A Couple of Questions

Hello all.  

I began playing guitar on October 11, 2024, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the learning process. However, I have a question about integrating the learning pathways with the skills needed to play complete songs.

My primary goal is to play songs, and it seems that smooth, timely chord transitions are a fundamental component of achieving this.

Should I dedicate a couple of months to focusing on smooth chord transitions combined with basic strumming techniques to play simple, complete songs? Or should I continue following the structured learning pathways, trusting that seamless chord transitions will naturally develop over time?

I’m asking because as chords are introduced and I progress from whole note strumming to quarter and eventually eighth note strumming, it’s assumed that I can maintain continuous strumming with my right hand while transitioning chords. Currently, I’m not quite at that level.

Any suggestions for practicing chord transitions more effectively would be greatly appreciated. Currently, I focus on two chords at a time during practice and use a metronome to build timing and consistency.

Welcome 

I started learning songs right away while at the same time taking Fundamentals.

Chords and transitions will come but I read somewhere there are thousands of chords, so I learn them as I go along learning them as slow as I need to get them right and then work on tempo. The metronome here will go as low as 20 bpm which will help.

Good luck 

Thank you.

Hi jarlington, and Welcome!

You ask some very good questions!

A couple of things: first of all, this is perfect: "Currently, I focus on two chords at a time during practice and use a metronome to build timing and consistency."

That is exactly how you want to go about it.

Plan to spend some of every practice session just working on that. Stick to chords that are likely to show up in songs you want to learn to play - and you'll get more enjoyment out of the work you put in. There is no need to master, say, transitioning to F#m (which is not easy) until it crosses your path within a song you've got your heart set on learning. Or, if you have moved on to studying barre chords.

Keep moving forward with the curriculum, AND, spend some time continuing to perfect your seamless chord changes. They are not necessarily going to get better "naturally over time". There are specific strategies you want to learn and bake into your physical memory. 

But you also want to HAVE FUN and keep learning new things, right?

So my advice is: do both!

Hope this makes sense and helps! 

Be well! - Lisa

Thank you so much.  Your answer is the one I was hoping to see but I am still very new to guitar.  I just don't want to end up like some of the post I read (I know everything on the  internet is true) that say I have been playing for three years and I am not able to play songs because I can't transition from one chord to the next in a smooth and timely fashion.

I would rather grind it out now than be that guy.  So my plan is to continue moving forward and spend thirty minutes to an hour depending on time working on chord changes and the rest of my time the next hour or so on new material, songs, and such.

Once again thank you.

 I think you’re on the right track! Chord transitions can feel like a grind, but they’re so worth it when you start playing songs smoothly. I’d say keep doing what you’re doing, mix in some focused practice on transitions (like you are with the metronome) while also diving into songs and new material. That balance keeps things fun and rewarding. And honestly, it’s way better to tackle those transitions now than to hit a wall later.