Major Chords and Strumming Patterns

Now that you know how to read tabs, I will tab out all the major chord in open position(meaning some of the strings played will be open strings). An "X" on the string means the string is not strummed. The number at the top of the string is telling you which finger to use on that string.

There are all the major chords. Print out a copy so you can have it in your notes. 

Now, you want to go through all of them individually and strum them cleanly, so you can hear every string clearly. Remember to keep on your finger tips and press down on the frets firmly. Once can play all the chords clearly, practice changing from chord to chord. This will take some time to do this smoothly, but be patient. 

We are getting to basic strumming patterns. The simplest would be strumming the chord down 4 times, then switch to the next chord. Remember that speed is not important now, but switching cleanly and strumming in a constant rhythm is important.

The ones you should try switching between first are:

 1)  C to G; G to C

 2)  G to D; G to D

 3)  A to E; E to A

Then, try every other variation. A to B, A to C, A to D, ect. Go through all the chords alphabetically. Start with A and switch until you get to G. Then, start with B until you get to A. 

Here are the exercises you can see them.

A)  A to B, A to C, A to D, A to E, A to F, A to G 

B)  B to C, B to D, B to E, B to F, B to G, B to A

C)  C to D, C to E, C to F, C to G, C to A, C to B

D)  D to E, D to F, D to G, D to A, D to B, D to C

E)  E to F, E to G, E to A, E to B, E to C, E to D

F)  F to G, F to A, F to B, F to C, F to D, F to E

G) G to A, G to B, G to C, G to D, G to E, G to F

Practice these strumming exercises in addition to the note exercises from last week. Start memorizing the chords and practice the exercises until you can play them without having to reference the tabs.