What are the great ways to improve changing chords on the guitar?
The great way to improve your chord transmission can only be explained in different steps. Stay tuned to get the best on this page.
Keep your fingers near the strings
First thing first, your fingers must be less mobile to ensure fast chord transmission. You may not notice how high they’re lifted when it’s time to change the chord; the weaker the finger, the further they’ll lift. The bottom line is, your finger should be so close to the next string when changing chords.
If you’re changing between 2 open chords, say G major and E major, and your fingers lift further than 2cm, you still have work to do. Although it takes time, you have to build muscle memory as well as strength. Try the hard trick, and thank us later.
Use a Metronome
This can be boring, but it is very effective for your practice. A metronome is not hard to find, so you won’t have an excuse for not getting one if truly you want to improve. You can get the software apps in the Android or Apple store and can be used on almost every smart gadget.
It is easy and straightforward; you can start at a low speed and see how fast you can go as time goes on. Rinse and repeat the process until you are impressed with your chord transmission speed.
Build the chords gradually
As you play the chords on your guitar, it is better to start one finger at a time, beginning from the bottom. This means the bass strings will be strum first. The most challenging part is that most people start building a chord with the index finger.
This method can be a hindrance over time but is a great way to hit all strings correctly without muting a beat. Working to get your fingers in sync is very important to avoid hindrance.
Make sure all fingers are placed down at a time
The next step to improving your chord transition is visualizing where your fingers will be positioned on the fretboard and getting them ready while on air. This is called air changes, having hands positioned and ready.
Press down all fingers at once to get a good grip. Overkill is good at first for building hand strength. Go hard when pressing. Air changes are needed to help form and play the chords, especially for hard jumps like G to C.
Air changes should be slow at first and be sure to have the hands in the air’s right shape before applying. This will help you see the fingers positioned wrongly. This technique will help players with big fingers, with constant practice.
Practice One Minute Chord Change
For the cause of getting better on chord transition, it is better to time your chord change. It is a basic step but can improve your playing skills if you get used to it. Start by changing between two chords and set a one-minute timer, then count how many successful transitions you make.
To get things right at first, start slowly and apply air changes. Track your score as you play by the time and see how far you’ll grow over time.
Practice in different keys
As you improve with the one-minute chord change task, add another chord; let’s say you’re playing a G to C chord transition, and you’re improving, add the D chord into the progression. Playing different chord progressions in all keys is the best chord transition exercise.
After practicing different chords and playing, you’ll be eager to learn new ones. Once you can play basic chords, try practicing with random keys and progressions. Practicing new songs also helps; this also goes well with practicing progressions.
Once you learn to play different music, your chord changes will improve greatly.
Keep the Right Hand in Motion
While you’re improving on your chord transition and progressions, your left hand has to be in position, but you shouldn’t leave your left hand out too. If the left hand is in the right positioning without the right-hand strumming right, your chord will sound terrible.
Both hands have work to do when improving your chord transition. If you’re strumming the guitar in a bad way, make use of metronome quarter note strums. Try trick for one chord and get used to the strumming before progressing to the next chord.
With this technique, you’re unknowingly forcing the muscle memory or the right and left hand to work together, and this is called growth.
Find an Old or Cheap Guitar
This part may sound like a joke to you, but an old acoustic guitar with high strings will build muscle memory for you. A cheap guitar is the easiest to find in a music gear store.
After practicing chord transition on the old guitar, you’ll flow smoothly on a better guitar. An old or cheap guitar won’t be easy to strum, and that gives your muscle enough strength to rock a better electric guitar or an acoustic equivalent.
Rest
This may sound odd, but you need to take a break from the long practice. It would help if you had a break the same way Christians need the Sabbath day. Taking a break gives you the chance to heal and grow. Your contracting muscles and brain need the rest too.
Your hands are resting from constant strumming and positioning. While you rest, lay hands on some fretboard note games. You’ll feel refreshed when you’re back to your lessons.
In conclusion, as you begin the chord-changing lessons, you may not find it easy at first, but constant practice will make things easy for you. Constant practice makes the best players. Try new songs when you practice and take your time as you begin. Good luck!
