Guitar lesson chords

In most music genres, chords form the backbone over which a melody or solo manifests itself. Here, as a rhythm guitarist, you will learn the most important chords and how to use them in your playing. The guitar lessons are divided into 4 modules consisting of a series of exercises, ranging from 17 to 24 exercises per module, which may or may not be based on existing songs and have an increasing level of difficulty, as well as complete songs that use one or more strumming rhythms and other techniques. The first module covers the most important basic chords that use open strings and immediately adds the basic rhythms that are used most often. Techniques such as arpeggiate and muting are also added to your repertoire. Also read Guitar lessons for beginners.

In module 2 you will be introduced to the principle of moveable chords and learn to apply rhythm guitar over the entire length of the guitar fretboard. We will be introduced to the most commonly used barre chords such as F and Bm in a song context and the added value of slash chords over longer progressions. You will learn to be expressive with more difficult rhythms such as shuffle, whether or not in a blues context, inserting rests and more syncopated rhythms. After completing the first two modules, you will be able to play the vast majority of existing songs and also create your own arrangements and compositions with a good understanding of the basic rules of tonal music. In the third module we will delve even deeper into the popular barre chords and you will be introduced to drop-2 voicings. These are open voicings, which means that the arrangement of the notes within the chord exceeds the interval of an octave. Drop-2 chords are, like drop-3 chords, very rich chords with a large range in sound, which makes them very popular with jazz, funk, soul and blues musicians. We will also look at frequently used comping rhythms, rhythmic kicks and substitution chords.

In the fourth module we will enrich your harmonic repertoire even more by also making the drop-3 voicings and their main inversions your own guitar playing. We will discuss these chords in a broader blues and/or jazz context and learn to add more texture to triads and four note chords by adding tensions and making alterations to the composition of a chord.

Basic chords and chord progressions

The most commonly used basic chords will quickly help you to produce a certain musical expressiveness. These chords often occur in popular songs and once you have become familiar with the principle of moveable open chords, a useful solution will always present itself to accompany your favorite songs. Chords of songs are often written down using chord charts. In this, they are divided into a bar structure that gives you a clear idea of ​​the time division of the chords in relation to each other. Practicing chords using such charts will not only help you to improve your finger dexterity, but also to demonstrate a correct sense of rhythm and a stronger musical ear.

Transitions between chords

Being able to smoothly change between chords is an important skill. Good transitions between chords create a smooth musical line. This makes music more enjoyable to listen to and helps to maintain the natural flow of a piece. By practicing transitions regularly, you improve your fingering and hand coordination, which also leads to better control over your instrument. You learn to play with more confidence and pleasure, which makes it easier to concentrate on other aspects of making music, such as dynamics and expression. You can practice consistent and accurate transitions by playing with a metronome, a backing track or a live band. In the lesson, different methods are discussed and you are given the right material to progress step by step. The focus is on the problem areas of your playing and we do this using different techniques such as playing slower, visual exercises and playing in a recognizable context.

Barre chords and their applications

Barre chords allow you to quickly switch along the guitar neck without having to learn too many new fingerings. Once you are familiar with the classic major and minor chords, you can also switch relatively easily to the less common variations such as the four note chords major7, minor7, dominant7... Barre chords do not use open strings, which makes them ideal for transposition and modulation. They are not only common in pop music or related music, but also in rock and jazz. In the former, their use has proven essential more than once as a contributing factor for playing powerful and steady rhythms. In jazz music, barre chords are often used for playing standards and improvisations. Blues and folk musicians also make extensive use of them.

Rhythm and strumming patterns

Rhythm is the foundation of all music. It is the element that propels a piece forward and gives it structure. Mastering rhythmic patterns is essential to building a solid foundation and not only helps when accompanying other musicians or yourself, but also when playing solos and improvisations. Strumming patterns provide dynamics and variation in playing. By learning to apply different patterns using exercises and existing songs, we work on the technical mastery of your strumming hand (or rhythm hand) and your ability to play smoothly and consistently. Rhythm and strumming provide a medium for creative expression. By means of rhythmic variations and accents, you as a guitarist can put your personal stamp on a piece of music and give it your own unique and recognizable sound.

Chords in different music styles

Chords are used in all kinds of music styles. We show you how to apply chords in rock, blues, pop, jazz and other genres. By immediately placing the chords in a rhythmic context in combination with each other, the student is encouraged to make the chords their own by immediately applying them to something that suits them. Also read electric guitar lessons, guitar lessons for children and guitar lessons for adults.

Want to start guitar lessons?

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