Chords

Greetings,
My name is Alex, I am a first time poster here at Guitar Tricks but have been going through guitar fundamentals 1 in order to learn the guitar. These lessons are my only real exposure to guitar lessons and I am currently learning the major chords A,E,D,C,F,G.

My problem is, while strumming, I have a difficult time not hitting the strings that are not apart of the chord, such as the E string on the A and C chord, especially on the up strum. Is there any good techniques or advice to help with this?

Thanks,
Alex

for the C chord you can lean the finger fretting the C on the A string against the E string slightly muting it. You can use this technique for many chords but obviously that won't work for the A chord.

To expand on what 1Life says, muting "unwanted" strings is part of it. Sometimes that's using a chording finger to muffle the string next to it as is described. In other cases, you can actually wrap your thumb around to muffle the E string.

That and practice precision with your right hand to not hit the wrong strings in the first place. :)

Swinging your pick in more of an arc rather than a straight line can help too.

Hi AC-

Usually, the up-strum should take in fewer strings that the down-strum. I usually just catch the first 3 or 4 strings on the upstroke. This give good variety of sound, and also keeps you away from those "off limits" lower strings.

-Lisa