A True Beginners Lesson

andyp18 · #1 July 5th, 2007

It's been a long while and I still stink. I'm having trouble changing chords. Where it should take a second it takes me 5 to get to the right frets and strum, any tips??

allthumbs · #2 July 5th, 2007

Playing Chords

starsailor · #3 July 5th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyp18

It's been a long while and I still stink. I'm having trouble changing chords. Where it should take a second it takes me 5 to get to the right frets and strum, any tips??

Allthumbs link should put you straight Andy, it does take time though, I still struggle after a year, part of my practice just consists of changing chords to build up speed, on some chords your fingers can walk from one to another, I used to lift off one chord and go to the next which slowed me down, it is just a question of homing in on things you're not happy with, don't get Frustrated it will all fit into place, I'm a lot better than I used to be, I've taken up guitar a few times over the years and given up when the going got tough, this time I've stuck with it and it's paid off and I really enjoy what I've achieved, still a long way to go but it's worth the effort

Cheers

Chris

Aunt Doty · #4 July 5th, 2007

It really takes a while to speed up your chord changes. At each practice try to practice that for 10 to 15 minutes. I just did an 8 count of each. Start with just 2 chords, then when you get that add a 3rd. I was really having trouble when I started changing from G to C. Then someone showed me a different fingering that made the change much easier. Look for different fingerings that will decrease the distance you have to change....for example G to C try this position: middle finger 5th string 2nd fret, index 6th string 3rd fret, pinky 1st string 3rd fret. It makes it easier to go to G, G7 and C. You can try alternate fingerings for other shords too and remember to see which fingers you can use as a pivot without picking them all up. You can do this quite often and it really speeds up the transitions. It will happen if you keep practicing!!! Good luck!

jimmyzowens · #5 July 6th, 2007

very slow , over and over , then increase speed then it will come

wcostley · #6 July 6th, 2007

When I really think deep about it, I realize how blessed we are to own our own guitar, and have some spare time to hold, fondle, and play with it, that in itself is the real blessing, how good we get is only icing on the cake.
Just think how many zillions of people have come before us and how many will come after us who will never get to experience that pleasure alone.
Skip...................

knight46 · #7 July 6th, 2007

Patience, Practice and Perseverence. Stick with it, it is definitely worth the effort. Don't hesitate to come here for advise or encouragement, good people here and all are willing to help.

BackToBlack · #8 July 6th, 2007

I agree-very very slowly. Start with only one stroke per chord change and go slowly. Be satisfied with that and get that down then you will be able to add more strokes and speed the chord change. I was there weeks ago and I posted a thread called "Frustration". I stuck with it and now I'm loving it. Thats the key: Patience.