[Kitman]

Great advice given here @the-old-coach . I agree that simplifying the chords is a fine way to learn a song and work on the timing between the lyrics and the guitar playing. I have done this many times. Once I figure out the chord shapes I want to use, I play along with the original to see how the artist times and delivers the lyrics. I have also just played the chords and thought the lyrics. I’ve also hummed and mumbled something like you have described in your post. IMO, it’s all good as it is your version of the song your are creating! 😀