Now let's check out a chord that uses only one fretted note. Start out by playing the open E-minor chord from the previous lesson. The only thing that changes now is that we'll add a fretted note in the 3rd fret of the high E-string.
I'm using my ring finger, and I'd recommend you try for that as well. But in a pinch you could also use your index or middle finger instead. Remember to be right up against the fret. This is a G major chord! Major chords are a type of chords, that most of us describe as more happy sounding.
With this chord you could play all of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat'.
I'm still just strumming with my thumb, but again you can use your index finger or even a pick if you're already using that. Just make sure you start on the G-string and go gently towards the floor from there. Also here, you can also play the notes one at a time. That's a pretty sound!
I'm having a very hard time understanding the notation (any!). I never learned that in my life - is there any support available here with that? My goal is to learn to play AND read and write music (notes). Help please.
Mike Olekshy2 months ago
Hello, thanks so much for your question! The Fundamentals Course is designed to get you playing right away, without overloading you with music theory and reading. By all means, please check out these other tutorials on GuitarTricks to learn more about reading music and tab:
Learning To Read Music:
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/271
How To Read Guitar Tabulature:
https://www.guitartricks.com/how-to-read-guitar-tabs
4 months ago
NO question just want too say thank u because this really helps
Mike Olekshy2 months ago
Hello - thanks so much for your kind comment!
5 months ago
What kind of "G" is this where only the high E is being pressed down?? How could I get lost already.
Mike Olekshy5 months ago
Hello - thanks for your question. This is an "Easy G" chord where we are only strumming the top 3 strings. As such, we only need to fret the 3rd fret of the high E string.
7 months ago
I’m having trouble fretting the high E string, due to how thin it is I’m finding it to be extremely painful and I can’t stand it for longer than 10 seconds at a time. Is there anything I can do to make this easier on myself, or is it just a matter of building up calluses as I keep practicing?
Mike Olekshy7 months ago
Hello - thanks for your question. You shouldn't be feeling any pain fretting that note on the high string. Perhaps you are pressing too hard? You only need enough pressure to cleanly sound the note. Try to get your finger coming onto the fret at a 90 degree angle, so that your finger tip is the part of your finger fretting the note. If you are still feeling pain, only practice this in short bursts with plenty of rest in between. Eventually, you will build up calluses as you keep practicing.
10 months ago
How do you hold a chord freely
Josh Workman10 months ago
Could you rephrase the question or submit a feedback video where you demonstrate what you are asking? Thanks.
10 months ago
im not able to play the G chord, when i am playing the 1st string it just does not sound right. its not even close to what he is playing in the lesson. what do i do?
Josh Workman10 months ago
Hi, unfortunately it's hard to know what the trouble is without a more detailed explanation. Depending on your subscription, you could send us a feedback video demonstrating what you're dealing with and one of us can send a reply video.
