It’s difficult as a beginner, because before my fingertips are toughened up, they get pretty sore after not much playing. I learned some chords and basic notes from a beginner’s book that came with my guitar. But, to be honest, practicing that way felt too much like “work” and not enjoyable enough. So I went to ultimate-guitar.com, a website an old friend turned me on to, and started looking up songs that I liked. They have tabs and chords for many popular songs, and some of them are even rated by skill level. I have to stick to novice, of course, and even those are a little tough. But I’m getting better and I’ve bookmarked a couple songs so that I can practice them regularly, and even if I never memorize them, they are at least improving my dexterity and finger strength!
Barre chords are still driving me crazy! That darn F chord…and it’s in so many songs, too. Right now I’m playing a simplified version of the F chord I found online, but I am determined to play a “true” F chord someday!
