Easy Beginner Notes – One Chord Fit Around Rule Them All
C major will be the granddaddy of all guitar chords, so we may as well start playing it right away.
I often don’t make use of C major from the very beginning with my total beginner students because it does involve stretching the fingers a bit, and it also requires that the fretting fingers fall very vertically on the fingertips lest the nonvertical fingers accidentally mute other strings.
But let’s live dangerously-C major it’s for us.
To make C major, just in case you’ve forgotten: place your index finger on the 1st fret with the 2nd string. Then, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret with the 4th string. Finally, place your ring finger on the 3rd fret with the 5th string. Strum all of the strings on the guitar with the exception of the 6th string. Ta da! C major!
Now, if you’re able to make C major with what we call “1st position,” the section of the guitar fretboard closest to the head of the guitar in which the strings tie off at the tuning pegs, then you’re more than halfway there. That it is easier to play that same chord shape anywhere else on the guitar. And that is exactly what we’re going to do.
Without stepping into a bunch of inevitably confusing music theory stuff, I will not be able to tell you just what chords you’re about to play using exactly that C major shape. I’m going to be referring to the chords we play instead as “some kind of” whatever lettered chord we’re making. Just roll with me on this and you’ll be making sweet music in no time.
So here’s what we are going to do. Start with your C chord. Play it normally, and be sure to enjoy it. Then, slide your three fretted fingers up two frets toward the soundhole with the guitar. This makes some type of a D chord. Just strum the chord together with your fingers now two frets up each. This puts the index finger on the 3rd fret with the 2nd string, your middle finger on the 4th fret with the 4th string as well as the ring finger on the 5th fret with the 5th string.
When you have grown a little bored playing that D chord, slide your fingers up which means that your ring finger is on the 10th fret with the 5th string. Another fingers remain in exactly the same relationship to one another so that they all still resemble the first C major chord fingering that we began with.
Play this G chord thingie-enjoy the newest and unusual mix of high notes with open strings.
Then, slide your fingers down again now two frets toward the top of the guitar. This puts your ring finger on the 8th fret with the 5th string with the other fingers once again maintaining the C shape orientation.
This is a sort of F chord.
So right there, you have four different positions in places you can play the basic C major chord fit around get pretty cool results that immediately enable you to get 1) playing different sounds and two) learning how to slide up and down the neck of the guitar.
I wrote an audio lesson a few years back using exactly this sequence of chord changes, plus it sounds way harder laptop or computer actually is. Let’s just say non-guitar players will totally purchase your parlor trick should you play this sliding C-shape chord sequence at the next backyard BBQ or campfire shindig.
Just thought you may be interested in reading this guide: all guitar chords and learning guitar chords.
