Slide Finger
When changing from E to A, do not lift your first finger off the third string, but slide it up to the second fret. Only touch the third string very lightly as you do this. The use of the slide will make changing between E and A chords easier. Then play the following chord progression using the two bar rhythm pattern as shown.
Rhythm Pattern Second Bar
Rhythm Pattern First Bar
The following chord progression uses the same two bar rhythm pattern as in the previous example but contains two chords, each receiving two beats, in bars 1, 2 and 3.
D Major Chord
To play the D chord, place the first, second and third fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram, but strum only five strings. Do not strum the 6th string (as indicated by the dotted line).
When changing between E to A or between E to D, slide your first finger along the third string (only lightly touching it). When changing between the A and D chords, use your first finger as a pivot and slide your third finger along the second string. The first finger remains in contact with the third string throughout each of the following chord progressions.
Rhythm Pattern
In the following chord progression there are two chords in each bar. Each chord is played for two beats. The rhythm pattern has two half note strums, so each chord is strummed once. This progression is two bars long.
Rhythm Pattern
To help keep time play the first quarter note strum in each bar louder. The two dots at the end of the staff before the double bar lines are called a repeat sign and mean that you play the example again from the start.
Always look for slide and pivot fingers to make your chord changes smoother, faster and easier.
Rhythm Pattern Second Bar
Rhythm Pattern First Bar
