Changing Between Chords (Danny Poole's Guitar Tutor Online)

Beginners

Basic Chords

Changing Between Chords

Try to get fluent with your chord changes. The best way is to just play the chords one after the other in different order, or find a song that contains the chords you have just learnt. Between some chord changes there are finger numbers that remain the same, be aware of these chords as they will make chord changing faster. As you can see below in the 1st example, when you are changing from an A Major chord to a D Major chord, the first finger doesn't move from the 3rd string 2nd fret, this finger is called your pivot finger. Try and keep your finger down on the string when you are changing between these two chords.

Lest's Try Some Chord Changeing Examples

Below is a diagram showing you how chords are usually written down. Roll you mouse over the diagram to help you with the naming of each part, then click to learn more about them if you are confused.

Using The Pivot Finger

Can you see how in the example below the first finger stays on the same string all the time, try not to lift it when changing frets just slide it. Once you can do these changes fluently we introduce strumming.

= Strum Down (from the thick string to the thin)

Try and strum along with the example below. Count the beat when you are strumming, this is to help you keep in time. If possible try to tap you foot on every beat.

Another tip is to start changing to the next chord as soon as you've done the second strum. Try to keep the strumming fluent and in time.