Confused

[tpofarrell]

I started playing about 3 months ago and signed up on nlg.com. I reached a point in the beginner videos where David is giving suggestions on songs to play. Is there a free video somewhere that breaks the suggested songs down for me to learn or do I need to purchase something else. My ear isn't good enough yet to pick out the strum patterns and chords for the suggested songs.

[screamin eagle]

A very common and easy strum pattern is: D-D-U-U-D-U repeat.

When you know that the chords of a song are and you can make the chord changes easily, then try to play just down strokes (one per beat: 1-2-3-4/D-D-D-D) for each chord through all the changes. Them start to hear the difference in the recording and try to add in the up strokes.

Try Brown Eyed Girl--it is the strum pattern I referenced. Then try Lyin' Eyes (Eagles), it also is the strum pattern that I referenced.

When you can play a strum pattern for "What'd I say" that coincides with Ray's Piano, then you know you can pretty much pick up a lot of different stum patterns by listening.


Also try "Dead Flower's" by the Stones. It also is the referenced strum pattern, but the second D is a chuck, or a muted strum.

[david taub]

Hi - really good advice - for the first ones use strum pattern 1 or 2 for many easy songs to get yourself going. Those strums can play many different songs and eventually in the lessons you will learn new patterns and then will be able to get them down by ear down the road a bit. Look in the articles section of the website and there is an artice I wrote titled easy campfire songs - there you will find a list of easy open chord songs to get you started.
Stay positive - you can do it!
rock on!
David Taub

[tpofarrell]

Thanks David. Lovin you guys. I'm addicted.

[ez-one]

also look at youtube for guitar lessons, there are many song lessons that take you through the basic chords and strumming. also do a google search for free guitar tabs, some of the tab sites have some pretty good chord songs, if you need help finding them PM me and I will help you out