Lesson 1
Chord Windows
The diagram on the right is a chord window. The six horizontal lines represent the strings on the guitar. The vertical lines represent the fret wires.
Note - Learn the notes for all 6 open strings.
The diagram on the left shows how each finger on the left hand is numbered.
Your First Chord
Okay, its time to learn your first chord. Lets look at A major. The chord window below has three circles which indicate where to place your fingers (2nd fret D,G,B strings). The numbers show you which finger to use.
Soundfile Download
Note - The first note of a chord is the root note. For example the root note of A Major is A, E Major is E. When playing a chord, play from the root note.
Tips
- Holding the pick correctly is very important. It might feel strange at first but persevere with it.
- Pick each string of the chord separatly to check all the notes sound correctly.
- Press down on the strings with enough pressure otherwise the chords will not sound properly.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to setting up a sound for your guitar and amplifier. Everybody is an individual and has their own idea of the perfect sound. To give you some ideas, we will be showing you how the Marshall Rock-Kit guitar and amp were set-up by us for the sound file recordings that accompany each of these lessons.
