Rod Stewart - First Time: Guitar Chords & How To Play

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn how to play "First Time" by the legendary Rod Stewart on your guitar? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will break down the chords, strumming patterns, and overall structure of the song, so you can impress your friends (or just yourself) with this classic tune. Get ready to dive in and make some music!

Getting Started with "First Time"

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the chords and strumming, let’s talk a bit about the song itself. "First Time" is a timeless hit that showcases Rod Stewart’s signature raspy voice and heartfelt lyrics. It’s a relatively simple song in terms of its chord progression, making it perfect for beginner to intermediate guitar players. The song’s structure is pretty straightforward, which means once you nail the basic chords and rhythm, you'll be able to play along with the recording without much trouble.

The key to mastering this song is consistency and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing the chord changes and strumming patterns, and you'll eventually get the hang of it. Also, it's a good idea to listen to the song multiple times to get a feel for its rhythm and dynamics. Pay attention to how Rod Stewart phrases the lyrics and how the guitar supports his vocals. This will help you add your own personal touch to your performance.

Make sure your guitar is properly tuned before you start playing. A well-tuned guitar will make the learning process much more enjoyable and will ensure that you're playing the correct chords. You can use a digital tuner or an online tuning resource to get your guitar in tune. Once your guitar is tuned, take some time to warm up your fingers by playing some simple scales and chords. This will help prevent injuries and will improve your playing technique.

Finally, remember to have fun! Learning to play guitar should be an enjoyable experience. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the process of making music. With a little practice and dedication, you'll be able to play "First Time" by Rod Stewart and impress everyone with your musical skills.

Essential Chords for "First Time"

Alright, let's break down the chords you'll need to play "First Time." The song primarily uses a few common chords, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. Here’s a rundown:

G Major (G): A fundamental chord. Place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret.
C Major (C): Another essential chord. Place your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret; middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret.
D Major (D): A classic chord. Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret.
Em (E minor): Easy to play. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret.
Am (A minor): Another common chord. Place your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret; middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and ring finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret.

These chords form the backbone of "First Time." Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords to make your playing sound more fluid and professional. A good exercise is to play each chord for four beats and then switch to the next chord in the sequence. Repeat this exercise several times until you can change chords without hesitation. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your overall playing technique.

In addition to practicing the chord changes, it's also important to focus on your finger placement. Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly on the strings, close to the frets. This will help you produce a clear and consistent sound. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this can cause your fingers to become fatigued. Instead, use just enough pressure to create a clean tone. Also, pay attention to your thumb placement. Your thumb should be positioned on the back of the neck, providing support and stability for your hand.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different fingerings for these chords. There are often multiple ways to play the same chord, and you may find that some fingerings are more comfortable for you than others. The most important thing is to find fingerings that allow you to play the chords cleanly and efficiently.

Finally, remember to listen to the song carefully and pay attention to the chord changes. This will help you anticipate the changes and make them more smoothly. With a little practice and dedication, you'll be able to play these chords like a pro.

Strumming Patterns

Let's talk strumming! For "First Time," a simple and effective strumming pattern is:

Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

This pattern works well for most of the song. However, feel free to vary it to add your own personal touch. For example, you could try adding a muted strum or two to create a more percussive effect. Or, you could try using a different strumming pattern altogether. The key is to experiment and find what sounds best to you.

To keep things interesting, you can also add some variations to the basic strumming pattern. For example, you could try emphasizing certain beats or adding a syncopated rhythm. This will help you create a more dynamic and engaging performance. Just be careful not to overcomplicate things, as this can make the song sound cluttered and confusing.

Another important aspect of strumming is to maintain a consistent rhythm. This means keeping your hand moving up and down at a steady pace, even when you're not actually hitting the strings. This will help you stay in time and avoid rushing or dragging the beat. You can use a metronome to practice your strumming and ensure that you're maintaining a consistent rhythm.

Also, pay attention to the dynamics of your strumming. This means varying the volume and intensity of your strumming to create a more expressive performance. For example, you could try strumming more softly during the verses and more forcefully during the choruses. This will help you convey the emotions of the song and keep your audience engaged.

Remember to relax your hand and wrist while you're strumming. This will help prevent injuries and will allow you to play for longer periods of time without getting tired. Avoid gripping the pick too tightly, as this can also cause tension in your hand and wrist. Instead, hold the pick loosely and let your arm do the work.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming techniques. There are many different ways to strum a guitar, and you may find that some techniques work better for you than others. The most important thing is to find a technique that feels comfortable and allows you to express yourself musically.

Song Structure

Understanding the song's structure will help you play along more easily. "First Time" generally follows this structure:

Verse: Introduce the main melody and lyrics.
Chorus: The catchy and memorable part of the song.
Bridge: A contrasting section that provides a break from the verse-chorus structure.
Verse: Repeat the verse with slightly different lyrics.
Chorus: Repeat the chorus.
Bridge: Repeat the bridge.
Chorus: Repeat the chorus again to end the song.

Knowing the structure of the song allows you to anticipate chord changes and dynamic shifts, making your performance smoother and more engaging. It's like having a roadmap for the song, guiding you through each section and ensuring that you don't get lost along the way. By understanding the song's structure, you can also add your own personal touches to the performance, such as improvising fills or variations in the strumming pattern.

In addition to the basic structure, it's also important to pay attention to the dynamics of each section. For example, the verses may be softer and more introspective, while the choruses may be louder and more energetic. By varying the dynamics of your playing, you can create a more expressive and engaging performance.

Another important aspect of song structure is the use of repetition. Many songs, including "First Time," rely on repetition to create a sense of familiarity and memorability. By repeating certain sections, such as the chorus, the song becomes more catchy and easier to remember. As a guitarist, you can use repetition to your advantage by focusing on the parts of the song that are repeated most often. This will help you master the song more quickly and easily.

Finally, remember that the song structure is just a guideline. You don't have to follow it exactly. Feel free to add your own personal touches and variations to make the song your own. The most important thing is to have fun and express yourself musically.

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to playing guitar, here are a few tips to help you learn "First Time" more easily:

Start Slow: Don't rush. Practice the chords and strumming patterns at a slow tempo until you feel comfortable.
Use a Metronome: This will help you keep a steady rhythm.
Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions are key to a polished sound.
Break It Down: If a section is too difficult, break it down into smaller parts and practice each part separately.
Be Patient: Learning guitar takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.

Learning guitar is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember that every guitarist, even the most accomplished ones, started out as a beginner. So don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.

In addition to the tips above, it's also important to find a good teacher or mentor who can provide you with guidance and support. A good teacher can help you identify your weaknesses and develop a plan to improve your skills. They can also provide you with valuable feedback on your playing and help you stay motivated.

Another great resource for beginners is online guitar lessons. There are many websites and YouTube channels that offer free or affordable guitar lessons. These lessons can be a great way to learn new techniques and songs at your own pace.

Finally, remember to have fun! Learning guitar should be an enjoyable experience. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the process of making music. With a little practice and dedication, you'll be able to play your favorite songs and impress everyone with your musical skills.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! With a bit of practice, you'll be playing "First Time" by Rod Stewart in no time. Remember to take it slow, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun! Keep strumming, keep practicing, and you’ll be rocking this song before you know it. Happy playing!