Gee

Begin by fingering a D chord. If you lift your index finger off the third string, your middle and ring finger will be in the exact shape you'll use to finger the chord form G major, or G. Except that you'll have to put this two-finger shape in a different spot.

Notice that your middle finger is at the second fret and your ring finger is at the third fret. Notice again that your fingers rest on neighboring strings.


Let's move this two-finger shape one, two, three, four strings towards the ceiling, so your ring finger is now at the sixth string, third fret and your middle finger is at the fifth string, second fret. A guitarist might describe this two-finger shape, whatever you call it, as common to both D and G.


We still have to add another finger to make G major, but for now, practice moving this two-finger shape back and forth between the two positions. Try counting out a rhythm and changing between the two positions every four beats, or every two beats or every beat, or whatever. Or simply practice whipping your fingers between the two positions as fast as you can. Try it now, five times in a row. 


However you do it, keep your fingers in the same relative position whether they're holding down the strings or in transition. And try to keep them close to the fret board as you shift, maybe an eighth inch or so above the strings. If the fingers of your fretting hand happen to lightly brush against the middle strings as you feel your way to and from one position to the other, that's good. You're keeping them close to the strings and doing what good guitarists do. You're eliminating unnecessary motion.


So, with your ring finger on the sixth string, third fret and your middle finger on the fifth string second fret, add your pinky to the first string, third fret. That's the handful called G major.


G major sounds full and pleasing when you strum. Begin your strum from the sixth string and strive for the same smooth, steady, flowing sound that you produced strumming D and A7.


Here's a chord progression to practice which uses the three chord forms we have so far studied. Again, each chord symbol represents four beats, or four strums. When in D, begin your strum from the fourth string. When in G, begin from the the sixth string. When in A7, the fifth string.


D    D    G    G


A7  A7  D    D


Play it slow and steady, counting out the rhythm as you go: D, two, three, four, D, two, three, four, G, two, three, four, G, two three, four, A7, two, three, four, A7, two, three, four, D, two, three, four, D, two, three, four.


Let's examine the chord change that takes place with measure five. The middle finger of your fretting hand moves from the fifth string, second fret, where the G shape needs it to be, to the second string, second fret, where the A7 needs it to be.

Move that finger first and let the others fall out of the G position. And as they fall, let the index finger of your fretting hand fall to the fourth string, second fret. A7.


While strumming and changing chords to this exercise, measure the cleanness of the chord changes and the smoothness of your strumming, without thinking in terms of good or bad. If something needs fixing, work at fixing it. The exercise is eight measures in duration. That's thirty-two beats. Once your strumming hand has started making rhythm, don't stop for nuthin'. Wiggle the fingers of your fretting hand around until they make the desired shape satisfactorily. You'll be able to do this if you play slowly enough, always keeping the beat steady.


The job here, is to be able to change fluidly between the three known chord positions D, A7 and G while strumming steadily. And the issue is one of finger strength and coordination. Some guitar students can right off, move between these positions with the greatest of ease. Others' fingers seem to have a mind of their own (they do, by the way). They don't want to stand up straight or aren't accustomed to that one long stretch between the sixth and first strings.


If you are a member of the first group, consider expanding your world of guitar practice further. Get yourself a book of favorite songs, or a book of songs by your favorite artist. Don't wait around. Dive right in and learn as you go. Most of the these books use the same, universal chord pictures that we've used. Blind trial and error is as good a way as any to begin mastering the new chord forms you'll encounter. 


If you are a member of the second group, consider doing the same thing. Find printed versions of the songs you really, really love. Think of these printed versions as travel brochures and road maps. They represent a scenic route that leads to some beautiful destination.


There aren't any short cuts that I know of. At least, I haven't found any. This I do know: to practice simple things over and over is to progress, one step at a time, towards your destination. And that's how it happens for everyone. One step at a time. 


Find your chair, pick up your guitar and today, improve upon something that you already understand. Then send me a post card.