"Shooting Star" by Bad Company

This song is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists due to its straightforward chord progression and rhythm.

Chord Transitions

You will predominantly be using the chords D, A, E, and G. For beginners, transitioning between these chords might be a bit tricky, especially from D to G and vice versa. Practice these transitions slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.

Strumming Pattern

A good starting point for the strumming pattern is a basic down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. This rhythm fits well with the 4/4 time signature of the song.

Technique

The song starts with an Intro where the chord progression D/A to A is repeated. D/A signifies playing a D chord with an A in the bass. This might be a bit challenging for beginners, but it's a great exercise in finger placement and dexterity.

During the verses and choruses, the chord progression is pretty straightforward. Pay attention to the quick succession of G-D-G in the line "Now he's in a rock 'n' roll outfit and everything's all right". This might require some practice to get the timing right.

The bridge introduces a B minor (Bm) and F# minor (F#m) chord. These barre chords can be tough for beginners, but they're essential to master for playing a wide range of songs.

Practice Tips

Start by practicing the chord transitions separately, then practice the strumming pattern on each chord. Once you're comfortable with these elements, combine them and practice with the lyrics. With a bit of persistence, you'll be playing "Shooting Star" in no time!