Stage 2 · Beginner
The Forest of First Chords
Your first open chords and your first changes
Several notes at once make a chord. You learn the essential open chords, how to change between them smoothly and how to accompany with simple strums.
Stops in this stage
- What is a chord?Your first chord, E minor, and the idea of several notes at once.
- Three major chords: A, D and EThe most used open chords and where every finger goes.
- Changing chords without stoppingOne-minute changes, anchor and guide fingers.
- Minor chords: Am, Em and DmFrom major brightness to minor melancholy, by moving one finger.
- First strums with a metronomeDown-strums in 4/4, counting out loud and playing in time.
- Your first songAn original progression that ties chords, strumming and form together.
- Milestone: The Forest of First ChordsReview, practical challenge and self-assessment to close the stage with everything you learned.