Now let's try using these two chords D and C in a simple example. I'll count us in with the usual 1-2-3-4 and then we'll switch back and forth between the D and C major chords.
As always when it has to do with chord changing remember that you don't have to let the previous chord ring out till the very last second before you change to the next chord. You can kill it off long before the chord change in order to have plenty of time to get your fingers in place for the next chord. It's more important to come in right with the next chord than to finish the previous one.
And also remember that you can give your fingertips a little break by releasing fretting pressure for a moment, right before strumming the same chord again.
Now let's try this together, and please don't panic if it's hard. You'll be using these chords for the rest of your guitar playing journey, so there's lots more practice time coming up and I'm absolutely confident you'll be become friends eventually.
So I have noticed that in switching this I often put my index on the higher E string and my middlefinger on the G string, is this a problem? Should I unlearn that?
Mike Olekshy7 months ago
Hi Robert - thanks for your question! I would recommend forcing yourself to learn the opposite - index finger on the G string and middle finger on the high E string. The reverse is not necessarily a problem, but down the road when adding embellishments to the D chord (which is a common thing), you will find it much easier to do.
7 months ago
When playing the C chord do I strum all the 6 strings? When playing the D chord do I only play 5 strings starting fro the A string or should I strum from the D string?
Mike Olekshy7 months ago
Hello - thanks for your question! With the C chord, strum only the top 5 strings (do not strum the low string). For the D chord you can strum either the top 5 strings or top 4 strings.
8 months ago
Switching to and from D and C has been my first big hurdle. In all the other tutorials, I was getting them quickly and moving on. Do you suggest having the D and C switch down before moving on or is it okay to move on while I am not yet able to keep up during the song.
Mike Olekshy7 months ago
Hello - thanks for your question! The change from D to C is a very common change, so you'll definitely want to continue to practice this. It is okay to move on, as long as you still make time in your practice routine to work on this change. Be sure to practice this change at a slow, comfortable tempo with lots of repetition!
1 year ago
feels good. But fingers can’t move very quickly and it hurts when pressing these chords. For changing between chords, how long do you recommend to practice everyday? I feel If I practice to long, My finger can not stand….
Josh Workman1 year ago
Hi, it's always a little rough in the beginning. Break up your practice sessions. Maybe start with as little as 15 minutes, take a break and then try again. Also, it's important to have someone set your guitar up for you. Guitars generally come with the strings a bit higher off the neck than is comfortable for most of us. A good guitar tech can assess the thickness and height of the the strings that will work best for you. They would then typically lower the strings a bit by shaving down the bridge on an acoustic or lowering the saddles on an electric, incrementally until it's comfortable for you. Most guitar shops have someone that can do this for you and is sometimes included with the guitar purchase. On its own a basic setup should cost somewhere around $50 to $75, depending on where you live and how much work is required. I hope this helps!
1 year ago
Really enjoying this so far! How long do you recommend practicing this before moving on to the next lesson?
Josh Workman1 year ago
Hi, thanks for your question. The main thing I recommend is to practice transitioning between the two chords slowly but in time and observe what each digit is doing. For example: when transitioning from the D to C chord, your index moves from the 2nd fret of the G string to the 1st fret of the B string. What are the other fingers doing? You're teaching your digits to cooperate with one another, so take your time. If you take this slowly, you should be good to advance to the next to the next exercise within maybe 30 minutes and start adding other chords to your arsenal. In general, you'll have new material that you are working on slowly and other material that you have together pretty well but are simply fine-tuning it. This goes for repertoire, too.
