[DJ] An Obvious Discovery. Why Did It Take So Long?

Published: Tue, 04/04/17

Hi ,

changing chords can be tough right?

You can play the chords separately but when they're together in a song it gets frustrating. They sound muted, buzzy or just plain wrong!

Whilst helping a new student I made a breakthrough that I'd like to share with you.

When you're practicing a song break it down into 3 steps.

STEP 1: Focus on making each chord ring out. That means making the chord and picking each string to check it's tone quality. DON'T start strumming. Just make the chords in the order they occur and check them.

Once you've done this for 5 minutes (regardless of how the chords sound) stop and move onto step 2.

STEP 2: Strum the chords with a SIMPLE rhythm pattern. REALLY SIMPLE. Try 4 downstrums for each chord. Aim to keep your rhythm hand strumming regardless of how the chords sound. Even better, if the chords sound wrong then make corrections to them whilst strumming. This is improving how ambidextrous you are. (5 minutes)

STEP 3: Now you're ready to start playing the full song. Use all chords with the full rhythm. As you've worked on chord tone (STEP 1) your chords will begin to feel easier.

Try this right now with a song you're learning.

Reply to this email and let me know if it's working for you.

Keep on playing,

Drue James.