A guitar chord consists of multiple notes played at once. Its sound depends on how those intervals connect – known as chord shapes – with one another.
Guitarists use various muting techniques with their picking hand to influence the sound of chords. Heavy palm muting produces a tight rhythmic tone while light palm muting allows strings to resonate freely.
The Music Is Win
Tyler Larson of Music Is Win has quickly become one of the most well-recognized guitar personalities on YouTube – he’s an extremely prolific multitasker who produces videos on virtually all topics that interest guitarists. His channel provides lessons for various musical styles as well as discussions on understanding music theoretically; gear tests where talented guitar players demonstrate product under scrutiny; as well as interviews with legendary ’80s shredders like Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert and Zakk Wylde as well as modern masters like St Vincent Cory Wong and Yvette Young who discuss their signature tones and techniques in detail.
Music Is Win is distinguished not just by the quality of its content but by the sheer volume of episodes uploaded each month – any guitarist who wishes to learn or improve should subscribe immediately!
StitchMethod with Ian Stich
Chord progressions are key components of learning guitar songs and are an excellent way to get your fingers moving across the fretboard. Be sure to practice until you can play one without stopping or making mistakes; once this skill has been acquired, move onto learning actual songs themselves.
Starting off simple? Try 4 Non Blondes’ song using open C, D and G chords which are straightforward for beginners to master. As you progress further through this progression, try strumming faster or adding some twangier chords for an added challenge!
Stich’s passion for music and guitar shines through in his videos. Money was never his driving factor for teaching; rather he focused on building community through music appreciation. Over time he amassed a loyal following who showed their support by buying his merchandise – something we all can relate to! After all, small gestures count the most.
The Guitarist
Guitarist magazine produces pro-level gear demo videos on an ongoing basis, either straight talking heads about products being shown, or featuring top guitarists using that gear in performances. Furthermore, regular video tuition such as artist interviews or Blues Headlines tuition columns are produced as part of its subscription offering.
At the back of each issue, Guitar World magazine also includes an expansive technique section. Here, a range of columns cover various styles of playing – historically this has included artist interviews conducted from more of a guitar perspective as well as in-depth features like Brian May’s Red Special guitar being examined and its history being detailed, plus features on slide guitar’s history being provided as examples.
Since late 2011, Guitarist has been available digitally; initially on Apple Newsstand and, since late 2012, in its own bespoke iPad edition. The latter offers full page turner experience along with audio/video content alongside its regular features. Late 2013, it also introduced Guitarist Presents Acoustic which offers interviews, gear reviews and playing tuition but exclusively focused on acoustic guitars.
Guitar Lessons
YouTube provides numerous channels with guitar lessons for both beginner and experienced guitarists alike, including acoustic and electric guitar tutorials, song tutorials and more. Many channels also feature instructors from all musical backgrounds and skill levels who offer instruction to users.
Once a student masters some simple open chord formations, they can begin playing songs. This may take several months depending on how often and for how long practice sessions occur.
At this stage, it would be wise for students to find a teacher or mentor who will teach them how to practice efficiently and effectively, eliminating weaknesses while progressing nonetheless. Doing this allows for better use of practice time as less time will be spent practicing what can already be accomplished – more time can then be dedicated toward honing skills further and learning new music pieces.