I want to
learn guitar chords. Where should I start?
Start with basic open chords such
as C, G, A, D, Em, Am, Dm, C7, G7, A7, D7, etc. Then, move to bar chords which are based
on the basic open chords. Many songs can be played if you know the basic open and bar
chords. Once you have these basics under your belt, further expand your chord vocabulary
by learning such chords as maj7, min6, diminished 7th, augmented 7th, min9, min11,
dominant 9th chords, etc. Chords are not only very important aspects of guitar playing,
but you will also find it fun playing and listening to their beautiful sounds!
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I have a
difficult time remembering various guitar chords.
The first goal of any guitarist
is to build up a chord vocabulary, which can take time for some people. Learning guitar
chord is largely a question of teaching the left hand to memorize different shapes. One
way to efficiently remember chords is to learn a simple chord first and then move on to
other chords with similar shape or fingerings. For instance, if you already know how to
play the Em chord, it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to learn the E chord which
can be played by simply adding one note on the 1st fret of the 3rd string to Em. Likewise,
you can easily add other similar chords such as E7, Em7, Em6, etc. to your chord
vocabulary. In addition, whenever you learn a new chord, study the chord diagram carefully
and try to remember its overall shape. Visualize in your mind how it looks like on the
fingerboard without actually looking at or holding your guitar. The clearer and more vivid
you can visualize the chord shape, the easier and quicker you’ll be able to remember
and play a chord.
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Some chords
are hard to reach.
If you have a trouble physically
playing such wide-spread chords as C, G, or G7, try them with a capo.
Place a capo at the 2nd, 3rd or 5th fret where the narrower frets will allow you to play
these chords easier. In addition, light-gauged strings should
help you press notes with less force. Remember also that a chord can be played in several
different ways. Just because you can’t play a typical C chord shown in the first page
of a chord book, it is not the end of the world. There are many other easier ways to play
the same C chord. Find an alternative form you can play comfortably. You can always come
back to those hard chords after you develop certain strength and flexibility in your hand.
The important thing is not to let these chords discourage you from continue playing and
learning!
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I’ve
just started bar chords. They are hard! I can’t hold them long and play as clean as
open chords.
In order to play bar chords
comfortably, you need to develop certain strength and muscles in your left hand (or
right-hand if you are lefty). Here are some suggestions:
 | First, if you are using
hard-tension strings, replace them with light-gauged. Then, practice a bar chord at higher
frets such as 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. where tension of strings are lower than the 1st fret. |
|
| Don’t get discouraged. If you
can’t play full-bar chords easily now, play only alternative forms that bar strings
partially, two or three strings at a time. Practice every day and as you gradually develop
your strength, full-bar chords will become easier. |
|
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Connecting
from one chord to another is difficult. I can’t change chords smoothly and it often
sounds awkward and awful.
This is indeed one of the most
common and difficult aspects for many beginners. Start with a simple and easy chord
progression first and then gradually move on to a little more challenging movement.
Remember your fingers and hands first need to get to used to the movement of connecting
chords and it won’t just happen overnight! They need to repeat doing it over
and over every day until it becomes a second nature to them. Here are a few tips when
practicing the chord connection:
| Find and use the chords’
common fingers and similar shapes that will help you connect them economically. |
|
| Most importantly, SLOW EVERYTHING DOWN. Isolate each movement and slowly repeat
moving from one chord to another until you can do it without looking at the guitar and
without thinking about it. |
|
| Be patient. The more you do and
conquer simple chord connections, the easier and quicker you’ll be able to play more
difficult chord progressions. |
|
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What exactly
are Csus9 and F#m7 chords? Where can I play them?
The correct name for Csus9 is
Csus2. Csus2 is a 3-note chord consisting of C, D, and G notes. It is called Csus2 because
it SUSPENDS the 3rd note of the C triad chord, E and replaces it with the 2nd tone, D.
Likewise, Csus4 suspends the 3rd note and replaces it with the 4th tone, F.
F#m7 is a simple minor 7th chord
consisting of 4 notes, F#, A, C#, and E.
There are many places and ways
you can play these two chords on guitar. For example, you can play Csus2 at the 2nd, 3rd,
8th, 10th frets, etc. Likewise, F#m7 can be played at the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th
frets, etc.
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What is a power
chord?
Power chords are the foundation of many
blues, rock, and heavy-metal songs and they are perfect for hard-driving rhythm guitar
parts. They are often written with "5" such as C5, G5, F#5, etc. A power chord
consists of two notes: root and the 5th. For example, C5 consists of root, C and the 5th
note, G. A5 contains A and E. Etc.
A chord is defined as a collection of
three or more notes sounding simultaneously, so a power chord is not technically a true
"chord." Additionally, since it contains no 3rd, a power chord is called neither
minor nor major.
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I'm having trouble
with my strumming. Although I can play most basic chords and some barre chords
all my strums sound the same. can you help??
There are many ways you
can make your strumming more interesting
1. By creating or
learning a variety of strumming patterns that consists of various rhythms.
2. By appropriately
putting articulations (accent, staccato, tenuto, etc.) and adding more contrast
and feeling.
3. By incorporating
several techniques such as muting, hammering-on, pulling-off, etc. into your
playing
4. By learning and
playing alternative chord forms instead of just playing the same old basic open
chords.
These are some of many
things you can do to bring your strumming to the next level. Also pick a song
or two that include strumming that you really like and try to emulate it. It not
only helps you to learn various strumming patterns, but it also allows you to
learn and get the "feeling."
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I have
been playing a guitar for about ten years. As a child, I had no attention
span at all. Now, I'm late 20s writing great songs, but still stuck in the
same 10 chords. So what do I do? --Tim
The fact that you're
writing great songs based only on some guitar chords shows how talented and
creative you are. Age doesn't seem to be a significant matte when it comes to
learning an instrument or any other hobbies. Based on the e-mails we receive
from people over 50, what's more important seems to be how seriously and how
badly you really want to play and improve your playing.
In any case, in regard
to expanding your chord vocabulary, just as an idea, why not start from where
you feel comfortable with at first. For example, how about starting from the 10
chords you already know. It's relatively easy and fun to expand your chord
vocabulary by adding or subtracting notes or replacing a note or two of a chord
that you can play. From one chord, you can create at least 2 or 3 variations
easily. Also, you can add new chords similar to the ones you already know
especially if they belong in the same chord family. For more info on how you can
expand your chord vocabulary and learn alterative chord forms or to learn more
about chords and theory, check out More
Guitar Chords and Accompaniment
or Jazz
Guitar Chords and Accompaniment.
Good luck!
Have a question
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