Learn & Play Song: Three High

 
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For a song example we'll do the same as before only with the 4 strings instead of 3, so after my count-in we'll strum the G-chord 4 times and then we'll strum the E minor chord 4 times. Then we'll repeat both chords and end on a G-chord that we let ring.

Here's a quick tip for the change. You don't have to let the G-chord ring out till the last possible second before you switch to E minor. Instead try to sacrifice as much of the G-chord as you need to in order to get ready to hit the E-minor chord along with me. And then the same thing going back to G again. Sacrifice some time on the E minor to be ready to hit the G-chord with me.

And the cool thing in this case is that even if you take off your fretting finger, some of the open strings will keep ringing and help bridge the gap.

Now let's try this out together. I'll count us in with the usual 4 count: 1-2-3-4. Then we'll start the example. As always it's a good idea to just watch and listen at least once before you start playing along. But it's also okay to just dive right in.

Playing guitar is not easy, but I hope this tutorial has shown you that real music making abilities are within reach. And these are not chords that are only for beginners. You will hear them played by professional guitar players in real-world musical contexts. Of course there's a big difference between the sound of someone who's just learned them versus some who've played them for a lifetime. But even if there's a lot of room to grow, chances are that what you're doing already is starting to sound like music.

Instructor Anders Mouridsen
Tutorial:
Simple Chords
Styles:
Any Style
Difficulty:
Learn & Play Song: Three High song notation
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Learn & Play Song: Three High By Anders Mouridsen

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Questions & Answers

6 months ago
No questions really. This is just great!
Mike Olekshy 6 months ago

Excellent - glad you dig it!! Thanks for your feedback!

8 months ago
HI, I seem to be having a bit of an issue when fretting the d string of the Em because the g string vibrates slightly off the fatty bit of my fingertip. After a bit of experimenting, I'm finding it could be due to how much pressure is used to fret the string, and I'm wondering if maybe lowering the string height could help stay light on the string, or maybe I'm just doing something wrong. Other than this im finding the changes to be easy and im eager to move on to next lesson. Thx in advance.
Mike Olekshy 8 months ago

Hey there - thanks so much for your question! You are correct - if you are able to lower the string height, that would help make it easier to fret the note on the string. But also make sure that you are curling your fretting finger (on the D string) up enough so that the flesh does not touch the open G string. Experiement with thumb placement behind the neck, and push your wrist forward a little. The idea is to try and get that fretting finger coming into the fretboard as straight on as you can. Hope this helps!

8 months ago
I'm having a hard time finding the d cord for Em and finding myself counting the strings again to find it any tips
Mike Olekshy 8 months ago

Hey there - thanks so much for your question! Yes it can be challenging to determine which string to fret at first. Slow down and practice switching between these 2 chords without strumming. Go back and forth, and count the strings if you need to. With lots of repetition and practice, your fingers will start to move where they need to go by muscle memory, but it takes consistent practice. Work on this for 2 to 5 mins every practice session. Keep at it - you'll get it!! Hope this helps!

9 months ago
Is playing in the mirror a positive or negative. Without the mirror, I have no idea where my fingers are going and I want to make sure they are in the right place because everything sounds very bad. 🫤 I try to close my eyes too but mostly, I am lost without a mirror..😢
Mike Olekshy 9 months ago

Hi there - thanks so much for your question! It is okay to watch your fingers as you practice - in fact, it is encouraged. Whether you're looking in a mirror, or looking down right at your fingers, either way is good so that you can develop your skills correctly. Keep at it - with consistent practice you will improve. Once you've gained consisderable skill, you'll find you naturally don't need to look at your fingers as much, as the muscle memory starts to take over. Hope this helps!

1 year ago
Hi! I'm starting to learn on Ibanez azes31, the fret board is smaller than your guitar and the strings and close to each other. I keep hitting G string when i move my finger from E to D... what do i do to avoid this?
Mike Olekshy 1 year ago

Hello - thanks so much for your question! Don't worry about the size of the fretboard and how close the strings are - just focus on moving your fingers cleanly across the fretboard from note to note. Go slow with it. Take as much time as needed to practice each change. Practice the finger move over and over again at a slow speed, taking care to make sure you don't hit the G string. It will come - you can do it!

1 year ago
What is the name of the jam track you have on this lesson? I would like to put it thru my amp, and practice. I have the Loop app, and I can find one or 2 that will work, but, not this one. Thanks, and am enjoying the learning process. Greg
Mike Olekshy 1 year ago

Hello - thanks so much for your question! You can find the jam track below the video frame by clicking the Jam Track tab (in between Notation and Q&A). Look for the download symbol and you can download the track to your computer. Hope this helps!!

2 years ago
hiya,,,HELP..i keep muting strings with my fat fingers any ideas hints and tips,,many thanks,,,
Mike Olekshy 2 years ago

Hello - thanks so much for your question! I know this is difficult at first, but you have to experiment with your hand, thumb, and finger placement for each chord so that every note rings out cleanly and clearly. Push your hand forward as much as you can to curl each finger up enough to not mute strings. You might have to experiment with thumb position to facilitate this. Once you can get your hand and fingers in a position for every note to ring out clearly - make a mental note of the positioning, then release the chord, lightly shake out your fingers, then try to fret the chord into the same position again. Check each note to make sure it's ringing out cleanly. If not - adjust and repeat the process over and over. Eventually you'll be able to fret the chords without any muted strings .Keep at it!!

2 years ago
how come their are imprints on my fingertips?
Mike Olekshy 2 years ago

Hello, and thanks so much for your question! This is normal when first starting to learn guitar. After awhile, the skin on your fingertips will start to harden up and become callussed, so that the imprint will no longer be there.