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beginning guitar | chords | strings
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Guitar Lessons: Beginner
This series of tips is designed to give the beginning guitar
player enough skills to get started and play competently in a band.
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Question:
I
am a rank beginner, I am having a problem getting my fingers not to
rest on additional strings as I try to make a cord. So you see I am in
trouble.
Answer:
There is a number of ways to overcome this common problem:
The main thing to keep in mind about guitar is that you can "design"
your own chord shapes. The truth is - it's the notes you a placing your
fingers on (or trying to stretch to) that make up the chord, not the
chord shape itself!
Unfortunately most *guitar chord books* are designed by (a) keyboard
players (I know this sounds crazy) or (b) generated by a computer.
Consequently a tremendous number of chords shapes are difficult or
clumsy for guitarists to reach.
My recommendation is to learn how to *construct* chords and design your
own chord shapes, custom built for your hands.
For example, if you are having trouble with the C chord (I'm referring to the C chord shape in our free course.
You will notice it is presented as a four string chord, using two
fingers - a great many guitarists find their second finger accidentally
blocking the third string - a way around this is to leave the second
finger out altogether and play the chord as a three string chord (it's
still the correct C chord we have simply made it much easier for us to
play). These concepts are discussed in our Express Guitar course (Chord
Construction - Design Your Own Chord Shapes).
Another problem can be getting your fingers to stand up and properly
clear the other strings, again we have developed a special program (the
Finger Gym - to address these issues).
You may also need to consider your guitar - different neck shapes,
fingerboard diameter, fret size etc., all contribute to *ease of
playing*. For example some guitarists find a solution by purchasing a
12 string guitar, removing the six thin strings(octave strings) and
playing the guitar as a conventional six string guitar - this gives the
player a wider fingerboard to make it easier to clear the strings.
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Express
Guitar Home:
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How to Play Guitar
Rave Reviews for Express Guitar:
| As
a student of Mike Hayes since 1999, I have found his teaching methods
and products to be first class. Whatever style or area of music I have
been interested in, he has provided me with useful information, advice
and study materials. His style of teaching and teaching products
enabled me to progress through his guitar course far quicker than I
ever imagined. He also helps in teaching yourself to find and develop
your own style of music. Mike’s teaching gives his
student’s the ability to become useful musicians, not just
guitarists.
Stephen J Reid
Guitarist & Musician
Australia
This
course teaches us how to learn, how to retain, and how to recall
information quickly. This entire program is built around "connected
learning" with key phrases, picture words ( yes there is such a thing )
and the most dynamic personal motivator I have ever had the pleasure of
knowing.
Ken C Simpson
Business Owner & Guitarist
Queensland, Australia
The
course is varied, in-depth and well-structured, making learning and
comprehension fast, thorough and enjoyable. It’s a great way of
learning, as you can pace yourself and move onto the next stage when
you feel competent. I find this course both innovative and
inspirational. I find myself leaving Mike’s lessons with the
determination to reach my new goals.
Karl J Ricker
Sales Manager
Sunshine Coast, Australia
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