It's fun to learn to play guitar, but it may be a little intimidating at first.It is the same as playing single notes, you just play them all at once.The article will walk you through the process of working out the fingering, and show you how to play some common chords.Rock on with your axe.
Step 1: You can learn the strings.
Getting familiar with the strings on your guitar and how they relate to your fingers is the best way to start.We're going to number them both.The strings on your guitar are numbered from highest to lowest.The numbering is based on fret positions.When the directions say put your first finger on the 3rd fret, that means you actually place your finger between the 2nd and third fret.The string needs to be in contact with the 3rd fret.
Step 2: You have to number your fingers.
Imagine you have numbers on your fingers when you look at your left hand.Your index is 1 and your middle finger is 2.We will call your thumb "T", but you won't be using it in this article.
Step 3: You can learn the C.
One of the most basic chords in music is a C.Let's break down what that means.A proper chord can be played on a piano, a guitar, or sung by mice.Two notes is called a "diad," but is not a chord.Beyond the scope of this article, Chords can contain more than three notes.There is no finger on the G string and the lowest note is the 3rd fret of the A string.The highest note is played on the 1st fret of the B string.
Step 4: The notes are a good place to start.
From low to high, play each note one at a time.Pick up the string by pressing down firmly on the fret.Let the note ring for as long as you can, then move to the next note by plucking the A string from the 3rd fret.You played a note.If you want to play an E, you have to press your 2nd finger onto the second fret of the D string.Pull the open, un-fingered G string.The C note should sound loud if you press your 1st finger on the B string.The notes should be played one at a time.When you're ready, sweep your pick or fingers across the strings.You've played a C.The first few times you do it, it may sting, but as you develop your skin, the pain goes away.
Step 5: You can expand your musical vocabulary.
It's nice to be able to play a C, but there is more to music than that.Here are two other ways to play in C Major.The F and the C are being played by the same finger: the first finger is placed across the 1st and 2nd frets.In this case, the F is being sounded on the 1st string because the lowest note is the root of the chord.This is referred to as an "inversion."
Step 6: The F chord should be extended.
You can play the F on the D string with your third finger.The chord doesn't sound a lot different, just "fuller."
Step 7: A G is played.
The G is one of the Big Three in the C major scale.We'll show you two ways to play it.Only moved up two frets, the first way is easy.
Step 8: The easiest way to play the G is on the keyboard.
There's a way to play the G with one finger.
Step 9: Put it all together.
If you know the basics of the key of C, you'll be able to recognize a lot of popular songs.Strum C four times, followed by F and G, then back to C.They show the position of the root note on the scale.It's easier to just show a chart when you know the basics of the song.Practice that until your fingers are tired, then take a break, and we'll show you the basics of E and A!
Step 10: You can learn the key of E.
There is a lot of rock 'n' roll done in the key of E.There are three ways to learn E Maj, A Maj and B Maj.One of the easier chords to play is the E.You can play all the strings at the same time.You'll feel the beginnings of being a rock hero if you crank up a Marshall stack to 11 with this chord.
Step 11: It's time to play the A Major.
This is a big problem.There are many ways to play this.One finger can be used across the 2nd fret of the B, G, and D strings.We'll use the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd fingers on the D string.As you get better at playing, you will understand that moving quickly from one part to another can result in odd fingerings.Don't be afraid to experiment, the key is to make the most efficient use of your fingers.
Step 12: The B Major is what you should play.
You can either play this easy or hard.The black numbers show the easy way.You can show the note by the number.
Step 13: Try it.
Don't stick to the lines on the paper if you want to try out another short strumming pattern.
Step 14: You can learn the key of A.
You are already two thirds of the way there.A, D, and E are in the first, fourth and fifth positions, respectively.The first finger on the first three strings is the beginning of a barre.The basic forms shown in this article can be used to create a full barre chord, which uses one finger across all strings.
Step 15: You can learn an alternate version.
This is useful when played with the D and E.
Step 16: Try it.
Think of Creedence Clearwater Revival's song, Down on the Corner, and try it again.
Step 17: G is a major.
The ring finger goes on the strings.The middle finger is for the 5th string, 2nd fret, and the pinky is on the 3rd fret of the 1st string.Strum all of the strings together.Adding the 3rd fret, 2nd string makes a richer sound.2-- --3--
Step 18: C is a major.
On the 3rd fret, place your ring finger on the 5th string.Follow with your middle finger 4th string, 2nd fret, and note how this is the same beginning as a G chord, just moved down a string.End with your index finger on the 2nd string.All but the top string.--1-2-- --3--
Step 19: D is a major.
The bottom four strings are required.On the 2nd fret, place your index finger on the 3rd string.Your ring finger goes on the 2nd string, 3rd fret, and your middle finger is the 1st string.You will form a triangle.Only play these three strings and the open D to make a sound.--3-- --0--X--
Step 20: You can learn an E minor or major.
All six strings are used in this deep chord.Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th and 5th strings.On the 1st fret, place your index finger on the 3rd string.Strum all six strings.--0-- --1-- --2--
Step 21: You can learn an A Major and minor.
One of the easiest ways to play an A major is to use your index, ring, and middle finger.The low-E string should be played.2-- --2-- --X-
Step 22: You can learn an F major.
It looks like a C major chord.Ignore the top two strings.On the 3rd fret, place your ring finger on the 4th string.Your middle finger goes 2nd fret.The index finger goes on the 2nd string.Only the bottom four strings are used.--1-- --2-- --X--