Free lesson B-1

Home of The Young Christians' Guitar Method series.

Lesson B-1 Itroduction to Chords

Most guitarists begin with the learning of chords. Although this is not the preferred method in many cases it will still be addressed because it is so commonly advised from the early guitarists' peers. A chord is simply playing more than one note (or string) at the same time. Typically, a chord book (or chart) is purchased or downloaded such as the one provided here. You will want to print it since it will be discussed now.

	The chord at left is the E minor chord. It is chosen here because it is considered one of the easier chords to play. The strings are numbered 1 through 6 on the diagram's right side with the heavier lines (strings) being on the bottom. The frets (or fret-spaces) are numbered 1 through 3 at the diagrams bottom with the guitar's head-stock pointing left. The black dots are the position (location) of the fingers and the numbers on the dots are instructions for which fingers to use. So, this chord is played by placing the tip of finger 3 in the 2nd fret of string 4 and the tip of finger 2 in the 2nd fret of string 5. When this is achieved, strum downward and strike all six strings in one motion.

The chord at left is the E minor chord. It is chosen here because it is considered one of the easier chords to play. The strings are numbered 1 through 6 on the diagram's right side with the heavier lines (strings) being on the bottom. The frets (or fret-spaces) are numbered 1 through 3 at the diagrams bottom with the guitar's head-stock pointing left. The black dots are the position (location) of the fingers and the numbers on the dots are instructions for which fingers to use.

So, this chord is played by placing the tip of finger 3 in the 2nd fret of string 4 and the tip of finger 2 in the 2nd fret of string 5. When this is achieved, strum downward and strike all six strings in one motion.

How did it sound? If it sounded good then you are the exception! Probably not all six strings rang clear and well-balanced. It is very important to play only on the finger-tips. This should be quite close to the fingernails. Look at your hand and insure that each finger is touching only the instructed string, even a slight touch of another string will mute it out. It is to be expected that you may not have enough strength to hold the strings down without the unwanted muted effect. Arching your fingers (bend at each knuckle) and rotating your wrist outward may help. Of course it goes without saying that practice will make it easier as you gain hand strength. This will require a surprisingly short amount of time (hours and days, not minutes!). The photos below will give you an idea of what this chord should look like. In closing let us be clear that this is an introduction only! There is more to chords than can be addressed in a single session and several more lessons are devoted to this topic.