Guitar Playing, Chords, Rhythm n Raga.org

Guitar Playing Tutorial ||

Here we see, how we tune the guitar ...

Bridge and Frets
1 2 3 4 5 6

*bar* slim piece of metal that divides the guitars fret board
*fret* the space between the bars where you place your fingers to form the notes/chords.
*string names* the musical names of the pitches that each string represents.

Listed above you will see several important elements about the guitar. The numbers across the bottom will be used for reference purposes during the tuning portion of the tutorial. {in case your browser doesn't support my format: the strings are numbered 1-6 from left to right}

When playing a note or chord make sure your fingers are pressing in the middle of a fret and not on a bar. If your fingers are pressing on the bars instead of the frets then you may get a distorted, tangy sound or a buzz.

The following patterns are presented as if you were facing the guitar.

The lowest pitched string is the top string (1). It is the pitch E2. If you don't have a piano or an instrument to use for reference just tune the first string to a medium tightness on your guitar.

Make note of what number fret you are to tune on. The notes are different on every fret.

*A little theory so as to avoid confusion; Each fret on the guitar represents a HALF STEP. So by following the diagrams below you tune each string to another by matching the pitches.

example: By pressing down on string 1 at fret 5 it becomes an A. Therefore you can tune string 1, fret 5 to the open A string by matching the pitches.

Starting from the top string; press down on string 1, fret 5 (x in diagram) and play the note and then the A string just below it - string 2, fret 5. Leave the A string open - in other words; don't press down on it with your finger.

Play both strings one and then the other while tightening or loosening the tuning peg for string 2 until the open A and string 1 sound the same.
Press string 2, fret 5 (making it the pitch D) and tune it to the open D just below it.

Press string 3, fret 5 (making it the pitch G) and tune it to the open G just below it.

Press string 4, fret 4 (making it the pitch B) and tune it to the open B below and to the left of it.

Press string 5, fret 5 (making it the pitch E) and tune it to the open E just below it.

Reading Chords and Playing Tip

Your Left Hand With the initial steps out of the way it is time to learn how to actually play the instrument.

Make a note of the finger numbers. The thumb (#1) is very rarely used in guitar playing. There are some cases where it may be used to "reach over" the top of the guitar.
The pinkie (#5), is the weakest of all of these fingers.

The figure shows, a diagrammatic representation of parts and D major chord fingering

Make a note of the above symbols and signs. These are the way guitar chords are presented in music books and on sheet music.

Notice the O's above the second fret diagram. This indicates when you play a string but leave it in the Open Position. (I.e., don't press on a fret for that string)

Tricks and tips:

Do not squeeze the left hand around the neck of the guitar, your thumb should just be resting on the back of the guitar not pressing up against it.
With your right elbow press the body of the guitar inward toward you until you feel the neck move forward.
Now press your left hand fingers into the strings to counterbalance the guitar and keep it from falling off of your lap.
Don't push or pull too hard as you may break the neck of the guitar. Just a slight pressure is needed for the leverage to work properly.

If all goes well you should be in the perfect position for playing the Guitar.

Next Session ( Guitar Playing)

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