Them chords they keep a-changin'

Video Lesson

 

1 Minute Changes

So you should always remember to:

"Practice what you can't do, don't practice what you can"

So if you find one of these changes easy, then substitute it for a change that you find hard. The following changes all have something about them that I think is good to practice, so this is a suggested list to start you off, but then just get in work on the ones that you find hardest!

1. C to Am - just move your 3rd finger without letting the others lift up!

2. C to A - keep your 2nd finger down as an anchor.

3. C to G - all change! Hardest change so far, but very common change so you have to work it.

4. G to E - all change! Another common change.

5. G to D - all change! Another common change.

Just so you know... it's fine to experiment with finger placement order for One Minute Changes. In fact it can be a good thing to do. In a couple of stages time we're going to be putting down all the fingers at once, so getting used to a different finger order and the control that requires can be good mental exercise!

The most common changes in finger order placement are to start the C Chord with the third finger (helps with the stretch between 3 and 2), and some people also like to put the third finger down first for a G (which I don't get really, but if it works for them...).

To help get your numbers up it can help to do a few "warm up" changes before you get going - just to get the finger movements in the now pat of your brain and get the muscle memory working!

Remember too that you sure won't be alone if you are finding these new chords hard - especially changes using the G and the C - they are tricky when you learn them - it's dead normal. It's just going to take a little practice like everything else :) So don't get down about it. Enjoy the journey

Worth noting that I still do this exercise when I have trouble with new chords with odd shapes or stretches and it really helps. I warm up with a few real slow changes and make sure I got my fingers in a good position and then go for it for a minute. Usually after a few it solves it! This exercise will be with you quite a while!

Next up we are going to check out an exercise to get your fingers strong and flexible - BC-135 • Basic Finger Workout

 

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