This Makes Open Chords on Guitar SO MUCH EASIER for Beginners
This Makes Open Chords on Guitar SO MUCH EASIER for Beginners
Hey guys, Brad Litton from SimpleGuitar.com. This blog post transcribes my YouTube lesson on one simple switch in how you think about open chords. It makes it easier to know which strings to play, and which picking or strumming patterns will work.
I used to think everybody learned this from a book. They don't. Here it is.
Think in Three Categories
Think of open chords as:
- Six-string chords
- Five-string chords
- Four-string chords
These aren't the only categories (there are three-string chords too), and they aren't the only way to play each chord. They're a simple starting map.
Why it matters: if you strum extra strings that don't belong, it starts to sound like mud.
Six-String Chords
Play all six strings. Easiest, because you don't have to aim.
Examples from the lesson: G, G7, Gmaj7, and E, E minor, E7, Em7.
E minor: open sixth string, second fret on the fifth and fourth strings, other three strings open.
Five-String Chords
Leave out the low sixth string. Your pick (or thumb) should land first on the fifth string, then go down through the rest.
Examples: C, A minor, A major, A7, Am7, Amaj7, B7.
If you hit the low E on an A, it gets muddy. Same with C — unless it specifically says to have E in the bass, skip it. G into C with that extra E in the bass just sounds muddy.
Four-String Chords
Fourth, third, second, and first strings. Your pick lands on the fourth string.
Examples: D, D minor, D7, F, and a simpler B minor.
If you play D and strum all six strings, it sounds like garbage. Hit just those four.
F if the full shape is too much: play Fmaj7 — lift your first finger off the first string so it's open, first fret on the second string, second fret on the third string, third fret on the fourth string.
Simpler four-string B minor (instead of the barre):
- Open fourth string
- Third finger, fourth fret, third string
- Second finger, third fret, second string
- First finger, second fret, first string
That's a B minor a lot of beginners can actually use.
How to Practice Hitting the Right Strings
For a five-string chord like C: put your pick or thumb on the fifth string, strum down, reset, repeat. At first you'll watch your hand. Then do it by feel without looking, until you don't think about it.
Same for four-string chords like D: pick on the fourth string, strum down, reset. Great thing to do while you're watching TV.
Then practice changing categories: six-string, to five-string, to four-string, and back. Adjust the strum so you only hit the strings you want.
That's the switch. Six-string, five-string, four-string. Develop the feel. Add it to practice this week.
If you want a simple place to start, grab my free Top 10 Things to Learn on Guitar First at http://simpleguitar.com/top10.
And hang out with other adult guitar players in the Simple Guitar Facebook group: http://facebook.com/groups/simpleguitar.
About the Author
Brad from Simple Guitar helps adult learners play the songs they love without the frustration. Visit simpleguitar.com for more free resources and lessons.
