Lesson 1 - Basic Chords
Last Updated: 16th April, 2009
First of all, if you have never played guitar before, make sure you have taken a look at the Pre-lesson. This will get you to grips with how to hold the guitar, how to sit, and general do's and don'ts.
Its worth refering back to it every now and again to jog your memory.
And Remember, take the lessons at your own speed, there is no rush, good luck!
Whats involved in this lesson
In this lesson we are going to learn the basic chords; A major, D major and E major (or just A, D and E). These chords are the building blocks for the 12-bar blues, for those of you who like that sort of thing. These chords will be used often in your playing and it is important you get to grips with them before moving on to more complicated things.
Contents:Useful Information
A Major
D Major
E Major
Summary
Useful Information
When you play the guitar, you should sit up straight (no slouching - you will encourage bad habits!). It might also help if your chair was arm-less. Your guitar neck should be parallel to the floor whilst the thinnest string should be the closest to the floor.
Right handed players (with right-handed guitars) should sit their guitar on their right leg... where left handed players (with left handed guitars) would put their guitar on their left leg. Bear in mind this is the most common way of playing the guitar, but some styles of music teach you to play with the guitar rested on the other leg. For these lessons we will stick with the common techniques.
Now we shall look at how your fretting hand (left hand - for right handed guitarists) should be placed. The thumb should be placed behind the neck, whilst your fingers should be placed in front of the strings. Your fingers should be curled at the knuckles when playing. There are exceptional circumstances, and you will be instructed of these when the time comes.
So... let's look at some chords (don't forget to tune first). Look at the explanation of how to play each chord below.
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A major
For A major, you place your first finger on the D-string, 2nd fret. Place your second finger on the G-string, 2nd fret. And your third finger on the B-string, 2nd fret. Tight fit? Make sure it is just your finger tips touching the strings. If one of your fingers happens to touch another string, it may cause that string to make a muted sound when played.
Note, that on the diagram there is a cross (x) above the low E-string. This means you do not play it. The circles (o) above the string mean that you do play it, but there is not a note to press down on that string.
So with your fingers in place you play strings A-D-G-B-E. If it does not sound quite right, check your finger positioning, and play through the strings one at a time and try to pick out the problem. Muted notes (dead notes) can be caused by a stray finger touching a string it shouldn't be.
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D major
The next one for you to attempt is D major. Place your first finger on the G-string, 2nd fret. Your second finger on the high E-string, 2nd fret. Your third finger should be placed on the B-string, 3rd fret. Using the same advice as above, make sure you can hear each string without dead notes.
The low-E-string and the A string, both have a cross (x) above it. So avoid playing these strings, as it won't sound right. You should play strings D-G-B-E.
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E major
To play E major, place your first finger on the G-string, 1st fret. Your second finger on the A-string, 2nd fret. And your third finger on the D-string, 2nd fret. Note that in the diagram, there is no cross (x) above any of the strings, this means you play all of them. Remember, check each string, this helps eliminate any problems.
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So, to summarise:
- Play through each string separately, to pick out any dead notes.
- Re-position your fingers so that your finger tips are touching the strings and not the flat part of your finger.
- Take regular breaks - at first it IS going to hurt. Your fingers will harden over time, so don't overdo it and put yourself off.
Keep practising A, D and E until you get the hang of it and then take a look at lesson 2.
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