Encore Electric Guitar Lessons: Lesson Four - Your First Chords

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Summary: Your first Chords

It's time to tackle your first chord shapes. We pick 3 great chord shapes to get you started, using just two fingers to fret all 3 chords. These are great sounding chords that will really build your confidence on the neck.

Chords: First 3 Shapes

Below are the three chord diagrams for your new chord shapes. If you are unsure how to read these diagrams, be sure to watch the entire video above as we go through it in detail. Remember, the chord names are not important at the moment, just the shapes!

Technique: Fretting Chords

When "fretting" (using your fingers to press the strings down on a fret) chords you need to bear the following things in mind:

  • 1. Keep your thumb on the back of the neck
  • 2. Make a bridge with your fingers
  • 3. Be sure to apply pressure with the tips of your fingertips
  • 4. Push down nice and hard!

Fretting strings for longer periods of time can be uncomfortable or even painful at first! Don't worry, as you play more and more you'll find you soon adjust and will be able to play for as long as you like in perfect comfort.

Ready to move on? Remember to check out every lesson in this unit first – then try the next unit...

Lesson Five - Changing Chords

We take the three chord shapes that you took the time to learn in the previous lesson and get them moving! This lesson is all about forcing those fingers to move quickly between the shapes, no matter how bad it sounds at first! Developing muscle memory is the name of the game.