Lesson 3 Chord Switching

 

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In this lesson, we will work on the ability to switch from one chord to another.

 

3.1 Chord Switching

 

For beginners, it is common to be slow in changing from one chord to another.

 

Hence, it is useful to start off with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as your brain gets accustomed to the actions.

 

Exercise 3A

 

We will use the song Leaving on a Jet Plane to practice switching between G, C and D chords.

• Set the metronome to 4/4 and 80.
• Strum at every first and third beat. Recall each / represents a downward strum.
• Increase the tempo to 90 & then 100 when you get more comfortable at changing between the chords.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

 

 

3.2 More Chords

 

At this stage, you should find it easier to hold down the strings firmly for a clean sound.

Now let us work on 3 new chords!

 

Am: x-0-2-2-1-0

Em: 0-2-2-0-0-0

Dm7: x-x-0-2-1-1

 

Exercise 3B

 

• Set the metronome app to 4/4 and 60.
• Hold down Am chord.
• Strum at every beat for 4 bars (i.e. 16 times).
• In the diagram below, each / represents a downward strum.

• Now repeat the exercise for Em and Dm7.

 

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