How To Play Chords On Your Guitar
January 4, 2008 · Print This Article
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By Kevin Sinclair
The three most frequently used chords are G major, C Major and D major. These are also the easiest chords for placement of your fingers so an ideal place for the beginner to start learning and practicing to play chords. When these easy chords are mastered the more challenging chords can then be studied.
To play a chord in G major you need to place your second finger on the sixth string of the third fret. Then place your first finger on the fifth string of the second fret. Your third finger is then placed on the third fret of the first string. It is important to curl your fingers so they are not touching any other strings as this will change the sound of the chord. Then with your fingers in place when you strike all the six strings in one continuous strum the sound of the G major chord will be heard.
To play the C major key, you need place your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Then, your second finger should be placed on the second fret of the fourth string and finally your first finger on the first fret of the second string. When playing the C major chord only the bottom five strings should be strummed so make sure you avoid hitting the sixth string as this will also change the sound of the chord.
The D major key involves all three fingers being placed in close proximity so this may be a little difficult for some beginners although once the technique is mastered it will no longer be a problem. Put your first finger on the third string of the fourth fret. Then your third finger on the second string of the third fret. Lastly, put the second finger on the first string of the second fret. You will then play the D major chord by strumming the four bottom strings.
There are many songs to choose from which have only these three chords and then once you are fully familiar and confident you can move on to songs involving different chords. There is only one way to play chords to perfection and that is to practice on a regular basis.
Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development. http://www.musicianhome.com
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this is heeps good im like only 14 but i started the guitar in music and really liked it my dad won a gutiar the other day and i only know g e- c and d sorta not many but aye this gunna help
omg thios is hard im feelin the strain!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love singin so i jus wanted to accompany voice, with the hope that i could then compose my own stuff.
its harder than i thought
Heidi - I am glad you are enjoying the site and that you are finding it helpful. Good luck and Keep on playing!
Tired - It is normal to feel the strain of playing guitar. Your hands and your fingertips are going to hurt for some time until you develop calluses on your fingertips and strength in your hands.
I also love to sing and started playing guitar so that I could compose my own songs as well. I am still working on that….
I realized that I had to put my singing aside for a while in order to learn the guitar first. Your guitar playing will prove to be very difficult if you try and sing and play at the same time in the beginning.
Learn how to play guitar first, then slowly start to incorporate the singing….