Topic: Chord changes

I got a classical guitar about a year ago.  I love it but finding the fingering harder than a guitar with a thinner neck.  I'm learning Jose Feliciano's version of Light My Fire.  I like what I found but it's a little hard to transition G F#m D Bm7 which is the first line of the chorus.  It sounds great, and it's getting easier, but would like some feedback on faster chord changes.  I hope that makes sense.  Thank you

Re: Chord changes

Try practicing 1 chord sequence at a time and add as you go. For example - do the G to F#m till you have it down, then add the D, etc. Justin's one minute change exercise is the way to go

http://justinguitar.com/en/BC-115-1MinuteChanges.php

And he has a free app to help track your progress

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … uteChanges

Good luck!

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!

Re: Chord changes

Thank you Topdown!  I like your rule...

Re: Chord changes

GaMc ...

What Topdown suggested is perfect. I also switch back and forth between classical, acoustic, and electric, and have the same issues. That extra 1/4' difference in the width at the nut of the guitar really affects the feel of everything, eh? The suggested warm-up exercises at JustinGuitar are a great way to work through those issues.

Success to you, and don't ever stop having fun with it!

Re: Chord changes

Use barre chords. If you can do an evil B shape barre, those will be easy transitions for you with enough practice.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: Chord changes

What Zurf said! smile   on a clasical, barr cords should be a bit easier since you have more room for your fingers.
http://www.learn-acoustic-guitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bm7-guitar-chord-1.gif

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)

Re: Chord changes

Tenement Funster.. I too own all three types and really want to learn how to play more  classical/Spanish style.  It is hard on my hand and I was wondering about barre chords.  I was looking at Justin's site and I got a lot of tips.  I even found Mike Dawes site. Is he the main person of Gotye?  If so, my sons  and I saw him in Santa Barbara I think September 2012.  We left the concert in amazement.  It had to be one of the best concerts I've seen.  We loved the movie too.  Anyway Mike Dawes is great.  Thanks Beamer and Zurf I am going to look at the link you posted.

Re: Chord changes

Please ignore my Gotye confusion.. Mike Dawes and Gotye are two separate people.. Both are excellent musicians separately.  ;-)

Re: Chord changes

He's fingerpicking right? Like this version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUkIkRmUr0Y

I don't think barre chords are the way to go here. You can probably skip the barre chords and just play some open voicings. Might be easier and nifty from the voice leading standpoint:
Gmaj7
2 (or 3 if you wanna play a G chord. Or X if you wanna just fret one note)
0
0
0
x
3

F#m7
x
2
2
2
x
2

D (I'm putting it over an F# here)
x
3
2
0
x
2

Bm7
2
3
2
4
2
x

Re: Chord changes

Thanks Oldbaldguy...lol... I didn't look at the video but yes it is played picking.. I use fingers no pick.  I will try your suggestions and you all have been great help.  I am getting better with my chord change.. and have been practicing Justin's suggestion 25-30 in a minute.. Not close but getting there.. Thanks again...

Re: Chord changes

Sorry I though it was old bald guy.. OK  I will preview before submitting.. I think Ill stay off the forum for a while... I know I am a lot older than you... Just not a guy or bald...

Re: Chord changes

LOL no biggie. smile

Re: Chord changes

Baldguitardude... I love the video.. I forget how much I love watching him play this song. Amazing.. Your chord suggestion is working.. I am using more picking than he is.  Still working on it Thanks again!

Re: Chord changes

What a great guitar lesson by Justin, the one minute changes.  I got into it right away
and before long was making some fingering changes to both speed things up and
improve clarity. Good going, top down.
The lesson is about discipline, really. As many of us play, we tend to hide our weaknesses
by smoothing them over. It is very good we be reminded to tackle an exercise like this,  with
a certain goal in mind.
It reminds me of the athletic exercise where the sport pushes and pushes to red line, like wind sprints.

Classic Gospel and Traditional Hymns
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