By Guest Blogger Ian Fraser
When we first want to learn guitar we dream about the moment when we’ll be able to play chords and learn songs we know. Let’s face it the regular songs that most beginner guitar lessons cover are less then exciting, but once you learn chords you open up another realm of possibility with tab sites across the web offering up how to play hundreds of popular tunes.
The down side to learning chords is that when you first start your fingers are not going to want to go where you need them to. It’s going to take practice to be able to make those shapes to play chords and you might have to start slower then you’d like.
Today I’m going to share with you how to play the E and G major chords. There is a video at the end of this lesson article that will also go through the technique and correct shape your fingers should be making. Remember while it might seem impossible at first to make these shapes it will come with time, just keep practicing.
The E major Chord
E – 0 –
B – 0 —
G – 1 –
D – 2 –
A – 2 –
E – 0 –
The E major chord requires you to use your first three fingers. You position them as follows: 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the D string and 1st finger on the 1st fret of the G string. When playing the E chord you strum all six strings at once.
The G major Chord
E – 3 –
B – 0 —
G – 0 –
D – 0 –
A – 2 –
E – 3 –
Like the E chord the G chord also uses your first three fingers, except they’re going to have to stretch a little more. The positioning of your fingers for the G chord is as follows: 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. Again strum all six strings when playing the G chord.
Practicing Tips
When learning guitar chords it comes down to muscle memory to get your fingers to move in ways they haven’t ever done before. A good way to work on this is to make the shapes of the chords as we described above and then squeeze hard on the neck. Hold this for a few seconds and then release and repeat. This will help build muscle memory in your fingers.
Also take the time to learn the chords well individually before you start trying to strum and switch between them. You want to have good technique before you start trying to add in other skills.
Take a few moments to watch the video below, it goes through how to make the chords again and also provides some close up shots of the shapes your fingers should make.
Ready to learn more beginner chords and techniques? Why not try studying on your own using Guitar Lessons on dvd? DVD and online video lessons are becoming a very popular method of teaching yourself to play guitar instead of private lessons. It’s less money and you’re in 100% control.
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