (PS…most of the songs are real simple, 3 chord country as they say!)
Carissa
You all were so much help! Thank you.
Brenda, I will definitely be picking up some of that liquid band-aid stuff!
I agree with you Travis, I should get an instructor. I’ve been trying to teach myself chords, and it is very frustrating! One hour a day huh…? I believe it, but Ouch! I will try my best! Thanks for all the other tips too.
And once I learn a few chords, Jonathan, I will be making my way to countrytabs.com, for sure. I hadn’t heard of that site, thanks for the heads up. I’m excited to get to the point where I can play numerous songs!
Thanks again to everyone who emailed and called as well. You all are great!
Kevin
Learning to play is a funny thing, you can think your getting it then you hear other people play the same thing you are and wonder, why does it sound beter when they play it? I had a freind/teacher have me get a small recorder and turn it on when I practiced at home. It really seemed to help to be able to play it back and listen to what I had just played and what needed to work on. Good luck and don’t give up! Oh abd BTW anotehr picker told me a little beer makes you play better LOL!
carissa
That’s a good idea. I do notice my “free falling” does not sound like anyone else’s yet….
So, Beer makes you play better, or just makes you THINK you’re playing better?? haha!