Topic: Learning chords ...
Question ... should I learn/memorize chords to become a better player. I play fingerstyle and am trying to learn the chords from Big Country songs, that celtic, bagpipe lilting sort of sound ... any ideas??
- Kahuna
- Senior Member
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Re: Learning chords ...
Cruel,
Absolutely! I can't imagine playing a guitar without knowing chords! Most finger picking patterns started from basic chords! Although there are Tablitures and scales to play, knowing chords will only make you a more complete player!
Re: Learning chords ...
Yes, yes, yes, you cannot escape knowing the chords, but don't get bogged down with trying to memorize them all. Learn the ones you need to know and try and understand why for instance an E chord becomes Em or E+. that will open up more chords for you.
In any case as I always say, simply enjoy what you are doing and the learning will come.
Cheers
Re: Learning chords ...
Chords are the foundation on which guitar playing is built. The more chords you know and play smoothly the fewer barriers you'll have in learning or writing music. For me personally, attempting to learn Tunes from Steely Dan greatly expanded my chord knowledge.
Give everything but up.
Re: Learning chords ...
All of those replys are great!, I would have to say the one from spykedb7 nails it! Depending how you learn, slowly add chords to your playing and try (as hard as it is) to always play a little outside of your comfort zone. In a year you will look back and wonder why you always played a straight A there instead of A7 Am Ect.
Re: Learning chords ...
Thanks for the input!! Any ideas on specific chords to obtain a celtic feel?
Re: Learning chords ...
Thanks, have you any ideas about celtic feeling chords or would it just be more in the way you play and express them?
Re: Learning chords ...
Thanks ... very helpful ... so th chords would be the roots?
Re: Learning chords ...
Thanks, ... I have a chordmaster by planet waves and I am going to take everyone's sound advice and get to the chords!!
Re: Learning chords ...
Theres a big difference between Bagpipe music and Country. But to answer your question on memo the chords, Yes or how are you going to remember a "C" from an "A" You need to start slow and work up. I play finger style, (John Denver)Merle Travis, also country lead, and 1st Rhythm. I have taught guitar for 38 years now. I hope I answered your question.
country Jimmy Doyle <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_smile.gif" border=0 alt="Smile"> <font size="2"></font><font face="Courier"></font>
Re: Learning chords ...
Yes ... you helped!! Thanks Jimmy.