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8 Open Chords


Open chords are played with some strings that are not fretted,
meaning the are played open.
Here are 8 basic open chords
These are the chords that use open strings.
There are other open chords, but they are simply extensions of these 8 open chord.
Remember O means an open string that you play, X means do not play that string.

G Major Chord C Major Chord
E Major Chord A Major Chord
D Major Chord E Minor Chord
A Minor Chord D Minor Chord

Now, without strumming, create your "Muscle Memory"
by moving your fretting hand back and forth between the chords.
Practice, starting slowly, moving from one chord to another, in any order you choose.
When you can move smoothly between the chords,
strum these chords as in previous lesson, one strum per chord 4 beats in a bar.
Also create "Muscle Memory" by not picking the strings that are blocked with an "X".
This is the start of you learning how to play the guitar and many songs.
Be Patient!!

"Excuse me Sir, how do I get to Carnegie Hall?
"Practice, practice, practice!"

I ask you to take your time to explore and listen to the sound of each chord.
As you move from one chord to another, listen to how they relate to each other.
Feel the emotion that you get from strumming these chords.
It is important that you do this before moving on to more complex tasks.
Major chords have a brighter and more solid sound,
while minor chords sound softer and perhaps sad.

These chords use open strings. You are playing in the open position
With these open chords, you can play hundreds of songs.
There will be more open chords, later in the lessons.

Now you need to start strumming the chords and creating rhythm
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