Vincent chord is an essential foundational chord for beginning guitarists to learn, as it will pave the way to more complex chords in later levels of complexity. Although initially it may be challenging, patience will pay dividends!
This chord diagram displays the C note as its starting note of a triad, along with all its constituent intervals that build it up. Each fret of a guitar represents one semitone.
How to read a guitar chord chart
Chord charts are an invaluable way to learn guitar chords. By providing information about chord structures and interval notations, chord charts help you better understand how each note affects the harmony beneath. Furthermore, chord charts show you how to form various types of chords.
A guitar chord chart typically comprises of a grid of vertical string lines and horizontal fret lines, representing vertical string tension as well as fret lines on either side. At the top of this grid lies the thick line representing the nut; each subsequent horizontal line serves as fret. Each vertical line also contains dots representing your fingers’ locations; these numbers correspond with index finger 1, middle finger 2 and ring finger 3.
Your chord chart may include both Xs and Os, which serve similar functions to numbers; Xs indicate when to mute or not play certain strings while Os indicate when to play them open (without fretting fingers on any frets). Most chord charts allow for intuitive reading without ever looking down at your guitar!
Finger placement on the guitar
Finding the ideal finger placement is key for creating sound chords. Your first finger should be placed close to its fret behind while leaving room for fingers 2 and 3 to curl around freely – this allows them to make clear notes with less pressure needed than when pressing straight down on them. Wrist positioning also plays an essential part; your thumb should rest just above the middle of your neck without stretching out across it and straining its joints; this allows the fingers to be spread apart without overburdening its ligaments too much.
When playing bar chords, you need to position the 1st finger so it contacts a string just below its fret and not accidentally mutes other strings. To do this successfully requires slightly angling your fingertips so only hard little part of fingertip touches strings – this “sweet spot” for each finger will become apparent with practice.
Strings on the guitar
Your guitar string selection can have a dramatic impact on both tone and feel of your playing experience. Try different brands, types and gauges until you find ones that suit you best; additionally, experiment with materials like steel, nickel, titanium and cobalt that make up each string’s composition.
Thin strings are ideal for country and folk music as they allow fast picking with clarity. Plus, their full sound offers chords an expansive sound. Conversely, thicker strings may provide better support in rock/metal settings which demand power in picking hands.
To help you memorize the names and order of strings faster, speak out loud as you fret each note – this will aid your memory immensely! Additionally, using a capo can change the pitch of open strings – ideal for singers and players wanting to alter key.
Sheet music
Don McLean has composed Vincent (Starry Starry Night), available to download and print instantly as Guitar Chords/Lyrics sheet music. This Rock score can be printed instantly.
This item includes a high-quality PDF file for instant download upon purchase, licensed through Virtual Sheet Music by Hal Leonard LLC and accessible worldwide.
McLean first released this song as part of his American Pie album in the ’70s and it still gets regularly performed at folky venues today. Though not an especially difficult tune to learn, its arpeggiated chord shapes may require practice to master.
This lesson offers the standard notation version of Don McLean’s popular song with guitar accompaniment in standard notation notation, with tutorial and performance playthrough videos, full guitar tabs and lyrics provided for easy reference. To view it online, statistics and marketing cookies must be accepted; you may allow all or select those that best meet your preferences.