So...What's a Chord?
The most important thing is what a guitar chord actually is. When you look it up in the dictionary, you'll find something like "A chord is any set of harmonically-related notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously."
Blah...Blah...Blah...What they're really trying to say is that a chord is simply playing multiple notes at the same time to come up with a sound that's enjoyable to listen to. Now this may sound hard and a little confusing at first, but do not worry, it really isn't. However, there is a sacrifice to be made here.
Try Not to Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Many new guitarists tend to get a little charged up about growing their new found talents. This can lead to the tendency to try and skip the beginner lessons and rush ahead to more progressive training. Don't do this! It is really important for you to go through the fundamental stuff first, especially when it has to do with learning guitar chords.
The beginner stuff is what you're going to utilize and build upon later. You're going to not get this stuff if you attempt to complete your lessons out of order. Some chords are easier to learn than others. Begin with those first and then move on to the more complicated ones once you're well-situated with what you've already learned.
The Pain
That's right, I said PAIN!!! LOL. Now don't panic, it's not all that bad. But this is where your dues are going to be paid.
When you first start out trying to learn guitar chords, your fingers are going to be constrained into all of these strange and unfamiliar positions. Now add to that having to keep constant pressure on your finger tips in order to hold the chord and you'll soon see and feel what I'm trying to point out to you here.
Cramping muscles, pulsing pain to your finger tips and loss of feeling to your fingers are all normal things that anyone that wants to learn the guitar must face. But don't worry....By the time your hand and fingers get shaped up, you'll be flying up, down and across that fret board with ease, minus the pain.
Ease Your Pain
Now if you want to lessen this pain period, here are a couple of suggestions that will help. I know they helped me when I was going through this stage.
- Before trying to play guitar chords each day, get in the habit of performing finger exercises. This will help your fingers stretch and become more limber as well as build up the strength to hold awkward positions.
- Also remember to make sure that you are learning guitar chords each and every day. The more you challenge yourself the faster you will adapt to this new skill. Eventually, the pain will ease up and you will be able to play chords fast and with flawless transitions.
The Rap Up
So let's rap this up here. Learning guitar chords will bring a more harmonious and fuller sound to your favorite songs and music that you play. They're a necessary tool that each guitar player must learn and is not that difficult to learn.
Learning guitar chords can be a painful and difficult challenge to beat, especially if you're just a beginner. But I've given to you a couple of ways that I was able to get through these lessons and trying times.
Learning guitar chords is just something that can not be avoided if you want to learn the guitar. Sure, there will be times when you are going to get flustered. Do not let these times stand in the way of your musical aspirations! Just stick with it! Rest assured the pain will disappear and soon you'll be flying from one chord to the next like a pro.