- 1). Learn to play a few basic first position chords. These chords include G, C, A, E, Em, Am and D. A beginning guitar chord book will show you how to make these chords. You can also find them online at no charge (see resources). Try learning at least two chords a week. The more chords you add to your repertoire, the more songs you will be able to play. With just three or four chords, you can play a huge array of simple songs.
- 2). After learning the basic chords, add fifth chords to your repertoire. A fifth chord, or power chord, is a simple chord shape that takes just three fingers. Pick up your guitar and place your first finger on the third fret of the sixth (thickest string) and your middle and index fingers on the fifth fret of the fourth and fifth strings. This is a G power chord. Moving this shape up and down will change the name of the chord (named by the note your first finger is on). You can play the same shape on the fifth, fourth and third strings as well.
- 3). Play simple strum patterns with each chord as you learn it. Basic patterns combined with simple first-position chords can open the door to a world of easy music. Basic strum patterns include the alternate up and down strumming and percussive strumming where you use the side of your hand to lightly mute your strings in between chord strums.
- 4). Choose a few easy guitar songs that use basic first position chords. Select songs you know and enjoy. You can purchase books of easy guitar songs (chords and lyrics) or find them online at no charge (see resources). Strum the chords as you sing the words. Don't try to get the timing down at first. Strum each chord with the words and change the chords as indicated on the sheet music. When you are able to changes the chords smoothly, add some of the simple strum patterns and work on playing the song at the correct tempo.
next post