Chords

Chords are usually what most beginners learn to play from the start. However, we took a different approach because I wanted you to gain finger strength and awareness before starting chords.

This section will be broken into three parts:

  1. Learning to read chord diagrams and play chords

  2. Learning strum patterns

  3. Learning how to switch chords effectively

If you already know how to play chords I recommend still watching the videos, since there might be info you previously hadn't learned. Before we start chords, we need to know that chords are three-note combinations or more pitches. These specific combinations create harmony they have a letter name and a sound quality (major= happy, minor=sad). So don't get mixed up with the note E and the chord E or E Major. The note E is one note, the chord E (E Major is its full name) is a combination of three pitches E, G#, B.

The first chord is called a triad a chord that is stacked in intervals of thirds. The second chord uses the same pitches but with some of the notes being reused in different octaves. The latter is a typical guitar chord.

Video 1: How To Play Chords

In this video make sure you understand:

  • What is a chord diagram?

  • What do the vertical lines represent?

  • What do the horizontal lines represent?

  • What does an O represent?

  • What does an X represent?

  • What do dots represent?

  • What do numbers represent?

  • Learn simple 3 string chords G7 and C.

  • What causes buzzing or muted notes?

  • Learn Em (lower case m=minor)

  • What's a bar?

  • How do you know if you need to play in a higher position?

Video 2: How to strum and 5 strum patterns

Now that we can read chord diagrams and play some basic chords let's try strumming and some strum patterns.

In this video make sure you understand:

  • How do you mute the strings intentionally?

  • What are our options for strumming?

  • What is the suggestion for holding a pick ( short for plectrum)

  • What is resetting?

  • What's a down and up-strum?

  • Do you have to hit all the strings with an up-strum?

  • Learn pattern 1-5, practice slowly. (Try counting the beats)

  • How is pattern 2 and 3 different?

  • What is an accent?

  • How can we create percussion on guitar?

Video 3: Switching chords easily and quickly.

This video tackles the part that gives most people problems when playing a song with chords, switching quickly.

In this video make sure you understand:

  • What are the 5 tips in the video?

  • What does knowing your chords mean?

  • Why think ahead?

  • How do you become efficient in your chord changes?

  • Practice and learn how to switch from Em to C.

  • How do you be direct?

  • Practice and learn G to C add9 to D.

  • Practice and learn G to Em to C to D.

  • Practice switching chords only with your left hand, once you are comfortable then try strumming the chords.

  • How do we practice these transitions efficiently?

  • Why practice slow?

  • What was the bonus tip?

  • Keep going = strumming the open strings.

Horse With No Name

The song uses only two chords and can be played in a simplified form using strum Pattern 4. Give it a quick listen:


The Chords:

The two chords used here only use two fingers and the transition is simple since we only need to move our first finger up to the low E and our second finger to the G string.

Strum Pattern:

The pattern is one measure of Em and then one measure of D add6/9, and then it repeats. Make sure you can switch chords efficiently before trying the strum pattern. If you have never played chords before I suggest sticking to the simplified strum pattern.