For me, changing from chord to chord is my biggest weekness. I know the chord, I can see it in my head, I can "visualize" what it sounds like, "visualize" what the transition sounds like, understand the transtion, but when it comes to the actually transition, I slow down and it takes me a second. Any tips on how to smooth this out?
This is going to sound really boring, but just practising the changes over and over will get you there. You might want to record yourself now and listen back in a couple of months – you should notice quite a difference.
Another thing to think of: would using bar (or "barre") chords give you an easier alternative for some of the things you're trying to play? (Bar chords are also awkward to play when you start – much easier too after a while.)
Hi, In my guitar playing days (daze!) I found playing the chords along with singing or accompanying someone else singing or playing, or playing along with a CD was a great help. You tend to forget after a while, Oh Heck Where Do I Put This Little Finger, and it comes, it comes.... More fun than just practicing chords on you own if that's what you do. And play the chords you know until they become smooth. The Dim. 9ths and Aug. 5ths, etc., will come in time.
I belive your problem is the technical skills.
I dont know exactly what your problem is but this pointers may help you...depends on your attitude.
learn to see common finger positions between two or more different chords meaning there are fingers in the previous chords that need not be changed.
( in C major your 3rd finger is in the 3rd fret of the 5th string.if your gonna change to F major,retain its position)
if you are plucking, place your fingers to where you are to pluck first then to the other finger positions.
Try mastering these chord changes
C to Am
Em to G
Then practice easy chord progressions like
C to G to Am or
Em to G to D to A
Thats how I did it then changing chords seemed easy
I have found practicing in the dark or with my eyes closed to be helpful. It forces you to know the finger positions from muscle memory alone. Your fingertips also will eventually recognize which strings they are on from their thickness and feel.
Well done. You have "stumbled" on a very good technique for learning chords and any other guitar work. Think about all the blind guitarists who never "saw" a chord. And some of them are great guitarists. Feliciano for example.....Yeah, Light My Fire!!
My teacher taught me to use a metronome and use a constant down stroke. If you make a mistake keep going you'll eventually catch up. Doing this at a steady tempo keeps you in time and forces your fingers to move as a unit.
pblanc is right you want to build muscle memory, which means memorizing. There's no law that says you can't practice air chords without the guitar in your hands. A few times a day. Pretend you are quickly blasting from G to A to D etc., all the chords you know. In a few days you'll have them all down. Just don't let people you know see you. I still do this and I get a lot of looks, but I bet I can fly thru chords faster than them.
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