Originally Posted by: jrspringer.15Hi Everyone,
I tried this guitar adventure about a year ago and eventually gave up because I wasn't progressing fast enough. I just didn't have the right expectations. It looks so easy when someone experienced is playing...lol.
My question: is it better to start with simple chords or the full chords? My concern is to spend time on the simple chords and then eventually switch to the full chords. It would almost be like starting over. I hope that makes sense.
Please let me know what you think. Thanks!
Jim
If you haven't already learned them, or if you have, the most used chords in music are the standard open G, D, E, A and C. You can play a shocking number of songs with just those chords. With the exception of the C, most are pretty easy to do and get used to (the C can be alittle awkward depending on your hand). These are meat and potatos that you will always use no matter the style of music you play.
Which brings me to the second point; it depends on the type of music you want to play as to what chords you will want to learn as a beginner.
If you are more acoustic, country or folk stuff, the open chords above will serve a lot of stuff you play. A lot. If you're more in to rock or metal, barre chords and power chords (power chords are pretty much barre chords but only use two fingers to fret the 'barre' and you don't strike all the strings, just the two).
True barre chords are a tough road for many beginners to actually play the chord cleanly. It's a good skill and should be learned but you'll also find that in so many rock songs that a true barre chord isn't exactly used all that much.
So really, you probably want to chart a few different paths in practicing chords:
Definately learn open chords. If you're practicing a song, notice the choices where a true barre chord is not needed. BUT, learn them barre chords and practice them at the same time so that when you're skills are building, all the 'chord boats' rise at the same time.
Remember, all you're doing is holding down strings so you don't really need to be overly concerned with a super-defined protocol. Just a guideline for your approach.
Remember, it's supposed to be fun so don't beat yourself down because you aren't perfect. I've been playing since '82ish and even though I can play, I ain't perfect.
