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MORE CHORDS AND EXERCISES

Here are three more chords for you to learn, 'A Major', 'D Major' and 'E Major', along with some more exercises.

A LITTLE VARIETY

Once you have mastered the above exercises, try to add a little variety to the way you play theses chords. Rather than strumming the whole chord, try hitting just the lowest string of the chord (the LOW E string for 'A Major' and 'E Major' or the A string for 'D Major') for the first repetition of the chord, followed by the rest of the strings for the next three repetitions. Or try strumming the bottom three strings followed by the top three.

Experiment! Try individually picking one different string of each chord for each repetition. Try doubling the number of times you play each chord (eight instead of four). Make up your own combinations!

FINGERPICKING

Rather than using a plectrum and strumming the chords you have learned, try this:

• Use the thumb on your right hand to pick the LOW E, A and D strings.
• Use the first finger on your right hand to pick the G string
• Use the second finger on your right hand to pick the B string
• Use the third finger on your right hand to pick the HIGH E string
  

Stick to this whilst picking single strings while playing the above exercises. Still play the same amount of beats (or chords) to the bar. Just try using your thumb to pick the lowest note of the chord, followed by the top three strings in turn, using the allocated fingers. Play around with this. It may take time but it will be good practice.