simple moves. First, slide your index finger diagonally from string 2, fret 1( the C note) to string 3, fret 2( the A note), an anchor shared by both chords. Second, fingers 3 and 2 move together from strings 5 and 4 to strings 2 and 1, keeping the same frets and string distance orientation. Combine both moves at once, and the transition locks in.
Start with one strum per chord, on beat one, so each chord is a whole note spanning four beats. Count in at 84 beats per minute and go back and forth.
Once that’ s clean, move to two strums per chord( beats one and three), then four strums per chord( quarter notes, same tempo). The chords still change every four beats- only the strumming frequency increases.
As an extra touch, only strum the strings each chord actually uses- C uses the top five, D uses the top four. Skipping unused strings makes a real difference in how clean a chord sounds.
are like sentences, you need to be able to“ pronounce” a chord well before dropping it into a progression, the same way you’ d pronounce a word clearly before using it in a sentence.
If one chord is a weak link, work on it alone first. Make a fist with your fretting hand, then, as quickly and precisely as you can, place your fingers for that chord on the fretboard, and check it with your strumming hand to confirm it’ s clean. It may take several seconds at first- that’ s fine. Repeat until it’ s quick and clean.
Recap and Next Steps We’ ve covered the silent switch, the ridiculous switch, the pivot switch, the rhythmic switch, and the fretting fist trick.
Drill 3: The Pivot Switch What’ s better, working harder or working smarter? When switching between certain chord pairs, one or more fingers may not need to move much- they can stay on the same fret, string, or both. I call these pivot fingers.
With C2 and Dsus4, fingers 3 and 4 stay on the third fret the whole time. Lifting every finger and rebuilding the whole shape is working harder. Instead, lift only your second finger and drop in your first, letting fingers 3 and 4 anchor you as you pivot. These anchor points are shortcuts experienced players use constantly.
Eventually you’ ll build up to a full strumming pattern, with your transitions keeping pace because you built the muscle memory gradually.
Don’ t rush this process. Speed is a byproduct of accuracy, not the other way around.
Pro Tip: The Fretting Fist Trick If chords are like words, and chord progressions
Pick two chords you struggle with and run them through all four drills: silently first, then“ ridiculous,” then pivot fingers, then the metronome. If you hit a snag, use the fretting fist trick on the chord giving you trouble.
Five minutes a day for a week will get you further than you’ d expect. This is a long game, so be patient.
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David Harsh David Harsh is a nationally touring worship leader, songwriter and performing artist. He is passionate about equipping guitarists to discover their potential. Learn more and join now at www. GuitarSuccess4U. com Drill 4: The Rhythmic Switch This is where we bridge the gap between making shapes and playing music. Use a metronome, or your tempo will slow to accommodate your fretting hand.
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