learn to read tab. This will help you read a chord chart. It's very simple. The first piece I learned was the star spangled banner as well. I've always wanted to play foo fighters-everlong and I never could for the longest. But hours of brainless practice later it's like, man this is kinda easy. Practice is the key. Learn your major chords first, power chords are pretty easy, bar chords are quite a bit tougher but you will get it. I bought a gripmaster, when I started playing, to strengthen my hand. Little booger really does work! Anyway, welcome to GT there is a whole lesson on chords and pretty much anything you want to know. Look under beginner lessons on the GT home page.