Self-teaching help needed

[ClairDeLune]

I've been self-teaching for a while now, mostly through online song tutorials. I started off playing acoustic and could manage a couple of songs like 'Left-Hander' by Panic and 'Your Shampoo Scent In The Flowers' by Jang Beom-june. Recently, I've switched to electric guitar, but I feel like I'm struggling. The only song I can play is 'Be Quiet And Drive' by Deftones, and it doesn't sound great. I'm really into metal and want to play tracks from bands like Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold, but I'm feeling lost. I think I might be missing some foundational knowledge, even though I looked into basic theory once. Any advice on how I can improve?

[sam54]

I totally get where you're coming from. I self-taught back in the day, and it took time to find my groove. Start with simple power chords and get comfortable switching between them. Don’t forget to throw in some open chords as well. And remember, not every practice session needs to be structured; sometimes just strumming along to a song you love can be the best practice.

[GearNerd]

If you're diving into metal, focus on mastering power chords first. They're a staple in the genre and will help you build confidence. Use a metronome to practice switching between them smoothly. Don’t forget to explore your gear too; experimenting with different pickups and settings can drastically affect your tone. If you’re using distortion, adjust your gain settings and see how it shapes your sound; it can make a world of difference.

[BluesGuy]

It sounds like you're being too hard on yourself! Learning guitar is as much about feeling the music as it is about technical skills. Focus on the emotional connection you have with the songs you love. Even if you’re just strumming a few chords, if you feel the music, that’s what really matters. Try improvising a little bit; sometimes the best sounds come from just letting loose and playing what feels right.