HAVING TROUBLE REMEMBERING GUITAR CHORDS?

Guitar codes are the set of notes that the guitar plays. These chords can be played sequentially or in a simultaneous way. The tuning of the guitar helps in its implementation. There are standards set for the guitar tuning to bring out the best when playing the chords. The challenge faced by most new users is in memorizing the guitar chords. For beginners who want to learn how to play a guitar, the first few weeks may seem daunting. The guitar chords may look confusing and difficult to memorize. However, we have consolidated 8 essential guitar chords for beginners that you need to know to start playing some simple songs!   How to read the guitar chords:   The top of the diagram represents the neck of the guitar. Every line starting from the left represents a string. The first string will be the thickest one. The numbers represent the finger to be placed on the fret. For example, if number 1 is shown, the first finger which is your index finger is curled and placed on the fret.

 

1. A major

 

 

The A Major chord is one of the hardest for amateurs to master as all three fingers are adjacent to one another on the 2nd fret. Tip: Try to curl your wrist inwards so that you will feel comfortable curling your three fingers on the 2nd fret. Make sure the first finger has enough pressure on the fret to produce a clear sound.

 

2. C Major

 

 

C Major is one of the basic chords guitarists will learn from the start. Make sure that your first finger is curled so that it can produce a clear sound.

 

3. D Major

 

 

D Major is also one of the common chords beginners will learn. This chord doesn’t pose a difficulty. One mistake that guitarists make is not to curl their third finger in on the 2nd string from the right. This will cause discomfort on the 2nd finger on the first string from the right.

 

4. E Major

 

 

This is another chord that is commonly played in most songs. Just make sure that you curl your first finger properly on the first fret of the third string on the right. Strum the 6 strings. Also, you can swap the 2nd finger and 3rd finger around as it may be comfortable playing that way too. Try playing both ways!

 

5. G Major

 

 

G Major is one of the hardest chord to play and it depends on the guitarist’s ability to curl his fingers well. Concentrate on curling your first finger so that the open third string from the left rings clearly. Strum the 6 strings.   Tip: You can try placing your first finger on the 1st string, second finger on the 2nd string and your pinky finger on the 6th string. This allows the transition to C Chord easily. You can try and experiment both ways to see which position of fingers are most comfortable in.

 

6. A Minor

 

 

 

If you know how to play the E Major, A Minor will be easier as you need to move one string up with the same finger pattern. Make sure your first finger is curled properly so that your 6th open string will sound clearly.   Tip: Avoid playing the 1st open string when strumming. Also, you can reverse the position of your 2nd and 3rd fingers at your own comfort.

 

7. D Minor

 

 

D Minor is another straightforward chord to play. However, you have to curl your third finger well if not the last string will not ring properly. You should also strum the last four strings with the D minor Chord.

8. E Minor

 

This is the easiest chord for all guitarists as only two fingers need to be used!

Tip: You can reverse the 2nd and 3rd finger at your own comfort. Make sure you curl your fingers well so that the other open strings ring properly. Strum all 6 strings.

Usually the simplest chords are the ones a new person should start with. Do not rush to memorize all the chords within the shortest time possible. With time and daily practice, one will be able to remember all chords. So learners should feel free and relaxed and enjoy the learning process.

Learning one or two chords at a time is the best way to memorize the chords. Learning the A chord first is very important. Once you fully memorize the A chord, one can move to the C chord and take time memorizing it. By taking few chords at a time means you will have fewer chords to remember. With time, you will be able to internalize these chords and be to play them with easy.

After understanding and internalizing the few chords, it is good that one tries to switch between the chords. Switching between the chords helps one to be a pro in transition of chords. However, one should take this slowly as switching between may look difficult but with time one can memorize all the chords.

Trying to repeat the play severally can help internalize the chords. Even if one feels that he or she has remembered all the chords well, it is good to still repeat the plays severally as this will make the chord easier to remember. 

Recommended: It is advisable that one gets a trainer. Working with somebody who is experienced will be helpful. The trainer or teacher will help you position your fingers correctly. A trainer can give the right technique and usually their motivation is needed. After lessons, one can try what he or she has learned at home. If the cost of hiring a trainer is expensive, one can join a group session. Groups are helpful as they train one to gain confidence and you can learn from other group members.

Printing out the diagrams of the chord can also be effective in memorizing. The diagrams helps learners know where the finger is exactly. One can always refer to these diagrams when stuck while playing.

 

Always remember motivation is key to learning the chords. Beginners should learn to be patient and know nothing comes easy. Being consistent in your practice and never giving up is necessary in memorizing all the guitar chords.