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Post by balashazar on Jun 20, 2011 20:10:17 GMT -5
Hi all. I'm looking for some insight into practicing chord changes. I'm more than just right handed, I've two of them! My left has always just been an inconvienence, so the shear mental anguish I am going through trying to train it to do anything is killing me.
Would anyone have some sequence of chords that will help this humble beginner to start getting the fingers working on somewhat of a coordinated fashion? I swear, you could get up, grab yourself a cold one, some chips and still get back before I've made a G-->D-->C transition.
Many thanks...and while your up, grab me one too:>
Bala
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Post by Happy Jack on Jun 21, 2011 2:38:46 GMT -5
Hi all. I'm looking for some insight into practicing chord changes. I'm more than just right handed, I've two of them! My left has always just been an inconvienence, so the shear mental anguish I am going through trying to train it to do anything is killing me. Would anyone have some sequence of chords that will help this humble beginner to start getting the fingers working on somewhat of a coordinated fashion? I swear, you could get up, grab yourself a cold one, some chips and still get back before I've made a G-->D-->C transition. Many thanks...and while your up, grab me one too:> Bala First of all welcome to the forum a thread here may help mojocaster.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=guitdiscussions&thread=135&page=1Just keep it slow and accurate. once muscle memory builds up it will become much easier. Practice 1 minute chord changes - pick two chords and just keep changing between them. Time yourself over a minute and count how many chord changes you make. This will help show the improvements you are making and keep you motivated. Try and think about anchor fingers and what fingers you can leave on the fretboard or only have to move slightly. Try to visualise the chord shapes - the shape should be made before your fingers hit the fretboard www.notplayingguitar.com/2009/06/3-steps-to-fast-chord-changes.htmlwww.youtube.com/watch?v=JgY8hFf8cUoPick a few songs with only a few chords and practice these The main thing is practice slow and accurate
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Post by balashazar on Jun 21, 2011 11:30:01 GMT -5
Thanks Happy, very kind for you to take the time to offer so much. I'll grab two chords and do the one minute drills. Simple concept, but sure sounds like a winning solution. Maybe something like E & A, then E & D and once those are working out ok, combine to do A & D. Circuit training around three chords. I've been working with D, C and G but after a trip to the ER to have my fingers untied, maybe a E, A, D combo might be better for a bit:>
Thanks again for the insights. Cheers!
Bala
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Post by leerummey on Jun 21, 2011 16:28:11 GMT -5
i can only back up what HJ has said i.e slowly also you could get yourself a metronome and change chords along with it and speed it up as your muscle memory improves also i think c to e is an easy chord change to start with as it would only involve lifting the first finger off and moving it up as you lift off your third finger or just lifting off your first finger and sliding your third down one fret (whatever is more comfortable for you or whatever makes the next chord change easier ) and welcome to the forum oh also try not to lift your fingers too far away from the neck and always go for minimum movement
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Post by balashazar on Jul 18, 2011 15:15:26 GMT -5
Well, I wanted to follow up on the chord changing troubles. The advice above was so spot on that I kinda shake my head at it now. Simple instructions, profound effect. I can't help but smile as I'm working my way through a song and find my 'useless' left hand and fingers are arriving at the correct chord without even thinking of it. I'll hit the first couple chord changes, look at the neck to see where I'm placing my fingers, and then later in the song, relize that I've gone through a few changes and instead am watching my strumming placement instead.
Thanks for the push in the right direction. Sure makes practicing fun when you see your improvement:>
<bow>
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Post by Happy Jack on Jul 19, 2011 14:10:19 GMT -5
That's good news - another good idea is to record yourself playing the same song from every month or six weeks- you will be surprised how much improvement you have made - it is a great motivator
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Post by 469roadking on Jul 19, 2011 21:32:30 GMT -5
Awesome Bala!! Stay with it..... You got some stellar advice so far. Just my .02 I believe very much in the adage that slow makes fast. Metronomes may seem like a butt cramp in the beginning but they pay off big in the end. A slow steady bpm that keeps you making clean changes in time is a great help. Not all the time mind you. You gotta have fun too......
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