Another question...

[natpeever]

:D Hello again!!!
You guys are sure quick and helpful......thank-you.
Well, let me explan a few things....I started playing guitar about a year ago now and I had someone that lived with my husband and I, that played for 15yrs, but he really sucked at teaching, he was a very good guitarist though. He moved out (thank god) but now I have no one to help me. So I got my husband to help me. He has never played before he seem's to be enjoying it,(so I know a little more then he does, but he catches on really fast.) I know the basic chords (A Am B C D E Em and so on) I"m still learning of course, I have a problem with strumming, keeping beat. I have read the information on this site and other sites. I've learnt a couple of new strumming patterns,thanks to the site again! The other promblem is changing to a G to a C and G to a D and so on, and how do you keep the rythum on your strumming, this is very difficult? Also, what are the easiest songs to learn, I enjoy playing country. Man, there are so many questions, I don't mean to be a pest but I WANT TO LEARN so much!!!!!!:confused: Any how I really hope you can show me or explain it to me. Thanks again for the fast responce.......Please help!!!
Nat

[Nick]

I like to play 'country' too!

*I find* the easiest way to change from G to C and G to D depend on how you Hold the G chord in the first place.

Holding G: Index finger sixth string 3rd fret
Middle finger fifth string 2nd fret
Ring finger 1st string 3rd fret

is easier to change to D.

Hold G: Ring finger sixth string 3rd fret
Middle finger fifth string 2nd fret
Little finger first string 3rd fret

is easier to change to C. (because your index finger is freed up ready to put on the second string 1st fret for the C chord)

Also to 'keep the beat' when strumming you could try using the bass strum style (which is very country sounding)

[Rexlander]

One of the ways of keeping the correct beat is to concentrate on your strumming hand rather then your left hand. Count as you strum (in your head or out load) until you get the strumming pattern down perfectly. Never let your strumming hand stop or pause, just keep going at a constant pace, even if your left hand can not keep up with the chord changes. It will not soung great at first, but eventually your chord changes will become quick enough and smooth enough that it will sound great. Make sure your right hand (strumming hand) dictates your playing, not your left hand.

[Bojangles]

Another way to keep time with your strum is to use a metronome. Start at very slow speed and work your way up until you get to the regular speed of the song.

As far as getting the chord changes fluently...look on this site about practicing. During a practice session practice the chord changes slowly without strumming. Keep practicing this way until you can do it fluently. While doing this sort of practice when you get your fingers on all of the strings play each string to insure they ring clearly. If they do not adjust your grip until they do. Keep practicing it will eventually be second nature on the chord changes.

As for an easy country song to learn try Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison. This song is composed of the Em Bm7 and A chords.

Hope this helps

Bojangles

[discoglen]

cyberfret recomends playing all the strings open while your changing chords- so just concentrate on strumming continuously- simple patterns at first changing between two chords, until you get the hang of it and it sound smooth.

[discoglen]

ps. post as much as you want, thats what the forums here for, if we were sick of it we wouldnt be here