As a beginner guitarist, one of the most critical aspects of learning the instrument is developing the ability to play songs. Music is a language, and like any language, it needs to be practiced in context to be truly understood. By learning songs, beginner guitarists can improve their technique, expand their repertoire, and develop a greater appreciation for the music they play. Moreover, learning to play popular songs with just a handful of chords can open the door to hundreds, if not thousands, of potential tunes to master.
RELATED: Get Jake Reichbart’s Fingerstyle SongPack: Rock, Vol. 2 on TrueFire >
One of the key reasons learning songs is so important for beginner guitarists is that it provides a tangible goal to work towards. When starting on any new instrument, it can be daunting to focus solely on mastering individual techniques or exercises. However, by learning songs, beginners can see their progress in real-time and have a better understanding of how each technique contributes to the music they create. This not only helps build confidence but also keeps the learning process engaging and enjoyable.
Another advantage of learning songs is that it helps beginner guitarists develop their sense of rhythm and timing. Playing along with recordings or other musicians forces beginners to stay in time and adjust their playing to match the tempo of the song. This skill is essential for any musician, as playing in time is one of the cornerstones of a good performance. By practicing songs, guitarists can hone their internal metronome and develop a natural sense of rhythm that will serve them well in any musical setting.
Furthermore, learning songs also exposes beginner guitarists to different styles and genres of music. By practicing a variety of songs, guitarists can broaden their musical horizons and develop a more diverse skill set. This can be especially beneficial for those who eventually want to compose their music, as exposure to different styles can help inspire creativity and provide a solid foundation for songwriting.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of learning songs for beginner guitarists is discovering that many popular songs can be played with just a handful of chords. The truth is, a vast majority of popular music is based on relatively simple chord progressions. By learning a few basic chords, beginner guitarists can unlock the ability to play hundreds, if not thousands, of popular songs across various genres.
For example, learning just three chords—G, C, and D—allows beginners to play countless rock, pop, and folk songs. Similarly, mastering the A, E, and D chords opens the door to a vast number of blues and rock ‘n’ roll tunes. The beauty of this is that beginners can focus on learning a few key chords and quickly build up a substantial repertoire of songs. This can be incredibly motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment that encourages further growth and development as a musician.
Learning songs is essential for beginner guitarists because it provides a practical context for applying techniques, helps develop rhythm and timing, exposes players to different styles and genres, and allows them to unlock the potential to play hundreds or thousands of popular songs with just a handful of chords. By focusing on learning songs, beginner guitarists can quickly build confidence, have fun, and experience the joy of making music. So, pick up your
RELATED: Get Jake Reichbart’s Fingerstyle SongPack: Rock, Vol. 2 on TrueFire >