Now that we have our supplies, started singing, and amassing lyric pdfs to songs we want to learn, lets dive into systematically learning some chords.
Guitar Chords
There are tons of Youtube videos about learning guitar chords. Start watching them and collecting metadata on the topic.
Start by learning A, B, C, D, E, F, and G (to be referred to as “A-G” in other examples) major chords in “cowboy” chord voicings. Cowboy voicings are the basic chord shapes that are formed in the first three fret blocks. Search Guitar “cowboy guitar chords major”.
My exception to the “first three fret blocks” rule will be the F and B major chord. Again, there are many sources for learning these two semi-problematic chords on the Internet – do some research. My formula for success is based on realistic time management “one part watch, nine parts play with the instrument in your hands”.
Your research will show that there are different ways to approach those the chords but I am going to make a suggestion on how YOU should initially approach them.
Guitar Chords
There are tons of Youtube videos about learning guitar chords. Start watching them and collecting metadata on the topic.
Start by learning A, B, C, D, E, F, and G (to be referred to as “A-G” in other examples) major chords in “cowboy” chord voicings. Cowboy voicings are the basic chord shapes that are formed in the first three fret blocks. Search Guitar “cowboy guitar chords major”.
My exception to the “first three fret blocks” rule will be the F and B major chord. Again, there are many sources for learning these two semi-problematic chords on the Internet – do some research. My formula for success is based on realistic time management “one part watch, nine parts play with the instrument in your hands”.
Your research will show that there are different ways to approach those the chords but I am going to make a suggestion on how YOU should initially approach them.
The F Major Chord
The basics: Barre the two thinnest strings (E and B) with your index (1) finger. If you can wrap your thumb around the neck and fret the first fret on the low E sting, go for it. If not, just strum the four highest strings.
The B Major Chord
The basics: First finger on the A string, second fret and barre the D, G, and B stings in the fourth fret with your third (or second) finger. Don’t strum the lowest and highest strings.
DON’T SWEAT the F and B major chords!
It’s more important to gain momentum with the other five major chords.
Plus, there is a little trick I will show you down the road with the F major chord and an easy substitution chord that will often suffice in a pinch.
After you’ve got the A-G major chords going, practice your I-IV-V progressions in the keys of A, C, D, E, and G.
Take a look at the list of songs you want to learn. Are any of these simple I-IV-V chord songs?
If not, search “three chord songs” – you’ll find examples like “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Bad Moon Arisin’”, “Rockin’ Robin”, “Brow-eyed Girl”, Margaretville”, “Twist and Shout, and “Old Time Rock and Roll”.
Even if they aren’t your favorite songs, create pdfs of the lyrics and drop them into your lyric app. Consider these “training wheel” songs – they’ll get you going and create some momentum for you.
Now about your singing . . . . let’s talk a bit about that in “So You Want To Play Guitar: Third Steps”
The basics: Barre the two thinnest strings (E and B) with your index (1) finger. If you can wrap your thumb around the neck and fret the first fret on the low E sting, go for it. If not, just strum the four highest strings.
The B Major Chord
The basics: First finger on the A string, second fret and barre the D, G, and B stings in the fourth fret with your third (or second) finger. Don’t strum the lowest and highest strings.
DON’T SWEAT the F and B major chords!
It’s more important to gain momentum with the other five major chords.
Plus, there is a little trick I will show you down the road with the F major chord and an easy substitution chord that will often suffice in a pinch.
After you’ve got the A-G major chords going, practice your I-IV-V progressions in the keys of A, C, D, E, and G.
Take a look at the list of songs you want to learn. Are any of these simple I-IV-V chord songs?
If not, search “three chord songs” – you’ll find examples like “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Bad Moon Arisin’”, “Rockin’ Robin”, “Brow-eyed Girl”, Margaretville”, “Twist and Shout, and “Old Time Rock and Roll”.
Even if they aren’t your favorite songs, create pdfs of the lyrics and drop them into your lyric app. Consider these “training wheel” songs – they’ll get you going and create some momentum for you.
Now about your singing . . . . let’s talk a bit about that in “So You Want To Play Guitar: Third Steps”
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