I’ve been playing the same old Green Day songs on the guitar for something like a year. So it was a relief, especially for those around me, when I finally learned another song.

The nice thing about playing power chords is that if you have the right tabs (“tablature” for you), it’s quite easy to pick up a new song. I found the tabs for All-American Rejects‘ Swing Swing on Ultimate Guitar and was off and power chording in less than 5.

Of course, the solo parts still need some work. Well, to be honest, a lot of work. But the basics are there.

Some songs are simply easier to play on the electric guitar, especially if you lack skills of any kind. My Chemical Romance is especially difficult because of the way their songs are mixed. Even their live concerts don’t sound like they do on their albums.

Green Day is easy. My favorite, Basket Case, is one song that looks like it was written for the newbie power chord player. The lyrics are fun too.

Maybe when I’m especially brave (or foolhardy), I’ll do a youtube video playing and singing Basket Case.

The pic below is from last year, when I was in the throes of my Green Day craze (and Finance class).