How to Pick a Song on the Guitar

Picking the right song to play on the guitar can feel like a journey through a musical maze. Whether you’re just starting out or have been shredding for years, choosing a tune that both challenges and excites you is key to keeping your guitar practice fresh and fun. Let’s break down how to select a song that not only suits your style but also helps you grow as a guitarist.

Understanding Your Skill Level

Before diving into a new song, it’s important to evaluate your current playing level. Are you a beginner, an intermediate player, or a seasoned pro? This self-assessment will help you choose songs that are neither too easy nor frustratingly difficult.

• Beginners: If you’re just starting out, look for songs with simple chord progressions and slower tempos. Classic rock tunes or simple pop songs can be a great starting point.
• Intermediate Players: At this stage, you can start experimenting with more complex rhythms and solos. Songs with moderate tempo and varied chord structures can be both rewarding and challenging.
• Advanced Players: If you’ve been playing for a while, don’t shy away from songs with intricate solos, fast tempos, and complex rhythms. Metal and progressive rock can offer the complexity you crave.

Being honest about your skill level helps you avoid frustration and ensures that your practice sessions are productive. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process of learning while improving your technique.

Considering Your Musical Taste

Let’s face it: playing a song you love is far more motivating than struggling through something you’re indifferent about. Your musical preferences should play a big role in your song selection. Whether you’re into the heavy riffs of metal or the catchy hooks of pop, choosing a song you enjoy will make practice feel less like a chore and more like a jam session.

Here are a few ways to align your musical taste with your practice:

• Create a Playlist: Compile a list of songs you enjoy and would like to learn. This playlist can serve as your go-to resource when you’re ready to tackle a new tune.
• Explore New Genres: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Trying out new genres can introduce you to different techniques and broaden your musical horizons.
• Pay Attention to the Guitar Parts: While listening to music, focus on the guitar parts and see if they excite you. If a riff or solo gets you pumped, it might be a great candidate for your next practice session.

Ultimately, your love for the song will drive your motivation to learn and master it. So, keep your passion in mind when picking your next piece.

Assessing the Song’s Difficulty

Once you’ve zeroed in on a song, it’s time to assess its difficulty level. This involves analyzing the song structure, tempo, and any challenging techniques it may include. Here’s how you can break it down:

• Song Structure: Start by looking at the song’s chord progression and overall structure. Songs with repetitive patterns are generally easier to learn, while those with complex arrangements may take more time to master.
• Tempo: Faster songs require precise timing and may be more challenging. If you’re not comfortable with the song’s tempo, consider slowing it down with a metronome and gradually increasing the speed as you improve.
• Techniques Used: Identify the techniques used in the song, such as alternate picking, palm muting, or tapping. If the song includes unfamiliar techniques, you might need to spend extra time practicing them separately before tackling the entire song.

By breaking down a song into its components, you can get a better sense of whether it’s within your current skill range or if it might be something to tackle later on.

Using Tabs and Sheet Music

Tabs and sheet music are invaluable resources when learning a new song. They provide a visual representation of the notes and rhythms, making it easier to understand the song’s structure and flow.

Here’s how to make the most of these tools:

• Find Reliable Sources: Websites like Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr offer a vast library of tabs for countless songs. Be sure to choose tabs with high ratings or reviews, as they are likely more accurate.
• Use Sheet Music for Complex Songs: For advanced players, sheet music can offer a more detailed view of a song’s complexities, especially when dealing with intricate solos or jazz standards.
• Practice Sections Separately: Break the song into manageable sections and practice each part individually. This approach helps you focus on mastering specific techniques and transitions before playing the entire song.

Remember, tabs and sheet music are guides. Feel free to add your personal touch to the song as you become more comfortable with it.

Breaking Down the Song into Sections

Learning a song doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. By breaking it down into smaller sections, you can tackle each part one at a time, making the process less overwhelming. Here’s how to do it:

• Identify Key Sections: Start by identifying the song’s intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. Focus on mastering each section separately before piecing them together.
• Set Small Goals: Set achievable goals for each practice session, such as learning the intro or nailing a tricky solo. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
• Repeat and Refine: Repetition is key to mastery. Repeat each section until you can play it confidently and smoothly. Pay attention to any mistakes and work on refining them.

By breaking the song into sections, you can focus on mastering each part individually, making the learning process more manageable and enjoyable.

Utilizing Online Resources

The internet is a treasure trove of resources for guitarists looking to learn new songs. From video tutorials to forums, there’s a wealth of information at your fingertips. Here are some ways you can leverage online resources:

• Video Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube offer countless video tutorials for songs across all genres. Watching someone play the song can provide valuable insights into finger placement and technique.
• Online Communities: Join guitar forums or social media groups where fellow guitarists share tips and experiences. Engaging with a community can provide support and motivation.
• Riffhard’s Lessons: At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. You’ll find quality instruction on a variety of techniques that can help you tackle even the most challenging songs.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain new perspectives and techniques that will enhance your playing and help you tackle songs with confidence.

Practicing with a Metronome

Timing is everything when it comes to playing guitar, especially in complex genres like metal. A metronome can be your best friend in achieving precise timing and rhythm. Here’s how to incorporate it into your practice:

• Start Slow: Begin practicing the song at a slower tempo to ensure accuracy. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the song.
• Focus on Difficult Sections: Use the metronome to hone in on challenging parts of the song. Practicing these sections at a slower pace can help you master the timing and technique.
• Consistency is Key: Make practicing with a metronome a regular part of your routine. This will help improve your timing and overall musicality.

While the metronome might seem like a simple tool, it can significantly enhance your playing by helping you stay on beat and play with precision.

Recording and Reviewing Your Progress

Recording yourself while practicing is an effective way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Here’s how to make the most of this technique:

• Record Regularly: Try recording yourself playing the song at different stages of learning. This will give you a clear picture of your development over time.
• Analyze Your Playing: Listen to the recordings with a critical ear. Pay attention to timing, technique, and any mistakes. Use this feedback to focus your practice on areas that need improvement.
• Celebrate Milestones: Recording your progress allows you to celebrate milestones and see how far you’ve come. It’s a great motivator to keep you moving forward.

By using recordings as a feedback tool, you can gain valuable insights into your playing and make more targeted improvements.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right song on the guitar involves balancing your skill level, musical taste, and the complexity of the song. With the right approach, every song becomes an opportunity to grow as a musician. Remember, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists to help you tackle even the toughest riffs. Keep practicing, stay passionate, and enjoy the journey of learning new songs.