|
learn guitar
| guitar chords | play guitar
|
7 Things To Do To Get The Most Out Of Your Guitar Chords
|
People respond to the three basic elements of music in this
order: rhythm, melody then harmony. Firstly, rhythm - if we don't
like the rhythm of a piece of music our interest in that music
stops there.
Secondly, melody - the melody is the tune of the particular piece
of music, it's the part we hum or whistle.
Thirdly, is the harmony - this is where chords come into the
picture and the vast majority of people have difficulty with this
aspect of music.
Often, when learning the guitar we often experience a musical
brick wall while trying to learning to play chords. I have set
out 7 tips to help you avoid the common traps.
1. Make sure your guitar is set-up properly: If your guitar is
too hard to play your hands will become tense and tire quickly.
Please keep in mind that when you buy a guitar the action of the
guitar (the distance of the strings away from the guitar
fretboard) will need to be adjusted, regardless of the brand or
price range. This true for both new and pre-played instruments.
2. Learn the names of the notes on the guitar: Guitar players
generally think in terms of lead guitar or rhythm guitar playing,
when in reality chords are simply combinations (vertical
stacking) of notes.Each chord has a specific spelling, once you
know how to spell a chord you can create many different ways of
playing that chord on the guitar ... if you know the names of the
notes and their location on the guitar fretboard.
3. Create string four grids: By dividing the six strings of your
guitar into four string grids each grid consisting of three
strings. Grid one - first, second and third strings. Grid two -
second, third and fourth strings. Grid three - third, fourth and
fifth strings. Grid four - fourth, fifth and sixth strings.
4. Learn the triadic and scaletone seventh versions of chords:
By learning both the triadic and scaletone seventh chord structures
many chord substitution possibilities will become obvious.
Following is an example of the triadic (three note) chord
structures in the key of C major - C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B dim.
The scaletone seventh (four note version) of the same scale would
be: CMaj7, Dm7, Em7, FMaj7, G7, Am7 and B minor 7th flat 5.
5. Pay attention to the strumming hand: The most common
mistake guitarist's make is to focus all their attention on the chord
fingering while neglecting the picking hand. Many times the chord
formation is correct however unwanted notes are being played by
the strumming hand. For example often guitar players incorrectly
strum five strings for a D major chord, while this chord sounds
fine the sound you are producing with this five string chord is a
D/A chord (Dmajor chord with and A bass note.)
6. Learn to play slash chords: A great way to increase you chord
vocabulary is to play simple triadic chords with different bass
notes. For example a simple chord progression such as A///|E///|
D///| could be made more interesting by playing an "A" note in
the bass for each chord: A ...|E/A ...|D/A ...
7.Learn to recognize chord progressions: The fastest way to l
learn to play guitar "by ear" is to train yourself to recall the sound
of chord progressions. Many songs are based on standard chord
progression templates such as the one, six, four, five chord
progression. In the key of "G" this progression would look like
this: G///|Em///|C///|D///||
A great many people give up playing because of a poorly set-up
instrument or because they can't seem to get the same sound they
hear on the recordings of their favorite artists, by applying
these simple tips you will hear (and feel) immediate results.
|
Express
Guitar Home:
Learn
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
|
|
