Beginners often struggle with chord songs requiring more than the three to four notes that comprise each chord – especially when such songs require bending strings or arpeggios.
Bending involves moving your pick downward, which in guitar tab is represented by a curved arrow.
Open String C
Open C tuning (also referred to as DADGAD) offers an open sound that’s ideal for creating unique bright-sounding riffs and is an excellent alternative to Drop D for guitarists looking to broaden their repertoire!
See it all come alive on this track by Bon Iver! The song features alternating Fmaj7 and Cmaj7 chords for an entrancing, dreamy sound!
Barred C
Barred chords are an effective alternative to open C chords, yet their scattered placement across the fretboard may make them hard to follow.
A “C” with a dashed line indicates cut common time or 2/2 time signature (which is basically half of 4/4). Each beat will contain only two minims instead of four minims, making it easier for conductors to keep track of.
Open String D
Open D is an increasingly popular alternative tuning for guitar. It is easy to fret with one finger, producing stunning results when used alongside chord progressions.
Playing open strings is also a fantastic way to develop timing skills as its playing requires much faster hand movement than traditional tuning does.
The open D tuning is very similar to DADGAD tuning and any skills acquired within it will translate seamlessly to it.
Barred D
Barre chords can be great, yet difficult, until your fingers can stretch to make the chord. One way of performing barre chords effectively is using your thumb and first finger clamped together like the ends of a clothes peg to provide sufficient pressure that ensures chord clarity.
To change the key of an E shape D bar chord, simply move it to another fret.
Open String G
Open G chord shapes offer incredible versatility; you can use it to play various major chords as well as numerous minor shapes.
As well, this makes hammer-ons and pull-offs with your fingers much simpler.
To tune your guitar for Open G, simply retune so that the low string is one octave lower than its high string.
Barred G
Beginners often find barre chords challenging due to their need for much pressure from your fingertip; this poses a difficulty when trying to make their chords sound clearly.
A G barre chord requires you to position your first and third fingers carefully so they don’t touch strings they shouldn’t. Therefore, it is an essential chord for any guitarist.
Open String A
Open string chords are a staple of the acoustic guitar and can add an entirely new dimension to your playing. Not only are they great ways to develop finger independence and intonation skills, they can also help to strengthen finger independence!
These voicings are commonly employed in diminished and dominant seventh chords and can be very useful across styles and genres. This class explores several chord progressions using these voicings.
Open String B
Open string chords are a cornerstone of acoustic guitar playing and sound great! Additionally, they’re easy to learn and sound fantastic!
An Open B triad in root position on G and high E strings offers added versatility due to its moveable shape.
Practice can help to build finger dexterity and make for seamless chord transitions, and can stimulate melodic creativity.
Barred B
Barred B is one of the more challenging beginner chords to master. It requires more strength and stamina than other open string chords, as well as having an intricate third finger that may obstruct or buzz through first string, leading to muted tones or buzzes from this chord.
Practice slowly and carefully with this chord so as to develop muscle memory over time. Additionally, practice an alternate version that requires less work.