Table Of Contents
Introduction
Let's be honest. Our main responsibility as guitarists is to play chords, despite the fact that the majority of us prefer dazzling solos and soulful blues licks. So learning how to play chords is crucial. Another point is that playing chords are much simpler for beginners than playing fast solos, and it’s a terrific way to build up our fingers.
The first chord that we’re gonna learn is the E minor chord. It’s one of the easiest chords because we use only two fingers and I recommend you use fingers 2 and 3 (in the open position). E minor chord is formed from three notes, the E, the G, and B note.
It’s not only one of the easiest chords to learn, but also it’s a very important one because it’s the basic chord of the E minor tonality, one of the most used keys in modern music.
Step 1: Learn the Fingering
Before we begin learning chords, we must learn how we name our fingers for guitar playing. Our index finger is the 1st, the middle finger is the 2nd, the ring finger is the 3rd, and the pinky is the 4th.
So every time someone tells you to use your first finger that means you will use your index finger.
The E Minor Chord Fingering
Start by placing your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string. The place your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
Tips For Playing The E minor Chord
Place your second finger in the second fret of the 5th string. Hit the string with your pick. Without moving the second finger of your left hand from the fretboard, hit with your pick the fourth string. If your left-hand position is correct, then you’ll be able to hear the open D string ringing clearly. If not, you are laying your finger flat and your finger is touching the D string. Try to extend your wrist forward and that will take care of the problem. After that place the third finger of your left hand in the second fret of the fourth string. Hit with your pick the fourth string. If you get a clear ringing note, then you are doing fine. If not, repeat the same step as in the previous string. Now hit with your pick the open third string. If you can hear the third string ringing clearly, then we are ready to go!!! Strum all six strings!!!
Step 2: Practice Strumming
There are two basic ways that we can pluck the strings of the guitar. One is using a pick and the other is with our fingers. For these lessons we will use a pick.
There are two motions that we are using when we pluck the strings with a pick, the one is the downstroke the other is the upstroke.
The Downstroke
As the word suggests, we hit the strings with a downwards motion ( towards the floor).
Do not use force, let the weight of your hand to do job.
The Upstroke
It’s the exact opposite motion of the downstroke
Since we are at the first lesson, we are gonna concentrate only on downstrokes.
To get an even sound, the pick must be perpendicular with our strings.
Rest your pick on the low E string. Now, without fretting , any note, let your hand fall. This is this is our basic motion for hitting the strings with a downstroke (As you progress you will find out that the motion is a bit more complicated, but for now let’s stick to the basics)
Strumming
The next step is putting our strumming into rhythm. We are going to play at 4/4 bar and the note duration is whole notes. Count 1, 2, 3, 4 and then play the E minor chord for the whole bar.
Next step is to play half notes. Remember to hit the strings on beats 1 and 3.
After that, we are gonna play quarter notes. Hit the strings on every pulse.
( For more about measures and note durations click here)
Step 3: Repeat and Refine
There is a say: repetition is the mother of learning and that it’s true in our case too.
So it’s obvious that you have to repeat the previous step, many times do it almost every day. There’s no need in this stage to play more than 5 minutes any new chord that you learn. But it’s crucial to do it at least four times a week.
Conclusion
You are making the first steps of a long and wonderful journey. Every now and then things will get difficult but don’t get discouraged because the outcome is rewarding. That’s all for now and remember. Keep practicing.
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