5 - First chords

Two or more notes played simultaneously are referred to as chords. That doesn’t mean that you play only two or three notes on the guitar. Normally, you sweep the pick (strum) across all strings to be played in the chord. This concept will become a little more clear when we discuss basic music theory.

Chords are arranged in groups referred to as “Keys”. The root chord in the Key of G is G Major, the key taking it’s name from the root chord. (Illustration 8). This doesn’t mean that the G chord is used only in the Key of G. In the Key of D, for example, the root chord is D Major and the G becomes the sub-dominant Major.

I may go into chord theory, and the concept of keys a little later. For now, it will suffice to understand that the three primary chords in the Key of G are:

• G - Root (a major chord)
• C - Sub-Dominant (a major chord)
• D7- Dominant Seventh (a seventh chord)

Practice these three chords, independently, until you are sure of the fingering and all strings in the chord ring cleanly and clearly when you strum (sweep the pick across the strings in a single, smooth motion) the strings. Now practice making the changes from one chord to another quickly and smoothly. Vary the chord patterns. For example, to start, make the changes from G to C to D7. Then try going from G to D7 to C.

The concept of time will be examined more fully after you’ve learned these first chords (and your first song). For now, try this simple exercise. Finger a G chord. Be sure the strings ring cleanly. Count slowly and evenly from one to four, strumming the guitar as you count. Tap your foot in time to the count.
One—two—three—four,
One—two—three—four,
Now, try making the chord changes on the count of “one”
G One—two—three—four,
C Change—two—three—four,
D7 Change—two—three—four,
G Change—two—three—four
When you can make the chord changes smoothly and accurately, you may begin to practice the chords using an alternating bass style, substituting bass notes for the chords on the 1st and 3rd beat.