Ok, let’s make some music! Firstly we’ll look at learning some really basic open position chords. Chords are a combination of three or more notes played together. Chords are used as the guitar rhythm for all contemporary music. Once you learn a selection of common chords, you’ll be able to play the basic versions of all your favorite songs.
To explain each chord I will provide you with tablature, a chord diagram with suggested fingerings, an image of me playing the chord, and also an audio file of how the chord sounds. The first step to get you playing a song is to learn 3 open position major chords.
C Major (can be written as C or CM)
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Ok, so with your fingers in place as shown in the diagram and image, strum the chord to make a sound. It might feel a bit awkward and not sound quite like my audio example first time, but that’s cool. Here’s some tips for the most common issues…
Remember try to relax your left hand, and reach around to push down on the fret board.
If the notes buzz – and everyone has this drama at some stage – try applying some more pressure with your fingertips.
Make sure your fingers are touching the correct strings, and not dampening the other strings. This is a common mistake as your fingers get used to making the chord shapes.
Also remember to fret the notes with the tips of your fingers, not the pads.
You’ll create a nasty buzz if your fingers press down on the fret marker (the metal dividers), so check that you’re lining up just behind the fret marker.
When it comes to playing chords, you won’t always have to play every string. The (x) marked on the diagram means that you shouldn’t play that string with your right hand. Try to play the chord from the 5 th string only, ignoring the 6 th string. When you’re learning to strum the C major chord, it doesn’t matter too much if the 6 th string rings, but be aware that you are trying to only play the five strings. When you first start out it can be difficult to master playing specific strings rather than strumming all six, so keep practicing but don’t stress. Remember the golden rule, if it sounds good and you’re having fun, then it is good!
The red text boxes contain extra detailed information that may be useful. The information is not essential for getting started, but might be handy to refer back to as your experience grows.
Let’s now play through the chord one note at a time, from the 5 th string to the 1 st string, making sure that each note sounds clearly, and that your fingers are in the right position. This is called playing a chord arpeggio.
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Hopefully you could make each note sound clearly. If your fingers or hand is sore, that’s quite normal, so take a moment to have a break, and give it a shake or stretch. Now try strumming the chord again. Ok, one chord down, you’re well on your way to rocking out!
Let’s try another chord…
G Major
Check those finger positions, strum the chord – all six strings this time – and compare it with the sound of my example.
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If it sounds the same, well done! Now let’s check each note by playing the arpeggio just to make sure.
Play each note of the chord from the 6th bass string to the 1 st string.
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Changing between chords
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Cool, so now you’ve learnt to play two chords – C and G Major, that’s enough for a bit of a tune, so let’s try changing between them – from G to C. Strum each chord 4 times per bar. Each diagonal line represents one chord strum. The four diagonal lines mean you repeat the chord four times per bar. With your right hand, just focus on down strokes when you strum.
Music Repeat Sign – This indicates that you must go back to the start of the music and repeat the entire piece once. The last chord you’ll play will be the G chord, which you can just let ring out.
* With all the chord examples in the lessons, we’ll finish with one strum on the first chord of the example. The audio examples are played through once without the repeat to keep the download times down.
Pro Guitar Tip
Tips:
Start slowly at first, and remember to count.
You may wish to tap your foot as you count each strum.
The goal is to change chords without losing your timing.
When you’ve mastered smooth changes at a slow pace, start to increase speed.
Keeping Time
I recommend using a metronome to help you stay in time while you’re beginning. A metronome is a device that plays a regular click sound at whatever tempo you choose. They’re great to practice along with to help stay in time by playing with the click. Using a metronome makes the most out of your practice, and if you want to progress to jamming with other people, or play your favorite tracks, you’ll need to be able to play in time. There are free metronomes available to download online, or you can buy one from your local music store.
Try the above exercise at a setting of 60 beats per minute, and then increase the metronome tempo as you gain confidence with the chord changes.
D Major
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Now let’s try adding another chord to help create your first song – the D Major chord. If you study the shape, it looks like an arrow pointing towards the guitar body. Using the techniques discussed, strum the chord – noting only four strings are to be played – then play each individual note.
Your first song!
This idea uses similar chords to a famous Green Day tune ‘Time of your life’.
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Remember, practice changing between chords very slowly at first. Focus on moving your fingers to the right positions, on the right strings, and listen carefully to how each chord sounds. Make sure you can remember the shapes of each chord – spend a bit of time studying your hand shape and the diagrams. And before you know it, you’re playing your first song! Congratulations – doesn’t it feel great to be making music!
Extra Song Exercise using your 3 Chord Combination (G, C, D)
This may remind you of Buddy Holly’s song ‘Peggy Sue’. It’s great practice at changing between chords quickly and smoothly.
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The classic Beatles song ‘Get Back’ follows a similar pattern to this exercise.
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Bob Dylan’s classic ‘Knockin on Heavens Door’ has a similar feel to the following exercise.
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The verse from the Eagles song ‘Take It Easy’ – where they’ve got 7 women on their minds! – is reminiscent of the following exercise.
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If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a round of applause! Well done. You’re playing similar exercises to some of the world’s most famous guitarists! Hope you’re having fun so far. Now go and show off your skills to your friends or family!
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