Questions About Learning Simple 3-Chord Songs

[colchar]

I have some questions about learning songs that I feel like a real idiot for asking but figured I would do so anyway.

I was talking to my roommate (he’s played guitar for 15 years and is really rather good) about playing simple songs in order to get some sense of accomplishment rather than just constantly practising scales, etc. He commented that, at times, he thinks I’m channelling my inner piano teacher when he sees me playing scales and other exercises and that it would be a great idea to learn a couple of simple songs straight through so as to make practising more interesting and, ultimately, more entertaining (he mentioned that learning his first song really opened things up for him and encouraged him to keep going). To that end, I grabbed a book of 3-chord songs while we were in the music store today and I’m going to add learning songs into my learning/practise routine.

However, when looking at the songs in the book I cannot figure out exactly how to read what is there and to translate it into music - this is the part that makes me feel like an idiot. My roommate has gone away for work for a couple of days so I can’t ask him until he gets back and I figured I’d ask here.

Looking at the images below (for I Love Rock ‘n Roll) how many times would I play the E5 chord in the intro? Do I play it once and let it ring? Or do I play it more than once? And what about in the first verse - how many times do I play the E5 chord in that first line? And what about the A5 when it is first used – do I play it once or more than once?

Unfortunately, the book doesn’t include any info on strumming patterns or how to figure out the timings of the songs and I am rather lost so any help people here can give would be greatly appreciated. Also, I tried listening to the song but there seems to be no correlation between what is in the book and what is actually played (eg. when the intro starts there are at least two chords played while the book only lists the E5 chord).

Sorry for the stupid questions but, as I said, I’ve never before looked at a song written in this manner so have absolutely no idea what to do.

Here are the pages from the book:

[nashvegas]

Understand what you are seeing. These are power chords (read, guitar for non-players.) If you want to play it like the record, I (seriously) suggest following along with the song.

Another approach would be to try out some of Mojo's numerous 3 chord songs. Surely there is something in his list you find interesting.

I'm a life-long beginner and I have found the approach you are taking to be the right one for me. That is, learn a song.

[pwfirst]

I agree, I really like Mojo 3 chord versions better. I am not a big fan of power chords. When starting out it is important to learn the basic chord patterns.
Mojo gives you a video of the chord pattern and the timing and the strum or picking pattern.
He also has a nice chord chart that you can print out.
Most of the 3 chord song books are just the basics.
Good luck and never give up when first learning. Phil

[469roadking]

Totally agree with learning some tunes. I have always started students by asking them to pick out a song they want to learn so that they can experience the thrill of playing music. (Although I was once asked by a 6 yr old to learn Cliffs of Dover as a first song.)
Mojo has some great stuff to start out on. Have fun man.

[lilbiker]

I find that at 46 all I really want to do is be able to play some songs, not really interested in theory, yada yada yada though I know it would be helpful. I try and practice scales and what not but I find learning simple songs is the right way for me as well. Follow along with Mojo and forget the book. There are a lot of songs to learn and it makes so much more sense when you can hear and see how it is played and eventually can incorporate your own twist on the songs. When I find a song and all the chords and lyrics for it, I go on Youtube (that is unless Mojo has it on here) and I watch a ton of covers of the particular song and the original if I can, from there I just keep practicing until I get it right. It is amazing how much quicker you learn when you can watch someone else.

Good luck

[469roadking]

Welcome aboard lilbiker!!! We're gonna need pics of the bike and the guitars eventually by the way.
I agree with you in your post. Youtube and mojo's vids are a great place to learn songs and they are easier if you can watch someone. After 32 years of this I still love to take lessons and those places are good places to start.
Personal enjoyment is what it's all about. If you don't enjoy this stuff then I can't imagine putting in the time it takes to get good at it. Although, IMO, ultimately we should share our passion with others through performing on whatever scale. Even if it's just playing a tune for our kids in the living room. I like to wait until they're in the middle of their favorite TV show to crank up. But thats just me. Music is one of those things that will give you back what you put into it. Learning some basic theory along the way is still a good idea I think. It helps us to understand what we are doing and helps us with creativity as well. But it's something that can be done in increments and between learning I Love Rock and Roll and Do You Wanna Touch.
BTW Colchar, back in the early eighties I had to play both those tunes twice a night 6 nights a week in a touring cover band I was in. I liked playing a full E major instead of just a 5th and the half step bend that gets you from E to A is on the 3rd fret of the low E string. You can bend it down toward the high E string for a half step. G to Ab and it will sound just like the record.
Good luck