Beginner Guitar Tutorial for Stick Season by Noah Kahan (2025)

Most beginners searching for a modern, emotive folk-pop song face the same challenge: finding a step-by-step guitar tutorial that doesn't leave out the fingerstyle intro or gloss over rhythm details. Turns out, Noah Kahan’s 'Stick Season' checks every box for new players — simple chords, a compelling melody, and strumming that just feels good. Want to play 'Stick Season' on guitar, even with just a few weeks under your belt? This is the guide that actually walks through everything: clear chord diagrams, a breakdown of the fingerstyle intro, counted strumming patterns, and practical solutions for common roadblocks. No confusing theory, just what you need to sound authentic and have fun. The right tutorial makes all the difference—and this one's written for absolute beginners with an ear for something special.

What You Need to Play ‘Stick Season’ on Guitar (Beginner Essentials)

Getting started with 'Stick Season' doesn't require fancy equipment. Just an acoustic guitar (electric works too), a pick if you prefer, and a standard tuner. The song shines with basic open chords and a natural, folky tone—no elaborate gear required. Beginners love this tune because it sticks to familiar shapes and accessible techniques.

Capo and Tuning for ‘Stick Season’

In most beginner tutorials, 'Stick Season' is played in standard tuning (E A D G B e), no capo needed for the original key of A major. Some versions suggest placing a capo on the 2nd fret and using G shapes for an even easier fingering experience—but you'll still be in the right pitch. Pick what’s comfortable for your hand size and vocal range. Apps like Yousician even recommend the easy key of G major (using G, D, Em, C) for absolute beginners.

Chords Used in ‘Stick Season’ (with Diagrams)

The core progression is straightforward: A, E, F#m, and D. Here’s what each looks like (visualize the standard open shapes; for F#m, a beginner may use a simplified version like F#m7):

• A major: x02220 – three fingers, second fret.
• E major: 022100 – a classic open chord.
• F# minor (F#m): 244222 – full barre, or try F#m7 (242222) for a softer start.
• D major: xx0232 – familiar triangle shape.
• Alternative G key shapes: G (320003), D (xx0232), Em (022000), C (x32010).

Having a metronome is helpful but not mandatory, especially when working on timing and chord changes. Most players also keep a simple pick nearby, but fingerstyle (using the thumb and index) is entirely welcome for the intro.

Step-by-Step ‘Stick Season’ Guitar Tutorial (Chords, Strumming, and Fingerstyle)

This is where 'Stick Season' comes alive on the guitar. Each section—intro, verse, chorus, and bridge—uses the same four chords but shifts feel with rhythm and picking technique. Beginners get the full guide: how to approach the iconic fingerstyle intro, how to keep strumming tight at 118 bpm, and what to do when a tricky transition pops up.

How to Play the Fingerstyle Intro (Iconic Riff)

The fingerstyle opening sets the mood. Start slow: Thumb plays the root note (A string for A, E string for E, etc.), index and middle cover the B and high E strings. For A major, pluck A string (thumb), then B and high E together (index and middle). Let the notes ring. The tab looks like this for A (no capo):

• A string, then B and high E together (x02220 position)
• Repeat with E and F#m, adjusting root note as needed

Try looping the intro at half speed. Focus on even timing and clean notes before speeding up. Andy Guitar’s lesson demonstrates this technique, showing finger assignments and common pitfalls.

Strumming Pattern and Rhythm Tips

Ready to strum? Stick to counted rhythms for tight timing. Most learners will use a straightforward pattern: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up (D–D U–U D U), counted as 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +. Set a metronome to 118 bpm—the song's original tempo. Practice slow, then work up to full speed. Accent the '1' and '3' for a folky swing, and don’t be afraid to mute the strings lightly with your palm for dynamic contrast.

• Down on 1, up on 2, skip 3, down-up on 4
• Keep your wrist relaxed and strum over the sound hole
• Use the back of your fingernail for lighter accents

For extra authenticity, try alternating between fingerstyle and strumming in the verse—plucking the melody, then launching into strummed chords for the chorus. Multiple instructors, including Andy Guitar, recommend this approach to build both confidence and musicality.

Chord Progressions for Each Section

Here are the section-by-section progressions (using key of A):

• Intro: A – E – F#m – D (fingerstyle, then gentle strumming)
• Verse: A – E – F#m – D (one bar per chord)
• Chorus: A – E – F#m – D (repeat as needed; lift dynamics with louder strumming)
• Bridge: A – E – F#m – D (same progression, try a lighter touch)

Every transition should be as smooth as possible. Practice switching chords without looking down if you can. If the F#m barre chord is too tough, swap it for F#m7 or play just the top three strings. Yousician suggests starting in G for an even easier time (G–D–Em–C), using a capo on 2nd fret if you want to match the recording’s pitch.

Expressive Techniques and Playing with Emotion (Beginner Tips)

Sounding like the recording is great—but capturing the emotion behind 'Stick Season' takes it further. Most beginners learn the chords; few focus on expression. But that's where the magic happens.

Dynamics: Playing Soft and Loud

The trick is to use volume and attack to give each part its own mood. Play intros and verses with a light touch, strumming gently or plucking softly. For the chorus or emotional peaks, dig in with your pick (or your fingers), playing stronger. Try pushing strums a bit harder on accented beats, then ease back for warmth. Andy Guitar recommends practicing soft-loud contrasts on each run-through for real impact.

• Play the verse at 60% of full volume
• Boost to 90–100% for the chorus
• Let some notes ring, others muted for texture

Using Fingerstyle and Strumming Together

Switching from fingerstyle to strumming builds depth. Start with the intro riff, then strum for energy in the chorus. For extra feeling, pick a few single string notes between chord changes—just like the pros. Practice the motion slowly, looping the fingerstyle and strumming together so the transition feels natural. According to Andy Guitar, blending these techniques is the shortcut to a more expressive, authentic performance. Don’t worry about perfection—just aim to feel every part.

Troubleshooting Common Beginner Challenges (Timing, Chord Changes, and More)

Every beginner stumbles at some point—usually on timing or switching between chords. 'Stick Season' challenges are fixable with the right practice plan. Here’s what actually works for most beginners.

Timing and Rhythm Issues

Staying in sync with the song is possible if you count “1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +” out loud. Set a metronome at 80 bpm and gradually increase to 118 bpm as you improve. GoodGuitarist’s step-by-step approach recommends isolating tricky rhythms and repeating them continuously for at least 60 seconds—loop the tough measure until it clicks. Most find counting out loud and tapping a foot makes all the difference.

Finger Placement and Chord Transitions

Buzzing and muted notes usually mean fingers are too far from the fret or not pressing firmly enough. Place each finger close to the fret—it takes less pressure and results in buzz-free notes. For F#m, start with F#m7 or just bar the top three strings. Slow down transitions between A, E, and D—move only when ready, not before. Most experts agree: speed comes naturally with accuracy first.

• Keep fingers curved and fingertips firm
• Change only one finger at a time during practice
• Repeat switches between hardest pairs (E → F#m) at least 10 times per session

Getting Feedback: Apps and Tools

Real-time feedback helps. Apps like Yousician listen as you play, highlighting mistakes and giving encouragement. Plus, they track progress and offer suggestions for improvement. Practicing alongside a metronome app or a Slow Downer (for backing tracks) is also effective. Record yourself to hear where you're drifting in timing or muffling notes and adjust from there.

Conclusion

'Stick Season' by Noah Kahan is one of those rare songs that invites beginners to sound great right away. With just four open chords, a simple yet memorable fingerstyle intro, and a counted strumming pattern, any new player can get results. The main thing? Consistent, patient practice. Mistakes happen, and that's normal. Try playing along with the original track once the basics are down—it sharpens timing and shows how each part fits into the whole song. As confidence grows, experiment with dynamics, tempo, and maybe even singing while playing. Every session helps lock in muscle memory and builds the skills to try other folk-pop favorites down the line. 'Stick Season' is a perfect place to start that journey—a beginner’s song that sounds anything but basic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What chords are used in Stick Season?

'Stick Season' mainly uses four chords: A major, E major, F# minor, and D major. Many beginner versions substitute F# minor with F#m7 for easier fingering. In the key of G, the chords are G, D, Em, and C. These simple shapes make the song very accessible for new guitarists.

Q How to strum Stick Season on guitar?

The main strumming pattern for 'Stick Season' is Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up (D–D U–U D U), counted as "1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +" at 118 bpm. Start slowly, focus on the accents, and build up to full tempo. Keep the wrist loose and use small movements for consistency.

Q Does Stick Season use a capo?

The original version of 'Stick Season' does not require a capo and is played in the key of A major. Some beginner tutorials recommend placing a capo on the 2nd fret and playing in G shapes for easier chord transitions, especially for those struggling with F# minor.

Q What tempo should I practice Stick Season at?

'Stick Season' is typically played between 115 and 118 bpm. Beginners should start practicing at a slower tempo, such as 80 bpm, and gradually increase the speed as their confidence grows. Use a metronome for accurate timing.

Q How do I play the fingerstyle intro for Stick Season?

Begin the fingerstyle intro by plucking the root note with the thumb, then the B and high E strings together using index and middle fingers. Stick to the A, E, F#m, D chord shapes and loop each part slowly before building speed. Practice clean finger placement for clarity.