A lot of people tend to get really bored with their guitar lessons initially, because they are not getting right into the good stuff. However, it is really important to learn to walk before you run, and this also holds true with learning the guitar. You first need to start with the basics, including theory, notes and scales. As a beginner you will start to learn guitar notes and then figure how to combine them and develop the ability to start learning beginner guitar chords. Once you’ve reached that point, you can start playing some easy guitar songs.
What is a Chord?
If you have never played the guitar, or taken a lesson, you may be wondering what a chord is. The word chord is actually a shortened version of the Middle English word for accord (cord), which meant to be in tune with one another. The word chord is used today to describe a group of three musical notes that are played in combination. Chords get their names from their root note, such as the C chord having C as a root note. There are seven notes, which translate into seven chords: A,B,C,D,E,F, and G. These chords can be played four ways: major, minor, augmented and diminished. Look at this guitar chords chart to see all the different chords.
What Will I Learn First?
In the beginning, you will probably only be learning the most basic of chords, at least until you get a little bit better. Your early guitar chord lessons will teach you the basic chords, as well as switching back and for the between them, you will begin learning more complicated guitar chords. There are millions of songs out there to learn, and not all of them are written with just basic chords.
Once you have mastered the basic chords, you may start learning guitar chords for specific styles of music. For example, if you are interested in learning how to play hard rock and heavy metal, you will want to learn all about power chords, which utilize the root and fifth notes of chords. Also frequently used in hard rock, as well as many other styles, are the more difficult barre chords, which are actually the root of all power chords.
Another thing you will be learning about is chord progressions, but you probably won’t be getting into this until you have actually mastered some chords, and switching between chords. All songs are made up of chord progressions, and without them, there wouldn’t be any songs… or at least songs that sound half way decent.
The Best Way For Learning Guitar Chords
If you want to learn how to play chords on the guitar, you can buy all kinds of chord books. But, you may find them confusing, and end up playing the chords completely wrong. The best way I’ve found for learning guitar chords is to find a guitar player who also teaches. A qualified guitar instructor will have the knowledge and experience to be able to show you how to play all kinds of chords, and then help you advance until you are a really good guitar player.
If you are not able to find a good guitar instructor, why not try looking for one online? There are many websites that offer really cool guitar lessons on videos, that are taught by real people. These lessons are great, because you can stop and rewind any time you want, so you will be able to go over things again and again until you have them down. Two of the best websites to find great guitar instruction are Guitar Tricks and Jam Play. Check them both out, as they both do a great job of teaching you how to play guitar chords with good technique.
