After you have learned some basic chords–in particular, the open chords–and can use them proficiently to play some songs, it’s a good time to begin improvising and writing songs on your own. Even if you think you don’t have enough guitar knowledge to write very complicated songs yet, it’s better to start writing your own material toward the beginning of your odyssey into the world of guitar playing so that you develop as a musician and exercise your creative mind.
Starting out, of course, it’s best to come up with a song that makes use of just a few chords. Build on what you already know by trying out different combinations of the open chords and experimenting with the different melodies you can produce. Not only will you begin coming up with your own songs, but you’re simultaneously developing your ability to change chords quickly and are getting accustomed to common chord changes. Don’t worry at all about the songs sounding simple. Some of the biggest hits in musical history make use of only three or four chords!
After you have played around with some chord combinations, ask your musical friends for guidance. Show them what you have come up with, and let them play along with you. They will probably be able to give you some pointers as to the direction into which you may consider taking a song. This will also give you the opportunity to use any knowledge of scales to improvise over a piece of music being played by someone else. When one guitarist is playing chords, the other may want to use the scales he or she knows to place melodies over the chords being played. In essence, you can create your own guitar solos alongside a rhythm guitarist! Take turns soloing and playing rhythm guitar with someone else. You will find yourself creating new melodies in no time.
