Just got my Technician license and want to learn Morse code from scratch - never touched CW before. I see there are Farnsworth method, Koch method, mnemonics, etc. and tons of apps/software like G4FON, LCWO, and Morse Mania. Which approach actually works best for complete beginners?

I have about 30 minutes per day to practice. Should I start with character speed at 20 WPM like people suggest, or is that crazy for day one? Really appreciate any guidance from folks who've been through this journey.

Skip the mnemonics completely - they'll hurt you later. I learned with mnemonic phrases and it becomes crippling when speed goes above 5 WPM because phrases run through your head before letters pop out. Go straight to Koch method with high character speed from day one.

Koch method exposes you to full-speed Morse from day one, starting with just two characters played at full speed. Set practice to 25-30 WPM to train your ear to recognize sound patterns, not individual dits and dahs. Your 30 minutes daily is perfect - consistency beats marathon sessions every time.

I used the IZ2UUF Koch CW app on Android - it's fantastic and free. Best feature is it speaks letters after playing code so you don't watch the screen, completely hands-free, helping you hear letter sounds not individual dits and dahs. Made my commute productive!