Acoustic Guitar - Steel Strings

So let's have some fun. Come strum along with me using the easy guitar chord shapes.

Playing The Guitar

The acoustic guitar is a very popular musical instrument; it is widely used by many pop, rock and country bands. In the 19th century, the Americans were responsible for manufacturing the flat top acoustic guitars. These were first fitted with nylon strings but later changed to steel strings. Acoustic guitars now come as electro acoustic or cutaways. A rich tone of different colors can be produced.

Popular Brands of Acoustic Guitars

* Fender - 6 string and 12 string models

* Gibson - 6 string and 12 string models

* Taylor - 6 string and 12 string models

* Martin - 6 string and 12 string models

* Washburn - 6 string and 12 string models

* Ovation - 6 string and 12 string models

* Fender/Gibson/Yamaha and other brands of acoustic-electric guitars are very in demand and has much affiliation with guitar music.

Choosing a Beginner Guitar

Click here to learn how to choose a beginner guitar.

Using A Plectrum or Your Fingers

A plectrum or the fingers are used for playing the instrument. The fingers are used to pluck the strings and the plectrum to strum or pick the strings or a combination of fingers and plectrum may be used.

Playing Position

Sit in a comfortable playing position.

Place the guitar on your right thigh. (reverse if you are left handed)

Use the right hand to balance the guitar.

Strum across the sound hole.

When strumming, use a little bit more hit to get a good level.

Play near the bridge. This will enable you to produce a bright sharp tone.

To get a more mellow sound, you'll need to play near the fingerboard.

Three Basic Chords

We will use three basic chords C, F and G as the basis of our example for this guitar playing exercise.

By learning these three chords, you will be able to play many popular songs that use only these three chords.

Songs like Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry, La Bamba Richie Valens require only three chords. So learn these chords and you'll see how much fun you can have.

View the acoustic guitar diagrams to help you with the positions used.

Lets begin with these chords in the key of C.

Click here to download the pdf file for Chord Shapes C, F and G

Acoustic Guitar Chords in the Key of C

1. C chord - is the Tonic or I chord

2. F chord - is the Sub-Dominant or IV chord

3. G chord - is the Dominant or V chord

In the Key of A

1. A chord - is the Tonic or I chord

2. D chord - is the Sub-Dominant or 1V chord

3. E chord - is the Dominant or V chord.

Click here to download pdf file of Chord Shapes D, G and E

Acoustic Guitar Chords in the Key of D

1. D chord - is the Tonic or I chord

2. G chord - is the Sub-Dominant or IV chord

3. A chord - is the Dominant or V chord.

In the Key of G

1. G chord - is the Tonic or I chord

2. C chord - is the Sub-Dominant or IV chord

3. D chord - is the Dominant or V chord.

In the Key of E

1. E chord - is the Tonic or I chord

2. A chord - is the Sub-Dominant or IV chord

3. B7 chord - is the Dominant7 or V7 chord.

Combining The Above Acoustic Guitar Changes

Play through these chords in the key of C and than key of A.

Try to change the chords slowly and then gradually bring up the tempo when you are ready to hit it.

The other keys like D, G and E can be practiced in the same way.

Acoustic Strumming Patterns

Click here to download the Guitar Strumming Patterns

With the three chords learn t, we can now apply them to some basic acoustic rhythm styles.

In the diagram, note the symbols used for a down-stroke, or an up-stroke.

Staff 1

In the staff 1 diagram, we have the three basic chords C, F and G.

The notation used is a Quarter note or a Crotchet.

Tap your feet to count 1, 2, 3, 4, and for every beat tapped the chord is strummed with each beat of the measure.

Play over this exercise and get familiarized with the feel of using it.

Note that the repeat signs at the third measure must be observed.

Staff 2

In staff 2 we have eight notes or quavers.

Acoustic rhythm is approached by strumming in a down/up manner.

Tap the feet to a count of 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

Think down/up, down/up, down/up, down/up.

Note the repeat signs.

Staff 3

In staff 3 all down-strokes are used.

In the first measure, the minim or half-note is strummed and held for two beats and then followed by two Crotchet beats.

The next two measures are played in the same manner.

After practicing these rhythms try playing the acoustic rhythms in the keys of D, G and A. (Refer to the Chord Shapes D, G and E extension).

How To Play Acoustic Guitar In Minor Keys

Minor Open Chord Shapes - Ami, Dmi, Emi

Click here to download pdf file for Easy Minor Chord Shapes - Ami, Dmi, and Emi

Here we have the open minor chord shapes of Ami, Dmi and Emi.

Study the file and note the fingerings and positions used.

The Ami Chord

The notes used are fifth string open A note, the E note is on the second fret, fourth string.

A note on the second fret third string.

C note on the first fret second string and open E note on the first string.

The Dmi Chord

The fourth string open D is used, followed by the third string second fret A note.

Next used is the second string third fret D note, followed by the first string, first fret F note.

The Emi Chord

Start with the six string open E note, followed with the fifth string second fret B note.

Fret the fourth string second fret E note, down to the third string open G note, move down to the second string open B note, and lastly play the first string open E note.

Run through these acoustic guitar chords and play through these minor chord shapes.

Click here to download the pdf file for Easy Minor Chord Shapes Extended

Staff 1

In staff 1, we have the three basic chords Ami, Dmi and Emi.

In the first measure, we begin with a Quarter note or a Crotchet.

Tap your feet to count 1, 2, 3, 4, and for every beat tapped,the chord is strummed with each beat of the measure.

The rhythm is played with all down-strokes.

As you tap your feet, play and listen to the chord changes and coordinate the strumming with the tempo given.

Staff 2

In staff 2, we have the Emi, Ami and Dmi chord shapes. The rhythm comprises of a Quarter note, followed by two eight notes and two Quarter notes.

On the first Quarter note, use a down strum

For the two eight notes, employ a down and up stroke.

For the two Quarter notes, you can use a down strum for each note.

Staff 3

In staff 3, we have Emi, Ami and Dmi chord shapes and the notation is in eight notes or quavers.

Play this acoustic rhythm by strumming in a down/up manner.

Tap the feet to a count of 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

Think down/up, down/up, down/up, down/up.

Now you can proceed to Beginner Acoustic Guitar Lesson

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