Introduction

A chord is a set of tones producing a melody and is played on a guitar. The chords of a guitar can be made up of different notes that are played one string at a time whether doing it on a plucking or strumming method. Chords are played with two or three notes, can be more than. Some are played with only one note.

Categorically, there two kinds of chords – minor and major. And the basic primary chords herewith are the C,A,G,E,D or CAGED. If you are new on playing the guitar, mastering the CAGED pattern must be the first and foremost thing you should do. A lot of artists who mastered these basic chords confessed that it paved the way for easy manipulation of the other difficult chords.

Reading a Diagram

The very basic thing that you should know when learning the chords have to be learning on how to read the chord chart or chord diagram. Without these, you’ll be left in a dilemma.

A chord diagram is an illustration with instructions on how to play a particular chord. To be able to achieve a successful guitar manipulation, there should be a good interpretation of each chord stated in the diagram and the musician must read it in the most accurate way.

Following the CAGED pattern

Imagine yourself looking at a guitar. Now put your attention at the fret board. You’ll notice that a whole fret board is composed of 6 strings attached to it. Well, not basically “attached” but on top of it. These strings are the ones making it possible to produce the chords and melody. If you’re going to focus on fingering first, might as well memorize the different chords produced in every fret. There are five basic and easy chords that will enhance you to learn other harder chords.

Troubleshooting

Oftentimes a lot of beginners complain how sore their fingers are after finishing one session with their guitar, its a normal reaction. You should be surprised if you’re not hurting even a bit, this means that you’re not playing it right. The proper way to carry out fingering is pressing your fingertips hard enough on the strings. When you notice that there is a buzzing sound or the echo is not going the way it should sound, try to press harder on the strings.

Tips

1) Cut those long fingernails. They will make it difficult for you to press the strings correctly.

2) Don’t let your fingers lie down while playing for they tend to mute some strings. This is the most common mistake done by newbies.

3)Be sure that your fingertips are the ones that are in contact with the strings and not the place where fingerprints are taken. Maintain the straight arch. Aside from the fact that this is exhausting, this is also painful and difficult but will pay off as soon as calluses are produced.

4) Remember that you should press the notes altogether. Make sure that no strings must be left out.

5) Practice. Memorize each chord pattern.

6) Don’t rush yourself. If you do, it’ll just frustrate you if you don’t get it. Choose songs that are easier to play.

There are two practical ways to learn how to play a guitar. First would be through finding someone who knows all the basic essentials. Make sure you know him; a close friend, classmate or acquaintance. Possible, your special someone. He should be patient enough to endure the tireless hours of practice. Because if he won’t be, you’re dead meat. He could teach you tips and techniques to proper fingering. This is difficult if you don’t know anyone but would be a big advantage if you do know someone.

Second practical way of learning your way through guitar lessons is to go online. It’s a personal mentor, a friend, and a reference material all in one package. Unlike having a personal trainer, an online tutorial gives you the freewill to agree and disagree. You can rest if you’re tired. Give yourself time to practice those hard notes. The best part is, nobody would scold you with every wrong string you’ve plucked. You are your own mentor.

Summarized below are 5 easy steps on how to learn how to play a guitar.

Step 1. You’ll be needing a guitar (might be your own or someone else’s, be sure it has 6 strings), a pick (or your fingers can do just fine), stool or chair, and an overflowing amount of dedication and patience. To be able to start playing, you must first know the different parts of a guitar and where to put those fingers of yours.

Step 2. Exercise your tense fingers. Stretch it. Wiggle it. Relax it. A tense hand would add up to a tense musician. You must learn the art of changing notes and strings in a speed that will blend with the song whenever a new melody comes in. To increase the shifting agility and strength, practice on the easier notes before proceeding with the tough ones.

Step 3. Learn the chords. Begin with the basic easy ones. Don’t bother yourself too much on chords that requires you to use a bar or all five fingers. That would put so much stress on your part. Some of the easiest and widely used chords are A, A minor, A major, C, C minor, C major, D, D minor, D major, E, E minor, E major, F, F major, G and G major.

Step 4. Work on those strumming patterns. The tip on being able to catch up on the melody is to listen to the song first. Never advance to your style without knowing the basic. It might turn out hideous and instead of producing music, it will turn out as a noise. Strumming is considered easier than plucking. A sequence of “up, down, up, up, down, up” might be easier to remember.

Step 5. Practice! Practice! Practice! Stay focused on your goal. You don’t have any intention of producing a perfect outcome. What is most important is being able to play and have fun. Relax yourself. If your fingers are growing blisters and your hands are surrendering to a sore, rest it. Don’t wait till drops of blood comes out of it.