Page 9 - Guitar Book

Looking at the Chord box we can see that the top E string (The thin one) is
situated on the right of the diagram. I’ve added the string notes on the end as a
guide for you to assist with this.

OK, lets form the chord. Place your first finger on the 3rd string (G) at the
first fret. Now place your second finger on the 5th string (A) on the 2nd fret
and finally place your third finger on the 4th string again on the 2nd fret.
Now with your other hand strum all six strings downwards. There, you’ve just
played your first chord. Congratulations!!!

Normally when you see a chord box you will not see the strings note letters at
the top. Just take it from now that all chords will be displayed in this position.

Have a look at the following two chords:

The Chord The Chord
of A of D

Let’s Pause For A Moment:

In theory, what you have learned so far is quite simple. In practice, I can
almost imagine you all jumping up and down, swearing and cursing at me
because the chords do not sound right and your fingers are killing you.

Firstly, do not expect the chords to sound perfect, amazing if they do but
most mortals will naturally foul the strings until the correct muscle memory
is developed. This is totally normal so do not worry. The main thing is to
practice forming the chord shapes. Try switching between the three back and
forth to assist with this.

Finally, sorry your fingers are hurting. There’s nothing I can do about that I’m
afraid. We all go through it, that’s the guitarists initiation. But don’t worry, it
only takes a week or two until the ends of your fingers harden up.

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