Absolute beginner: How long before I can play easy rock songs?

I'm going to be starting(very late, age 20) to learn the electric guitar. Obviously I don't expect to be playing like Hendrix in a month, but I was wondering how long it would take me to start learning the easier rock songs(e.g. Smoke on the Water, Iron Man, etc). I'm planning to practice between an hour and two hours daily(possibly more depending on work). I know that everyone is different, but could anyone give me a rough estimate as to how long getting to that level would take?

Any helpful responses would be much appreciated.

-John

John - this is one of those questions you could probably ask 10 people and get 10 answers so I'll just give you my perspective. I've been at it for about a year. I think most people would say it really depends on how much you practice. I started with GF1 and GF2 on this site and spent 30 - 60 mins a day, not much compared to many but I am in early 40's with job, wife, kids, yada, yada. With that practice time I was reasonably comfortable with both GF 1 and 2 from a technical perspective within 3-4 months. To learn a few songs I then went to You Tube and could learn a song in 1-2 days (far from perfect play, but good enough I could hear the song as I played it). So in 4-5 months I had 4-5 songs, with a ton more basic songs I could play, based on the fundamentals I knew.

For me, I felt a bit bored just memorizing songs based on the limited musical skills I had (nothing wrong with that though if that is someone wants/enjoys). I really wanted to learn the guitar so I supplemented this site with a personal teacher who has not taken me into blues and jazz....spending a ton of time on ear training, scales, new blues and jazz chords, some soloing so I really haven't learned more than my 4-5 songs but I am learning more about music.

Longer term I should be able to do alot more and do it by ear - although this is a sometimes painfullly slow and difficult approach.

If you just want to play songs though you could probably know dozens after a few months with some dedication.

Again, just my experience today....tons more of people here can give you opinions based on much more knowledge, skill and experience.

Hey man,

Here's the better question to ask:

How long do you WANT it to take? two months? 6 months? a year? 3 years?

Whatever limit you set in your own mind, that is how long it will take. ;)

OR you could seek out a serious, experienced teacher. I mean, a really good one, that will help you learn to play like Jimi Hendrix in a matter of months.

I've been with my teacher for 9 months now (started from absolute beginner, at least left-handed, and couldn't a single note or song) and you can hear the result at my website... That's how long it takes. xD

I DID play right-handed like half my life, but I switched hands when I started with my teacher... Doesn't really matter though!

BUT I can't stress more that you need a really, really good teacher. That may cost quite a bit of money...

Approach it like an exercise in Zen. Music is like that ocean out there. The further out you go, the deeper it gets. Forget about schedules, dedication and practice will lead to improvement before you even realize it. Work on any 3 chord progression in any key, that's most of popular music anyway. Learn this: I-IV-V or II-V-I, that works in any key and is 90% of what you need to know. If learning scales, forget about speed for now. Master playing one note soulfully with emotion and expression. Your voice will come, but you decide the path.

Originally Posted by: Matteo MillerHey man,

Here's the better question to ask:

How long do you WANT it to take? two months? 6 months? a year? 3 years?

Whatever limit you set in your own mind, that is how long it will take. ;)

OR you could seek out a serious, experienced teacher. I mean, a really good one, that will help you learn to play like Jimi Hendrix in a matter of months.

I've been with my teacher for 9 months now (started from absolute beginner, at least left-handed, and couldn't a single note or song) and you can hear the result at my website... That's how long it takes. xD

I DID play right-handed like half my life, but I switched hands when I started with my teacher... Doesn't really matter though!

BUT I can't stress more that you need a really, really good teacher. That may cost quite a bit of money...

Very well said. What's up Matteo!

ahaha what up buddy?? :D

Lol, late start 20yrs old. At that age if your get hooked on it you could be a rockstar. You will be playing songs in no time.

If 20 years old is late . . how about me (i'm 37)!

I am guessing that you already know some rock songs, me too I have a lot of chores but I make it a point that I can practice at least 10-20 minutes a day (I know, I know, I need more time!), but it's better than having no practice at all. For me, I think I have a different approach, I am more hooked now on music theory than learning new songs (I don't know why!), but when I see some tabs and chords online I can play them not that good but it's better when I started learning to play the guitar within the last 6 months.

Just practice and I guess do not count the days, months or even years, I believe that playing the guitar is a lifestyle already.

I just wanted to post an update. After 2 weeks of practicing on average 4 hours a day, I can play up to the solo in "Smoke on the Water," "Breaking the Law," and I'm working on "Wild Thing." I LOVE playing the guitar, and I can't seem to put the damn thing down.

Also, I'm getting a ton of attention from the ladies. I should've done this earlier.

Originally Posted by: CaptObviouzI just wanted to post an update. After 2 weeks of practicing on average 4 hours a day, I can play up to the solo in "Smoke on the Water," "Breaking the Law," and I'm working on "Wild Thing." I LOVE playing the guitar, and I can't seem to put the damn thing down.

Also, I'm getting a ton of attention from the ladies. I should've done this earlier.

That's a great start mate, keep going! First thing i ever tried learning/learnt was the intro riff to sweet home alabama. Maybe you could give it a try, as it isn't as complex as you'd think plus very satisfying when played right.

As for the women thing, just look at the attached image and all will become clear lol :D

Originally Posted by: liambourneThat's a great start mate, keep going! First thing i ever tried learning/learnt was the intro riff to sweet home alabama. Maybe you could give it a try, as it isn't as complex as you'd think plus very satisfying when played right.

As for the women thing, just look at the attached image and all will become clear lol :D

Nice comic.

Also,

I'll give Sweet Home Alabama a shot. Thanks.