Guitar Lesson 5 - Guitar A chord, Am chord, chord transitions




A Chord

|--0--| 1st String
|--2--| 2nd String
|--2--| 3rd String
|--2--| 4th String
|--0--| 5th String
|--X--| 6th String
    A Chord Tab
Guitar A Chord
Chord A Chart
 Guitar A Chord Image
A Chord Picture

Sound File: A Chord Wav
Video File: A Chord Video

What's that X doing there! The 'X' means you do not play the string(s) in a chord. Therefore, for an A chord we have to strum from the 5th string down. Do not let this overwhelm you! Try to play it naturally, if you hit the sixth string it's no big deal. As your dexterity improves you will become better at it.

Play an A chord:
1. Place your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
2. Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
3. Place your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string.
4. Strum down from the 5th string.

Your fingers might feel a little crowded, practice this till you got it, next will be Am (A minor) which cause you to shift your third finger to a different fret.

Am Chord


|--0--| 1st String
|--1--| 2nd String
|--2--| 3rd String
|--2--| 4th String
|--0--| 5th String
|--X--| 6th String
    Am Chord Tab
Guitar A minor Chord Chart
Am Chord Chart
 Guitar A minor Chord Image
Am Chord Picture

Sound File: A Minor Chord Wav
Video File: Am Chord Video

Play an Am chord:
1. Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
2. Place your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
3. Place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
4. Strum down from the 5th string.

This is just like the E chord, except you are playing down one string. Again, play it naturally, do not concern yourself with placing your pick!!!

Chord Transistions

Lesson 5 Part 3 - Em to Am
|--0----0--| 1st String
|--0----1--| 2nd String
|--0----2--| 3rd String
|--2----2--| 4th String
|--2----0--| 5th String
|--0----X--| 6th String

Sound File: Lesson 3 Part 3 Wav
Video File: Lesson 3 Part 3 Video

For the beginner, transitioning from one chord to another chord can be difficult. In this case we are going to play an E chord followed by an Am chord. If you have trouble, keep practicing!!! Eventually with practice you should be able to play this quickly, and not have to look at your fingers during the transition. NOTE, if you cannot transition from one chord to another without looking at your fingers then you need to practice more!

Lesson 5 Part 3.2 - A - E - Em - Am
|--0----0----0----0--| 1st String
|--2----0----0----1--| 2nd String
|--2----1----0----2--| 3rd String
|--2----2----2----2--| 4th String
|--0----2----2----0--| 5th String
|--X----0----0----X--| 6th String

Sound File: Lesson 5 Part 3.2 Wav
This little guitar riff will put it all together. Practice this till you got it. Then try making up some of your own variations. For example, try playing it backwards, or change the order of chords you play, or try playing each chord twice, etc.

Next Lesson: Guitar Chords D - G - C