Learning to play guitar chords for a beginner guitarist is a must. What exactly, is the best approach? How does one go about learning chords. You’ve watched rock guitarists on MTV and VHI and you like what you see but duplicating those heroes is nearly impossible at this early stage of the game. Perhaps you have browsed through a music store and even purchased a book or two. But even that can be overwhelming. There are many free lessons on line and some are very good but how can you, as a total beginner, evaluate all of these options and narrow it down to one or two? Well you guessed it; we are going to guide you.
Here is what we might call “Principle Number One.” Chords are the the most important steppingstone to playing the guitar. Get a chord book and/or find an internet site that teaches beginning chords. Wal Mart has a poster that has hundreds of chords charted out. Set realistic goals; take one thing at a time. Learn the “G” and the “C” chords. You can play dozens of songs with just these two chords; sure they are mostly kids’ and folk songs but this is the best way to learn. You accomplish one thing at a time.
Now let us try a few songs. Pick one from the list here–one that you have heard many, many times and can either sing or hum. London Bridge, Shoo Fly, Row Row Row Your Boat, Jambalaya, Tom Dooley, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Skip To My Lou, He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands and Farmer In the Dell.
Begin with the “C” chord. If you haven’t learned any chords yet try it this way. (if you are a complete beginner a chord and finger chart will be helpful) Put your first-left-hand finger on the second string just behind (to the left) of the first fret. Keep it where you have placed it and also add your second finger to the fourth string second fret. This is 2/3 of a “C” chord and it will do for now. To play the “G” chord place your third finger on the first string, third fret. We will play only the first four (thin) strings in this exercise. We picked London Bridge to be our first song.
Start to strum the “C” chord with your right hand and if you have an ear for music you should be able to tell when it is time to change from the “C” chord to the “G” chord. If you don’t hear the chord change coming along we will help you with this, your first time effort. Strum “C” eight times before you change to “G.” Then strum “G” four times, followed by “C” twelve times. Do this very slowly at first and either sing or hum the song out loud or in your head. You should hear or “feel” another chord change coming along at this point. Return to the “G” chord for four strums then finish off with four more strums on the “C” chord.
Work with some of these chords on some of the other songs suggested above. After you master these two-chord beginner guitar songs we will graduate to songs with three chords.
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