When you are first learning to play the guitar, it usually takes a while to change the chords. Here are some tips to help you change to new chords much faster. Mastering this skill will make it easier to play your worship songs.
1. Memorize the chord forms in the worship song you are trying to learn.
2. Practice changing the chords by themselves, without singing the song.
3. If the chord is difficult, break it down into smaller units. For example, change to just a portion of the new chord. If the chord requires four fingers, change to 2 fingers of the chord, then 3 fingers of the chord, then the entire chord.
4. When you are practicing the chord changes, watch where your fingers will be moving too, not on the current chord. This is especially important for chords that are in different positions on the fingerboard.
5. When you are playing your worship song, look at the next chords coming up in your peripheral vision. You’ll change to the chords much faster if you are already thinking ahead before it’s time to play them.
6. Pick a strumming tempo that you can play and don’t slow it down for any chord change. Even if you aren’t quite on the new chord, this will train your hands to change faster.
7. How well you play is very connected to your mental attitude too. Be quick to ‘forgive’ yourself for any mistakes and decide that you can be a wonderful guitarist.
Of course, the very best way to start every practice session is with prayer. God can help us accomplish wonderful things to His Glory!
One of the Worship Guitar Class Family members, Pamela, asked about how to care for her guitar. I thought that you may be interested in tips for caring for your guitar too.
There is something about setting GOALS in a New Year. One of my goals is to read through the Bible every year. In 19981 I met an older believer who mentioned he had read through the Bible every year for the last 50+ years.