Chords or Single Notes

As Ive said in my last post I am a real beginner. The other day I was trying my bros guitar (beginner as well) and started play a couple of chords. Is it best to learn chords or single notes first. Also When I change from one chord to another it dampened the sound, is this because the change wasnt clean enough.

Another beginner like me :D. Actually ive been playing for about a year and i still think i'm a beginner ( i wonder how many years it takes to get to intermediate). But i digress...

1) I know what you mean by the dampened sound. You need to make the chord chnages really smooth and slow down when changing chords. it helps to visualize where your fingers are supposed to be then jsut move them there all at aonce. Its not easy at first but after tons of practice you will wonder jsut what the heck you thought was so difficult.

2) Learning chords or single notes eh? Well i always looked at it from the perpective of what you want to do with your guitar. do you want to play lead or rhythm? If you choose the latter then chords are so important, if you choose the former then learning scales and stuff is important.

Or you could jsut get a guitar teacher who would give you proper direction and focus.

I don't think you should worry about playing lead just yet. It's best to get some foundation before you do that. Learning the theory behind the chords is actually a pretty good idea.. So you know why many chord progressions use D, A, and G for instance. There are some great lessons on the subject at this site :)

Alternatively: www.musictheory.net is pretty cool too.


www.chordfind.com can help you with any chord shape :)

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=8505&s_id=79

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=8078&s_id=78

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=8079&s_id=70

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=8283&s_id=76