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Basic Left Hand Chording

G Chord Progression
This G Chord Progression will be your first attempt in trying to coordinate your left hand while strumming with your thumbpick. Go slowly at first until you feel comfortable enough to speed up.

Your first step in learning this chord progression would be to memorize the chordal position themselves...notice the chord diagrams above the standard notation in the following example...place your fingers matching the dots on the diagrams. Notice the "O" above the chord diagram...this means that the string is to be played open...if there's an "X" this means that string is deadened or not to be played.

After becoming familiar with the chord diagrams, and feeling like you've memorized them all, then follow the four slashes in the standard notation and tap your foot with each beat...while counting to four from measure to measure.

Symbols for the picking hand are indicated above the tablature using the following letters:

First Finger (Index) = I
Second Finger (middle) = M
Thumb = T

In the following exercises, you'll notice that only a "T" is indicated above the tablature...this means you're only to strum each chord with the thumb...follow the slashes "/" in the standard notation to count to four for each measure. Try tapping your foot to keep an even tempo with each count of four. Try switching the chords without any pauses as you count out this rhythm. The goal is to keep an even tempo and to establish the chord progression without pause or hesitation. Once you can accomplish these exercises, you will then be ready to go on to applying rolls to these very same chordal studies...

Practice this progression over and over and over...don't give up. Enjoy the learning process...have patience with yourself. Upon learning this progression, and being able to play it comfortably without pausing between chords, you'll be prepared to learn your first song. Be sure to write if you have any questions regarding these lessons: info@folkofthewood.com

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