Do i have to learn the basic chords to play guitar? My friend didn't even learn the basic chords and can play songs. while i cant play anything except 1 scale and 3 chords.

There are two logical answers to this question. First is that there are several different ways of playing guitar, some of them involve learning chords and some do not. Simply put, one way is usually called "lead" guitar or "solo" guitar, and the other way is called "rhythm" guitar or "accompaniment." It is possible to learn lead guitar without learning chords. The best way is to learn all the notes, one string at at time, and then play from sheet music.

The second answer to your question is that through magazines, web sites and youtube, it is possible to learn songs by being shown what notes to play, where to play them and what order to play them in. This is usually done through a notation system called "tablature," or through "follow-me" videos. A person could learn to play several songs using these methods, but they don't really know how to play guitar, they just know how to play songs.

If you seiously want to learn how to play guitar, and yo think you have a good reason for wanting to learn, the best way is to find a local guitar teacher that is qualified or well known in the style you want to learn, and sign up for at least six months of lessons. You could aso take a class. I teach three classes per week in our local "Community Education" program, and a lot of people get their start this way.

Learning guitar this way usually takes longer, but you will be much better in the end and you will be glad you did it the right way. If you learn too quickly, you might take shortcuts that will actually make you a worse player. Be patient, practice as often as you can, and you should see steady progress after the first few weeks.

The learning curve is different for EVERYBODY. STOP COMPARING and practice, practice, practice. You can't take a short cut with music. Yeah, you don't HAVE to be able to read, but you HAVE TO practice. Stop worrying about what Peter Paul and Mary are doing, practice adn learn yourself.

YES. Here are the basic first posistion chords you really need to know.

Major A,C,D,E,F,G

Minor A,D,E,G

There are some other "types" of chords that make a whole lot more sense after you learn these. I've pasted in a link for a good online chord finder, stick to first position(the first 4 frets) and go from there.

http://chordfind.com/

Good Luck, Greg

If you want to REALLY learn to play the guitar, than there are no shortcuts, period!
You need to know how to string it, tune it, strum it, pick it, and learn the finger placement for chording, learn the scales, learn how to keep time, etc. etc.
The guitar is one of the most vesitile instruments out there in the whole of music.
So if you can get past the PAIN of pressing down the strings correctly, and keeping the rythym going with the other hand, than yep, the guitar is a wonderful instrument to learn.
Check out Phil Keaggy, and Tommy Emmanuel, two amazing guitar players!