how long does it take to master the c chord - I am a beginner - any tips or tricks ? Learning on a Lyon Washburn acoustic - is that a good beginner guitar ?
Mastering c chord on acoustic guitar
# 1
I couldn't comment on the guitar, but the C chord seems to cause a lot of problems for beginners.
The main causes for problems that I have seen are:
twisting the wrist or hand into a poor position
flattening one or more finger so that it mutes adjacent strings
pulling fretting-hand elbow into the body
pressing too hard, so that it forces strings to move
tension in hands, wrists, and arms which makes playing generally more difficult.
The other thing is, like all chords and chord changes, it takes time to get it locked into muscle memory.
I wish I had four arms.... Then I could play rhythm and lead at the same time.
# 2
Originally Posted by: jam5057Learning on a Lyon Washburn acoustic - is that a good beginner guitar ?
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Not having played one, these are pretty inexpensive guitars. Though that by itself is not the issue per se but at a certain lower price point, you start getting instruments with a greater likelihood of being difficult to play. Lyons appear to be somewhere around $100. That's where instruments become very hit and miss.
With that said, if you've learned enough to realize that you really like playing and want to go further, I'd definately suggest stepping up to the next rung. No, you don't have to go to a $1200 guitar but spend a little over $300 and you can get a very nice playing Ibanez, Yamaha or a Martin Mini (great guitar for a younger or more petite player..my wife has one), just don't get a Taylor in that range. Great guitars, Taylor, from $700 on up but other makers do a much better job in the $300+ range.
In the beginning, you don't want the guitar to fight you and at a certain pricepoint like $100, that could be the case.
[quote=jam5057]
how long does it take to master the c chord - I am a beginner - any tips or tricks ?
...a lifetime. Been playing since the early 80's and still not my favorite chord.
But, have no worry, you will get there. As Draconus said, there are things you can do to have a better shot at the C chord. The C chord is, in a way way, a little unnatural as for as how you hold the chord. I somewhat fights the construction and natural movements of your hand. I say this so that you understand that you're not failing at the C chord but that is a physiological reason everyone has a little struggle with it.
When you have an issue with a specific chord, isolate it. Meaning, don't play it as a part of a song, dedicate time to finding your way with that one single chord. Make sure that guitar is in an optimal position for you (which means, you may want to consider playing with a strap to do so). Then just take time to get that chord nice and clean all by itself. Then just strum that chord. Sure, practice other things as part of your routine too but take some time just for that chord during each practice session.
Have no fear though, eventually you'll get it. We all had those 'spots' in our development.
# 3