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just starting Newbie question
Just started this week. Learning the blues shuffle. Trying to figure out which strings Tony is strumming. I know when he was holding down the A at the beginning he was strumming the E and A cords. When he talked about holding down the D he talked about how you have to just strum the one cord. So I was not sure if he was strumming both the A and the D or just the A. Watched the video several times even in slow motion and could not figure this out.
This led me to another question. If you strum the cord, you’re also fretting ~isn’t this one more taunt and at a different height than the other others?
I realize I’ll probably figure this out as the lessons go on. However, it would really help if I had this foundational understanding before I went any further so I can continue practicing this section.
So if anybody can give me any guidance, greatly appreciate it. I’ve never played an instrument before so all this is brand new to me. I thank you in advance for any help.
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3 Replies
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Welcome to TAC. It’s been a while since I looked at this lesson and I don’t quite understand your question, but I’ll give it a shot. A chord is comprised of three notes. (But your ear can hear 3 notes even if you just play 2 notes since it is if familiar with the pattern). You will be strumming 2 notes on two strings. The first A section is the A and D strings. The second section is the D section so you are strumming the D and G Strings and the third section is the E section so you would strum the E and A strings. I think this addresses your question.
You don’t need to know this at this point to have fun, but for grins…This lessons is playing the shuffle in the key of A. I like math so A is the root or 1 chord. The blues shuffle is a 1-4-5 progression. So counting up… if 1 is A, then 4 is D and 5 is E. So you have your 3 sections.
Please be patient with yourself. It will all fall into place in time. Don’t let comparative thinking (even comparing your current self with your ideal self) frustrate you. And again, Welcome.
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Thank you- fully answered my question and I appreciate it. Now I understand what Chords I’m trying to hit with the guitar pick. I thought that was the case, but I was not sure. I started second-guessing myself the third time through the video! And thank you for the encouragement. I am just trying to have fun.
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Welcome to TAC Zia!
It can be difficult and daunting when first learning. I knew absolutely nothing about the guitar when I started, so I completely understand the confusion and feeling overwhelmed and trying to understand everything. Guitar is not necessarily the easiest instrument, but it does get easier with time.
If you ever get a chance to take Fretboard wizard, I highly recommend it to understand a lot of what Albert was explaining with regard to the make up of a chord and the root notes.
As for an A chord, the note is the a string so you strap from the a down, which would be strumming 54321 if you’re counting the strings, the D chords route note is the D string, so Tony is strumming from the D down 4321 eventually, it just becomes second nature to know what strings to strum and to also have string awareness and to build up muscle memory in your fingers to know exactly how to fret a chord and also the strings too strum .
My suggestion to anyone starting out is to be patient to be kind and to know that it will take time, but you will .
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