Slide Finger
When changing from E to A, do not lift your first finger off the third string, but slide it down to the second fret. Only touch the string very lightly as you slide along it. The use of the slide finger will make changing between E and A chords easier.
Practice the change until it is comfortable and then play the following chord progression using the two bar rhythm pattern as shown.
Rhythm Pattern
The following chord progression uses the same two bar rhythm pattern as in the previous example but some bars contain two chords, each receiving two beats.
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 and A, or E and 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
Rhythm Pattern
In this chord progression there are two chords in each bar. Each chord lasts for two beats. The rhythm pattern has two half note strums, so each chord is strummed once.
Rhythm Pattern
Always look for slide and pivot fingers to make your chord changes smoother, faster and easier.
