In this lesson we'll go through 3 of the most commonly played beginner chords in great detail, as well as showing you how to play "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield. It's a fantastic track and so easy to play along with once you've got these chords down!
The bulk of the song is made up of 2 chords, E major and A major, and then it introduces a D major in the chorus. In the video Dan takes you through the chords in great detail, including a couple of different options for how to play the A Major chord. Here are the chord diagrams:
More detail on those chords...
Put your second (middle) finger on the second fret of the A string.Then put your third (ring) finger on the second fret of the D string.Then put your first (index) finger on the first fret of the G string.You can strum all the strings for this chord.
Put your first (index) finger on the second fret of the D string. Then Put your second (middle) finger on the second fret of the G string.Then put your third (ring) finger on the second fret of the B string.Strum every string except the low E (the thickest string) for this chord.
Starting from the E chord Keep your first (index finger) on the on the G string, then slide it up one fret so it's on the deconf fret of the G string. Then put your second (middle) finger on the second fret of the D string.Then put your third (ring) finger on the second fret of the B string.Strum every string except the low E (the thickest string) for this chord.
Put your first (index)finger on the second fret of the G stringPut your second (middle) finger on the second fret of the E stringThen put your thrid (ring) finger on the thrid fret of the B string.If the High E string sounds muted try to get your wrist around the guitar.
Break your practice into two main areas of focus:
Area One - Take It Slow Focus on getting the chords to ring out as clearly as you can, making small adjustments and making careful attention to any muted strings or wrong notes. Aim for perfection with the chords, but don't worry about playing anything in time.
Area Two - Go For It! Focus on playing the chord changes in time but don't worry about prefection with the chords. Just try to hit the next chord on the first beat of the next bar! It will sound sloppy at first but that's ok, in this area we're focusing on the timing, not the perfectioin of the chords.