[the-old-coach]

If I may, can I mention something that was told to me a long time ago, by a guy who played (mostly “rhythm-guitar”) in local bands for years.

I use it, it makes transitions much easier, and sounds cool in the process. It simply involves adding, changing, or removing one finger off the chord you are going “from”– on your way to the chord you are going “to”. Sounds confusing– but it is soooo easy.

Here’s an example– you are transitioning from a C chord- (using the “normal” open shape)- to a G chord- (again- “normal shape”).

Take your C, and– (sort of “on your way” to G)- simply drop your pinkie (that’s unused in the C), onto the 3rd fret of the Hi-E, and take a strum there. Think of it as “kind-of a bridge” / kind-of a “chord-in-between-chords” on your way from C to G– (kind of a “half C/ half G”).

And… your pinkie is already “there” as you finish moving to the G.

Think of this as a “general concept” that can be used on LOTS of transitions from any chord to any chord. (You can also “LIFT” a pinkie or an index finger– gives you LOTS of cool-sounding transitions).

Another suggestion as you change from chord to chord is to use “sus2″s and “sus4″s in the same manner I mentioned here. They are COOL!

You can also just use this just playing 2-3 strings- (sort of a “mini-chord”)- or even just pick ONE string in the transition.

Just maybe experiment/noodle around with this idea a little. Let me know if it works or even makes sense for you.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by  the-old-coach.