Tank rattles when shifting gears

My entire bike rattles when I'm in first or second gear and I don't shift PERFECTLY. It's almost at the point where I have to have the clutch partially pressed at all times unless I'm at the exact speed for the gear that I'm in. This is especially prevalent in first and second gear. I thought it was because I am a newbie but my friend rode it and said it is not normal. The rattles hard and it seems like the gears are clunky as **** unless shifted with 100% precision.