So, you want to learn guitar songs quickly, huh? I get it. You don’t want to spend months stumbling through chords and tabs, only to still mess up that chorus when you’re jamming with your buddies. The good news is, with the right approach, you can start shredding in no time. Let’s break it down with these 12 tips to help you learn guitar songs faster—and actually have fun doing it.
1. Start with Easy Songs – Don't Overcomplicate It
If you’re new to this, don’t jump into something like a Van Halen solo. Start with simple songs that use basic chords. Once you nail those, you’ll build the skills you need to tackle harder stuff. Keep it simple at first—it’s all about momentum.
2. Listen, Listen, Listen
Before you even pick up your guitar, listen to the song—A LOT. Get to know every note, every strum. The more familiar you are with the song, the easier it will be to play. Trust me on this one.
3. Use Guitar Tabs and Chord Charts
Don’t waste time guessing. Find good-quality tabs or chord charts for the song you want to learn. There’s no shame in using resources—it’s what they’re there for. Sites like Ultimate Guitar have tons of them.
4. Slow It Down – Speed Comes Later
Yeah, you want to play fast, but don’t rush. Use a metronome or slow down the track using apps like Amazing Slow Downer. Focus on playing accurately first—speed will come with practice. Slow and steady wins the race, my friend.
5. Practice Regularly – Consistency Over Quantity
It’s better to practice 15 minutes a day than cramming for two hours once a week. Your fingers and your brain need time to adjust. Make it part of your daily routine—small sessions will pay off big in the long run.
6. Break It Down – One Section at a Time
Learning a whole song can feel overwhelming. So don’t. Break it down into smaller sections, like the intro, verse, and chorus. Master each section before moving on to the next. Piece it all together, and you’ll be playing the full song before you know it.
7. Use Quality Learning Materials – Don’t Waste Time with Bad Lessons
If you’re really serious about learning, invest in some good learning materials. Whether it’s YouTube tutorials, online courses, or even a local teacher, make sure you’re learning the right way from the start.
8. Play Along with the Recording
Once you’ve got the basics down, start playing along with the recording. It’s going to feel messy at first, but you’ll get better at keeping up. And when you can play along smoothly? That’s when you know you’ve got it.
9. Record Yourself – You’ll Thank Me Later
This one is key. Record yourself playing and listen back. You’ll notice mistakes and areas you need to improve that you didn’t catch while playing. Plus, it’s super satisfying to hear yourself getting better.
10. Keep Things Fresh – Learn Different Styles
Don’t get stuck playing the same type of song over and over. Branch out—learn songs from different genres and styles. It’ll keep you motivated, and you’ll pick up new techniques along the way.
11. Get Feedback – Don’t Play in a Bubble
Whether it’s a friend, a teacher, or even posting your progress online, get some feedback. Sometimes an outside perspective can help you improve in ways you didn’t see yourself.
12. Join a Community – Play with Others
Playing alone is fine, but you’ll learn way faster if you jam with other people. Join a local group, participate in online forums, or hit up your friends for a jam session. There’s nothing like playing with others to push you to improve.
Conclusion – It’s All About the Journey
Learning guitar songs isn’t about rushing to the finish line. It’s about the process. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and trust that with these tips, you’ll be playing your favorite songs way faster than you think. And remember, every great guitarist started right where you are now.