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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Acoustic guitar chords: learn how to play them easily

By Dom Artosa


Several notes played simultaneously is called an acoustic guitar chord. Even with many different acoustic guitar chords, if you learn just a few basic acoustic guitar chords, you will be able to play hundreds of songs, if not more. Major chords give out a cheerful sound while minor chords emit a sound that seems darker or sadder.

Acoustic guitar chord diagrams notate guitar chords. Rather than side to side (horizontal) the way guitar tabs run, the lines that represent an acoustic chord diagram will run up and down, or vertically. You will see a grid when looking at a chord diagram. The strings are represented by the vertical lines, while the frets are represented by the horizontal lines. The areas where you need to hold the string down is where the dots appear.

The acoustic guitar chord diagram will display six lines with numbers on those lines. The lines represent the stings from top to bottom of the guitar neck, and the numbers represent which finger is to be used on the string to produce a chord. 1 indicates that the index finger should be used, 2 for the middle finger, 3 for the ring finger, 4 for the pinky finger, and T for rare instances that the thumb is used. O represents an open string that is played, and strings marked with an X are not played.

G-major is the first chord were going to learn on the acoustic guitar. Place your fingers as follows: middle finger on sixth string at third fret, index finger on fifth string at second fret, ring finger on first string at third fret. Play each note one at a time, including the open strings. Each note should be heard clearly, with no odd buzzing or rattling sounds. If anything sounds off, you can push down firmer on the string or move your fingers so they are closer to the fret. Your fingers should not be in contact with one another and only on one string at a time. When each individual note sounds good, strum them all together. You have just accomplished a G-major chord on your acoustic guitar.

The acoustic guitar chord E-minor is much easier to learn how to finger. Your index finger goes on the second fret of the fifth string, while your middle finger rests on the second fret of the fourth string when playing this chord. There should be enough room for both fingers to rest on the fret without having them touch. After trying the notes, adjust your fingers until the sound you hear is the right note. Then, strum both strings to play the E-minor chord. You will notice a darker sound from this minor chord.

Acoustic guitar chords that comprise the basic ones to practice include C-major, D-major, A-minor, and A-major. Practice moving your fingers from one chord to another until it feels comfortable and familiar.

When first learnIng the acoustic guitar chords you will need to start off slow, and eventually, your fingers will get in place by themselves. With some practice, your fingers will be moving quickly across these acoustic guitar chords.

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