Wow! What great advice. I am a new (54!), beginner. So much in the above I can relate to. The right hand is actually harder to learn (strumming) than the cords! And a song can get boring, I notice, if I don't try to vary the strumming some.

Funny, having no talent, but a love of music, I was thinking that when the song sounded odd, that the cords must be written wrong. Hmm, hard to believe I could be off key! The F gives me a lot of trouble. In some songs, I can match it, but in others, I can't hit it at all. Now I need to take voice lessons! Actually, today I happened on some songs that are perfect for my voice--so much easier to sing. I'm not quite up to changing the cords yet. Also today I found a one-chord song (D). Yep. "Green Green Rocky Road." It's a good one to practice strumming with. If I ever have an "act" I will start it with my one-chord song, then go to "Drunken Sailor" (2 chords, D & Em). Show the audience that anyone can do this!!!

Thanks for "listening" and for the great advice! Penny