[Susanne]

Hi all,
I'm pretty new to this. I've been "practicing" for a while but I don't think I'm practicing right. When I got my guitar I also got a beginner book and the few songs that I know, out of the book, I play but it's note for note...no chords and with the book came a cd and of course the guy plays it with chords, which sounds great and makes what I do sound awful. Also, no explaination in the book what chords are being use.

Questions:
1. How do you know which chords to play with which notes (do you know what I mean?)
2. What is a logical way to practice? Let's say I am starting at square one. What's the first thing I should practice until I can do it in my sleep? And don't just say chords --- which chords should I start with? Should I try two particular chords and then add a third and then fourth....etc.?:?:


Ok, that's it for now.....thanks in advance for any help.

Susanne

[Kirk Lorange]

Hi Susanne.

1. That's a big question, not one that can be answered just like that. Any series of notes could have, HAS, many different possiblities in terms of chord structure..

2. Begin with all the open chords, and if you go to the chord progressions page, you'll find some examples of several compatible chords played in series. That's a good place to start practicing chords.

Kirk

[Susanne]

Thanks Kirk for the quick reply.

Susanne

[solidwalnut]

Originally Posted by Susanne

...And don't just say chords --- which chords should I start with? Should I try two particular chords and then add a third and then fourth....etc.?:?:

Susanne

Suzanne--

I know it all seems very confusing. Here you have this thing with six strings which obviously begs for individual notes to be played. I know you want to know which chords go with whatever particular notes. And I know just not any chords will do.

I just want to encourage you to spend some time here with Kirk's lessons. Start at the beginning. Don't go past anything you don't understand. You will find answers. And when you have questions, post them. No questions are bad ones. Even when you think the question might be 'stupid'. We love to help.

All the best,

Steve

[allthumbs]

If you get stuck, just ask and we will be here for you. Start with the five open chords since they are the basis of barr chords that will let you play further up the neck. In other words. C,A,G,E,D. The C and G seem to give beginners the most trouble because there is a bit of a stretch involved. The other 3 are much easier. The A,D and E chords go together very well to strum out tunes so you could start with them first so you can put some chords together and sound musical.

[nowhere-man]

Hi Susanne, welcome.

You will find useful information on chords here;

http://chordguide.com/guitar/index.asp

Good luck with your guitar journey, enjoy.

[randomaire]

Hey susanne, I see you've been a member since 2004, curious to know how things went over the last two years. What worked for you? Could help some of us figure some things out also to get a better start.