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Posted by: Pavlov Nov 27 2008, 08:29 PM

Hiya! As you know, I've only recently began playing and I'm practicing about 2 to 3 hours a day since I began a month ago. Now, with the help of my guitar teacher, I have finally 'mastered' (relatively, considering I began from scratch playing 'zombie' from the Cranberries!) the acoustic version of 'Times like These' by the Foo Fighters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVm8jPBhmMU

I love this song because it's distinguishable even when alone, is easy, and I can improve upon in time by, for example, trying to sing along. Another song I'm trying slowly is Nirvana's version of 'The Man Who Sold The World' and, while I hate the band, the guitar work of 'Monsoon' from Tokio Hotel.

In time, I'd like to perhaps be a rhythm guitarist. And while I love trying (somewhat failing) classics like 'Californication' and 'Let it Die', I notice again and again that I love chordwork! I'd also like to learn how to improvise, but I'm sure that takes months if not years of practice - and for now I want some 'instant satisfaction'!

I was wondering, perhaps, could anyone give me some songs that are probably in my alley and could work very well as a slight step up from Times Like These?

Thanks!

Posted by: Matt23 Nov 27 2008, 08:34 PM

Personally i'd keep at californication, it is a brilliant song. Also if you want to learn how to improvise, and you love chordwork, you should start improvising with chords.

Posted by: Marcus Siepen Nov 28 2008, 01:45 PM

When I started to play I was jamming a lot to my Black Sabbath albums. In general I think it is a good thing to just take some of your fave albums and try to work your way through them. Of course I am talking about more basic songs, nobody expects you to start with something from Dream Theater or Malmsteen

Posted by: SonofDestiny Nov 28 2008, 02:25 PM

How about that song by Oasis that everyone plays at birthday parties?

Posted by: Darfuria Nov 28 2008, 02:44 PM

Radiohead - Creep is good for some barre chord switching and switching between A shapes and Am shapes.

Posted by: Gus Nov 28 2008, 03:48 PM

Try out Jack Johnson. Fun songs.

Chords are usually easy, but this is going to make your right hand work

Posted by: Jesse Nov 28 2008, 09:36 PM

A bit harder stuff but really rythmic... AC/DC ! They use open chords non stop. If you look at malcolm... that man' s strumming is rock solid! Also you might wanna take a look at Pete Townshend, the brilliant composer and rythm player from the Who:D

Posted by: Smikey2006 Nov 28 2008, 10:06 PM

Wonderwall? Because that is what i was going to suggest Heres my list of simple chord songs

Wonderwall-Oasis
Yellow-Coldplay
Sitting waiting wishing- Jack Johnson
Comin Home-City and Colour

Rrains-Porcupine Tree

id love to learn more but rescently ive been working on finger picking.. which imo is equally as fun try

Hey There Delihla-Plain White T's

Posted by: rokchik Nov 28 2008, 11:00 PM

I'd like to add to this list

Tom Petty - Yer So bad
Neil Young - Heart of Gold
CCR - Cottonfields, Bad Moon on the Rise
Johnny Cash - Hurt, Ring of Fire
Nirvana - About a Girl

Also Pavlov I'd work on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/beginner-guitar/barre-chords.htm It took me a while to get them down and switch cleaning between them, but it's opened up my chord playing a lot. (also found it helped build my hand strength for other techniques)

Posted by: Marek Rojewski Nov 28 2008, 11:13 PM

Santana - Put Your Lights On
Cranberries - Just My Imagination, Linger, Zombie, Free To Decide, Dreaming my dreams, more for sure;)
Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar
Cohen - Marieanna
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Aerosmith - I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing / Cryin'
Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm

Most of the songs aren't to "metal" or powerful, but I loved to play them.

Posted by: Pavlov Nov 29 2008, 10:14 AM

Thanks everybody! Certainly some good stuff in here. Will be able to last me a couple of weeks/months.

I actually never had a problem with Barre chords, except for the first 30 minutes. I had to use one for 'the man who sold the world' and it sounds pretty good. Individually, all strings sound clear. I had a bit of a problem with them on my squier strat, but with my new les paul studio, it's a breeze.

Posted by: Sondre Nov 29 2008, 02:00 PM

I learned barre chords on my acoustic. (Played for 6 months before i got my electric) After that, barre chords was a walk in the park on my electric.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Nov 29 2008, 04:09 PM

If you like RHCP, you can try the song "Scar Tissue". It's super easy, has three chords throughout and no bridge. Solo is pretty cool to improvise.

The chords are: F - C - Dm

You can sing this song as well it is easy to sing.

Posted by: audiopaal Nov 29 2008, 07:33 PM

Many great suggestions here

I'm gonna try a few as well