groove music school blog: all about music, drum, singing, piano & guitar

5 Best Tips to Getting your First Chord | Beginners Guide

Are you facing difficulties getting your first chord to sound nice and clear? In this article, Groove Music School's guitar instructor, Isaac Koh, shares his best 5 tips to getting your first chord!

Posture

One of the most important tips when trying to play your first chord!

Getting the right posture is the first thing that most beginners miss out on. So make sure your right arm is resting on the body of the guitar and the waist of the guitar is sitting firmly on your lap.

Relax 

As a beginner, it is completely normal to get all tensed up when playing the guitar. It can also get frustrating when you don't seem to achieve the sound that you like. As a tip to achieving a nice sound for your chord, have a relaxed body language. In fact, your goal as a beginner is to try to be as relaxed as you can with your fingers, shoulders and wrist. Don't panic and tense up, and twist your wrist just to make sure you press the guitar strings. Pressing chords shouldn't hurt as it is about using the right technique. You can get all the help you need from a guitar teacher.

Guitar

Did you know that a well set up guitar with a low action will go a long way in helping you get that chord nice and clear? Speak to us or to a guitar luthier to get it adjusted as a quick tip. We recommend that you don't do it yourself as it will potentially damage your guitar if it is done incorrectly.  

Take Lessons

You'll benefit so much more than these 5 useful tips

We are not hard selling on lessons but sometimes it takes a few lessons from a professional to get the wrong habits corrected. A teacher can provide tips from a different perspective and help you get closer to your guitar sweeping goals than if you were to do it on your own. 

Curl Those Fingers 

Never press your strings with straight stiff fingers as it will risk injury and greatly limit the dexterity of your fingers. What to do then? Try curling them nicely and remember the 2nd rule- Relax...

Conclusion

If you're still struggling despite following theses 5 tips of getting your first chord and perhaps you would prefer to progress at a quicker pace with the help of a teacher, we're happy to meet you in person to understand your needs and wants. Groove Music School provides guitar lessons for from as young as 4.5yo to adult, and are taught by experienced teachers (some who are also veteran musicians!)


Article written by: Isaac Koh, Groove Music School's Guitar Instructor