Playing Notes and Chords


Finally, here is the way to play the guitar. By just pulling and plucking the strings is not enough, it will undoubtedly generate a sound, but this sound is not a pleasing music that we want to hear. It is important to regularly practice in order to play it well.

Start with the sixth string, pluck it without using the fret hand. What you hear is the E note. This method of plucking the string without the involvement of fret hand is said that you are playing an “open” note.

Now move downwards and play “open” meaning without the fretting hand, you hear A, D, G, B and E notes, respectively. You will experience higher notes as you move downwards.

When you are done with this, go back to the sixth string but this time you need to place your index finger on the first fret. First fret is a gap found between the nut and the first fret. Remember to use the index finger on your fretting hand. Now, with the help of the tip of your index finger press the note down, instead of the joint. As you hold the index finger down on the initial fret, use the hand with the pick in it and pluck the sixth string. The sound generated is higher than that compared to what was emitted earlier, by plucking the first string without holding down the fret. To get this result you need to follow the method precisely.

Now, move your index finger to the second fret, which is a gap between the first and the second fret. Pluck the string and you will notice the sound that is generated is higher as compared to the previous one.

Go on in this manner with each string, play it open by placing the finger first on the first fret, then on the second fret and so on….To get the desired sound, which is neither muffled nor off key, you need to pay attention on firmly pressing the note down with the index finger placed on the center of the fret. Till you get the desired results it is advisable to continue in this manner.

After gaining confidence in playing notes you can now learn to play chords. Chords are playing two notes at the same time. Chords generate a far better sound which is richer than that generated by playing the note alone. Generally chords are three notes played at one time, the three notes go together. Further more, the chords can even have more than three notes. To play chords, you need to play multiple strings, this is called “strumming”.

The beginners usually learn chords that are called “Major” chords, these are the most common chords. The major chords are C Major, A Major, G Major, E Major, and D Major. A unique combination of notes makes up a chord. Now let us concentrate on the figure location, accurate notes and patterns of strumming which are widely used in “Major” chords.

We first learn to play the C Major chord. Here the ring finger is placed on third and fifth string. After this you need to position your middle finger on the second fret and the fourth string. Finally, position your index finger on the first fret and the second string. After you have properly positioned your fingers, starting with the fifth string, strum the third string immediately. Remember not to play the sixth string.

The look of the C Major chord is like a staircase, with index finger that forms the first or the lowest step. This may sound tough initially but as and when you get the practice of this your fingers also become stronger and then after some time you can form the pattern of chord with your own hands. Initially the sound generated may seem weird and horrifying, the notes may also seem strange and different, don’t bother, “as slowly and steadily you will win the race”.

To play the A Major chord: Position the fingers accordingly as below:
• Put the index finger on the second fret and fourth string.
• Put the middle finger on the second fret and third string.
• Put the ring finger on the second fret and second string.
• Now, beginning with the fifth string, strum the strings quickly. Don’t play the sixth string.

To play the C Major chord is easier as compared to playing the A Major chord. For playing the A Major chords you need to adjust three fingers together on the second fret. Now continuously play the chord and concentrate on the sound it produces. You may still have a problem to place your fingers on the second fret if your fingers are big that cannot fit comfortably, try with ring finger, but the middle finger would be ideal as you need to press down the second and third strings together.

To play the G Major Chord:

• Put the middle finger on the third fret, sixth string
• Put the index finger on the second fret, and fifth string
• Put the finger on the third fret and first string.
• Now strum the strings quickly.
 

 To play the G Major chord you are free to use multiple fingerings, this is the simplest combination for the beginners.

To play the C Major chord:
• Place the third finger on the fifth string and the third fret.
• Place the second finger on the fourth string and the second fret.
• Place the first finger on the second string and first fret. DO NOT bother to strum the sixth string and strum the bottom.

To play the E Major Chord:
• Place the middle finger on the second fret and fifth string
• Place the ring finger on the second fret and fourth string
• Place the index finger on the first fret and third string.
• Now strum the string quickly.
 

 E Major is the most famous chords as this is found in the rock and the blues, the type of music loved by everyone. Please donot bother if the notes may sound out of order or unpleasant. Practice will help you to get the right notes on the right strings.

To play the D Major chord:
• Place the index finger on the second fret and third string
• Place the ring finger on third fret and second string.
• Place the middle finger on the second fret and first string.
• Begin with the fourth string and play the notes quickly. You will not play the fifth of sixth strings.
 

 This is the toughest chord for the beginners. The D chord is most difficult of all to make it sound perfectly. But donot forget, “practice makes the man perfect”.

 



Table Of Contents

Before You Buy Your First Guitar
Read this before getting your first guitar...

Purchasing Your First Guitar
What to look for when buying your first guitar

Buying a Guitar Online
There are a lot of hazards when buying a guitar online but this guide is here to prevent you from getting scammed

Learn And Master Guitar
Essential elements on how to play the guitar

Learn To Play An Acoustic Guitar
Various Ways to Learn How to Play an Acoustic Guitar...

Free Lessons On How To Play Guitar
Basic Guitar Lessons for Free....

 

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