Supplemental Material for Page 8 (Chapter 1):
Chord Combinations Using Similar Fingerings;
Tougher Chord Combinations;
Alternate Fingerings
Back to page 7<<<>>> Ahead to page 9
General info about page 8:
This page gives students an opportunity to review and improve their chord-switching skills.
About "Chord Combinations Using Similar Fingerings":
This portion of the page is a study in economy of motion. Exploit common fingerings or similarities in chord shapes by moving as little as possible. Extraneous motion only slows you down and ultimately makes playing and more difficult.
If you're used to lifting your fingers off the guitar between chords, this can seem difficult at first. Now's a good time to review, catch up, and refine your technique.
About "Tougher Chord Combinations"
Unlike the combinations presented on top, these do not share any similarities. The pairings here require (practically) all fingers to find a totally different spot on the guitar. There really aren't any shortcuts for learning these. They require extra time & attention. Use your metronome, and keep banging out the chord pairs until they're fast (metronome on 144), clean (all stings ringing nicely), and fluid (all fingers working together to make nice, musical sounding transitions from chord to chord).
About "Alternate Fingerings":
Like the book says, these are other perfectly acceptable ways to play the chords. It is assumed that the student does not find "barring" (fretting more than one string with one finger) a viable option. However, some beginners (those with ample hand/finger strength, generally adults) can barre comfortably. If so, this is a reasonable option for the "A" chord:
Note that this omits the first string, which may or may not be desirable, depending on the situation. Also note that the first finger not only "plays" strings 4, 3, and 2, but it also mutes the first string. Be sure not to accidently let the first string, 2nd fret become audilble. And...some folks' index fingers are capable of barring strings 4,3, and 2, and somehow letting the open first string ring through. If you're one of them, great. If not, don't worry; this isn't a required skill!
In closing:
The essential concept that page 8 teaches is economy of motion. Fingers should dart simultaneously, but independently, directly into each chord position.
If you have a question or concern, or suspect you may be doing something "wrong", please seek out a teacher, or email us with a question. We're here to help.
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