You need to explore various TA methodologies to see what fits your style, capital budget, temperament and risk-tolerance: trends, reversals, long/short, short-term, medium-term, long-term (FORGET any thought of daytrading until you have months or years of actual trading experience, and don't even think about it if you're over 50 years or so; the mental agility takes years to develop). Read some books, check TA websites, fiddle around.
But set all that aside and do it later, or as a side project. FORGET seeking out the best techniques for now. Learning proper discipline, money management and both personal and market psychology are MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than what trading techniques you use. Really. These are absolutely critical to success, especially discipline and psychology. Techniques are one aspect of trading, and I'd argue among the least important. Here's a quick filter: can you do basic math, ratios, fractions, percentages in your head quickly and with an accuracy of better than 5% without taking a lot of time or reaching for a calculator? Pop quiz: you make 10%, then immediately lose 10% - are you back where you started? You need a good head for math to make decisions. If you're hopeless with math, it's likely you won't make a good trader, sorry. My recommendation for newcomers (read anything else you want in addition, of course) is Alexander Elder's work; I'd start you with "The New Trading for a Living" revised a couple of years ago. He emphasizes money-management and psychology - no matter what style you end up with, you need to know those things. Disclaimer: I know Alex; he's a fun guy, the real deal, very serious about trading, makes very good money doing it (not just talking about it), a very good teacher and loves to teach - he's not a huckster selling magic beans to new traders. READ THAT BOOK I've gotten value from old classics like "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" (from the 1920s) and the "Market Wizards" book series of interviews with traders by Jack Schwager, so put them on the list for later on as well. I own and have read over 100 trading books; about 2/3 of them were rejected as not fitting the way I want to trade, but I only know that because I read them and moved on - you have to see what's out there to figure out what's best for you. Trading is a lifelong learning process and the biggest secret is ..... there is no secret, no magic, no hidden 'insider' stuff. You may find you're not even suited to be a trader, but the only way to find out is to read, research and explore. And it's not easy; be prepared to treat it like another job and be serious about it if you want any hope to succeed at it. You didn't say how old you are; starting in one's 20s or 30s would be ideal - I wish I had. Best wishes and I hope you enjoy the journey.
