The First Fret

Songs & Playing

The reason most people pick up a guitar in the first place. These guides help you choose first songs that use chords you already know, break a song into manageable parts, play along in time, use a capo to match a song to your voice, and steadily work up to playing a whole song from start to finish — and then, when you're ready, playing it for someone else.

Songs & Playing

4 guides

Songs & Playing

How to Play Along with Songs in Time

Learn how to play along with songs on guitar and stay in time — tips on tempo, slow-down tools, counting in, and recovering when you fall behind.

August 14, 2026

Songs & Playing

How to Read Guitar Tabs (Tablature) for Beginners

Learn how to read guitar tabs step by step. This beginner guide explains what guitar tabs mean, how to decode numbers, symbols, and chords in tablature.

July 31, 2026

Songs & Playing

How to Learn a Song on Guitar from Start to Finish

A step-by-step guide on how to learn a song on guitar, from picking the right track to playing it all the way through with confidence.

July 17, 2026

Songs & Playing

20 Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners (2 to 4 Chords)

Discover 20 easy guitar songs for beginners that use just 2 to 4 chords, so you can start playing real music fast.

July 3, 2026

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