Tuning, Gear, and Chords Guitar Lesson
Tuning, Gear, and Chords
Mark begins by discussing equipment every guitarist should own. Then, he introduces chords and proper tuning methods.
Taught by Mark Lincoln in Basic Guitar with Mark Lincoln seriesLength: 17:28Difficulty: 0.5 of 5
Pick - plastic or other substrate material used to manipulate the strings and create a vibrant sound from the guitar.
Tuner - electronic device which can be purchased through local music stores or online. This tool facilitates proper tuning of the guitar.
Capo - plastic or metal device attached to the neck of the guitar to change key, sound, tuning, etc.
Polishing Cloth - used to clean the surfaces of the body and neck of the guitar.
Chapter 3: (05:17) Tuning the Guitar Okay! So you have your guitar and you're ready to jam. Not so fast! You have one last important step: tuning! You can be the most technically proficient player in the world and still sound horrible if your tuning isn't dead on. One string that is slightly out of tune can crush the sound of an entire chord.If you don't mind spending a few bucks, an electronic tuner is a worthy investment. However, learning to play by ear is a necessary skill that all guitarists must possess. Learning guitar isn't just about the technical aspects of picking & fretting. It's also about hearing the music and adapting based on your own tastes. Anything you can do to increase your "ear for music" is a step in the right direction. Beyond improving your senses, additional methods of tuning will also provide a good double check system. Since tuning is so important, it's certainly better to be safe than sorry.
Instead of simply teaching you how to tune your guitar, we would like you to understand the method behind it. We could blindly teach you (as most books, DVDs, and other sites do), but that doesn't contribute to your overall knowledge. After all, you're here to learn, right?
The two most common methods of tuning are the "5th fret method" and the "7th fret method. Here is how you tune via 5th fret tuning:
- Tuning the "E" (low) string - With either of these "by ear" methods, you must tune your 6th (lowest) string with an outside source, unless you have perfect pitch and can tune it to an E without any reference. You can tune the E with a piano, pitch pipe, keyboard, or internet tuning tools. Once the lowest string is in tune, you can take care of the rest of the guitar yourself.
- Tuning the "A" String - As you know, the second string down is an A (remember, EADGBE - e-ad-ga-buh). To produce an A note on the first string (E string), simply hold down the 5th fret. This creates the exact same pitch as an open note (not holding down any frets) on the A string (5th string).
- Tuning the "D" string - The exact same method used for your "A" string is again used here. Simply hold down the 5th fret on your "A" string and play the open "D" string. The 5th fret on your "A" string produces a "D" note. Adjust your "D" string until you have the same note.
- Tuning the "G" string - Again, repeat the same process. Simply hold the 5th fret on your "D" string and hit an open "G" string. Adjust your "G" string until you get the same note.
- Tuning the "B" string - The same thing again? No! We can't make it that easy on you. We won't go into detail now, but the "B" note on your "G" string is located at the 4th fret (not the 5th like on the others). Simply pick the 4th fret on your "G" string and an open note on your "B" string. Adjust your "B" string until you have the same note.
- Tuning the "E" (high) string - Back to the old ways we go. Hold the 5th fret on your "B" string and hit an open note on your "E" (high) string. Adjust your high "E" string until you have the same note.
- Tuning the "E" (low) string - Again, you must tune this string to an outside source such as an electric tuner, an internet tuner, a piano, another guitar, etc.
- Tuning the "A" string - Here you will hit an open "E" (low) string and the 7th fret on the "A" string. Adjust the "A" string until you get the same note.
- Tuning the "D" string - Hit an open "A" string and the 7th fret on the "D" string. Adjust accordingly.
- Tuning the "G" string - Hit an open "D" string and the 7th fret on the "G" string. Adjust accordingly.
- Tuning the "B" string - Here's the evil "B" tuning again. Hit an open "G" string. Instead of hitting the 7th fret on your "B" string, hit the 8th fret.
- Tuning the "E" (high) string - Again we're back to normal. Fret an open "B" and hold the 7th fret on your "E" (highest) string. Adjust your "E" (string) accordingly to get the same note.
Chord - Defined as any three notes (or more) played together.
Open Chord- chords that are played within the first three frets of the guitar and are named as such due to the fact that they contain open notes.
Barre Chord - chords in which a single finger frets or "barres" two or more strings.; can be barred on two or more strings at a time.
There are other types of chords that we'll talk about later in the series!
Chapter 5: (05:48) Open ChordsThe names of the notes on the guitar as well as the names of the chords are as such: A B C D E F G. A note is a single sound whereas a chord (as mentioned) consists of three notes or tones played together. Here is an example of a major chord (we'll talk about the relationship between major and minor chords later): The six horizontal lines represent the six strings of the guitar.
A MajorE __0__
B __2__
G __2__
D __2__
A __0__
E __x__
The numbers on the fretboard indicate where to put your fingers.
In the case of A major, the chord is constructed by placing your first finger on the D-string on the second fret, the second or middle-finger on the G-string on the second fret, and the third or ring finger on the B-string on the second fret. *Please note that this is only one possible way to finger the A major chord. The ability to play chords with different fingerings can be a huge asset as you learn new chords and chord progressions.
D MajorE___2__
B___3__
G___2__
D___0__
A___x__
E___x__
In the case of D major, the chord is constructed by placing the first finger on the G-string at the second fret, the third finger on the B-string, third fret, and the middle finger on the high E string at the second fret.
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Guitar with Mark Lincoln
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsLearning the basics of the guitar, the building blocks if you will, is an extremely important step in learning and mastering the guitar. This series is all about the basics.
Lesson 1
Guitar Basics
This lesson is all about the basics. Mark explains guitar parts, holding the guitar, and more.
Length: 13:12 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Tuning, Gear, and Chords
Mark begins by discussing equipment every guitarist should own. Then, he introduces chords and proper tuning methods.
Length: 17:28 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Chords and Strumming
Mark finishes his discussion of the "open" chords. He applies these chords to basic rhythm and strumming concepts.
Length: 17:33 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Minor Chords and More
Mark reviews the major chords and introduces the minor chords. He also covers strumming techniques in greater depth.
Length: 25:48 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Expanding Chords
Mark introduces a few more minor chords. He also provides a monster chord exercise.
Length: 16:36 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Strumming Exercises
Mark Lincoln continues his discussion of chords and strumming. He introduces several new exercises in this lesson.
Length: 19:30 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Music Theory and Barre Chords
Mark covers several topics in this lesson. He explains scales and barre chords. He also demonstrates how to find notes on the fretboard.
Length: 21:45 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
E Shape Barre Chords
Mark Lincoln covers E shaped barre chords in greater depth. Mark refers to these chords as "Type 1" barre chords.
Length: 15:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
A Shape Barre Chords
Mark covers the A Shape / Type 2 barre chords in greater depth.
Length: 17:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Minor Barre Chords
Mark introduces minor barre chords that utilize the shape of the "open" Em chord.
Length: 13:10 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
A Minor Shape Barre Chords
Mark introduces minor barre chords based on the shape of the "open" Am chord. He refers to these chords as "Type 2 Minor" barre chords.
Length: 12:36 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Mini Barre Chord
Mark demonstrates abbreviated versions of the "Type 1" and "Type 2" barre chords. He calls these "mini barre" chords.
Length: 17:43 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
A Shape Mini Barre
Mark teaches the "mini barre" version of the A major shaped barre chord. He also explains dissonance.
Length: 20:29 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Minor Mini Barre Chords
Mark Lincoln applies mini-barre chord concepts to minor chords.
Length: 12:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Guitar Technique
Mark Lincoln explains essential components of guitar technique.
Length: 15:59 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Guitar Dynamics
Mark Lincoln explains how dynamics can enhance your playing. He covers topics such as volume, tempo, rests, and more.
Length: 27:48 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Transistion Strums
Mark Lincoln explains more about guitar technique. This time around he introduces "transition strums" and continues his discussion of liquid chords.
Length: 26:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Harmonic Technique
Mark Lincoln explains what harmonics are and how they are played.
Length: 15:31 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Expanding Liquid Chords
Mark Lincoln expands on the concept of liquid chords. He explains new chord variations and how they can be changed in mid-strum.
Length: 16:21 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Spicing up Chords
Mark demonstrates how chord progressions can be spiced up by adding hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Length: 12:21 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Chord Fingering
Mark explains how chord fingerings must be altered when applying "liquid chord" concepts. He also provides a few new "liquid chord" exercises.
Length: 11:10 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Precision Strumming
Mark returns to the land of chords. This time around, he provides an exercise that contains four variations on the A chord.
Length: 14:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
D to D in Six Steps
Mark provides a chord progression that shifts from one D chord to another in six steps.
Length: 15:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Voicings and Construction
Mark delves deeper into chord construction and alternate chord voicings.
Length: 13:36 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Quantitative and Qualitative Changes
Mark tests your guitar knowledge with a pop quiz. Then, he discusses quantitative and qualitative changes.
Length: 22:54 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Quantitative and Qualitative Review
In the 26th installment of his basic guitar series, Mark reviews the quantitative and qualitative changes he presented in lesson 25.
Length: 17:34 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Rhythm and Guitar
Mark provides exercises designed to make you a better rhythm player.
Length: 0:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Expanded Rhythm Exercise
Mark Lincoln expands on the rhythm exercise from lesson 27. This time around he incorporates several C based chords.
Length: 14:31 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Hand Structure
Mark discusses proper playing technique. He provides a few exercises that facilitate right hand mechanics.
Length: 17:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Cadd9 and Dsus2
Mark provides an exercise that features two new chords - Cadd9 and Dsus2.
Length: 0:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Finger Glue and Flexibility
In the 31st lesson, Mark discusses his "finger glue" technique. This technique improves speed and accuracy.
Length: 21:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Reviewing Chord Changes
Mark takes a step back in lesson 32 to explain how to make quick and accurate chord changes.
Length: 22:14 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Sliding
Mark explains how to use the slide technique between chords.
Length: 19:24 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Keeping Time While Playing
Mark reviews qualitative and quantitative changes. He explains how to keep time while performing these changes.
Length: 21:17 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
A Minor Progression
Mark discusses qualitative and quantitative changes within an A minor progression.
Length: 19:56 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Chord Transistions
Mark Lincoln discusses several techniques that can be used when transitioning between chords.
Length: 21:43 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Transistions Revisited
In this lesson, Mark once again covers the subject of chord transitions. This time around, he focuses on barre chords and includes several helpful exercises.
Length: 23:25 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Playing Individual Notes
In lesson 38, Mark discusses how playing single notes rather than chords can spice up your playing.
Length: 22:56 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rocking Out
Lesson 39 is all about rocking out. Mark discusses some tips to take your playing to the next level.
Length: 18:08 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Slash Chords
Lesson 40 takes a deeper look at slash chords. Mark discusses why they're called slash chords, and how they are formed.
Length: 14:42 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Strumming from the Wrist
In lesson 41, Mark reviews the warm-up section and provides new tips on playing adequately from the wrist.
Length: 22:09 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Raising the Barre
Mark builds further on barre chord techniques and liquid chords.
Length: 17:24 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Building on Your Chord Knowledge
In lesson 43, Mark discusses additional skills related to learning and playing chords, specifically "liquification" of chords.
Length: 20:42 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Experiment With Playing
Lesson 44 is all about trying new things. Mark discusses experimenting with your playing in order to take it to the next level.
Length: 17:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Diversifying
In this lesson, Mark once again talks about changing up chord derivatives to create a more unique sound.
Length: 20:56 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Shaping the Hands
In lesson 46, Mark explains how to maximize your options by maintaining chord shapes while playing.
Length: 21:44 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Precision Strumming
Today, Mark takes in depth look at strumming.
Length: 23:57 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Shine Like the Sun
Mark Lincoln teaches an original song entitled "Shine Like the Sun."
Length: 18:59 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Changing Chords : Accuracy and Speed
Mark teaches some useful information on how to mix postures, "finger glue," and techniques to make your chord changes speedy and more effective.
Length: 30:56 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Play Along with Mulitple Chord Voicings
In this lesson, Mark guides you through the world of alternate chord voicings. He teaches several shapes and shows how they can be used to enhance your playing.
Length: 23:06 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Understanding Liquified Chords
Mark brings us a very appealing aspect to better understand the guitar. With his explanation of "liquified" chords, mark will explain how to move up and down the guitar to create different chord voicing.
Length: 25:32 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
About Mark Lincoln
View Full Biography
Mark Lincoln was born in S. California but was raised near Portland Oregon in a town called Beaverton. When he was twelve years old, he began his journey into the realm of the creative by composing poetry and was later published in a journal called "In Dappled Sunlight." He wrote for four years until his older sister blessed him with his first guitar, an old beat-up nylon stringed classical guitar. Mark played that guitar for five years, continuing to compose his own lyrics and starting the process of matching his own words with chords that he was learning on the guitar. He learned to play chords from his friends and from music books that he both bought and borrowed. Mark cited his four biggest influences, at that point at least, as The Who, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, The Rolling Stones.
Mark cites his most current influences as Radiohead, U2, older music by REM, and Peter Gabriel amongst others. He performs with two acoustic guitars, one being a six-string M-36 Martin with a three-pieced back for increased bass response, and a Guild Twelve-string which is his most recent acquisition. Mark is fond of saying that the twelve-string guitar is better because you get two guitars for the price of one, but he still plays his Martin equally as much and with the same passion.
Mark ended up in Fort Collins Colorado where he currently lives, works as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and continues to write, teach and perform music. He currently performs with a group called "Black Nelson" as well as with a number of other seasoned professional musicians including his cousin David, a virtuoso lead-guitar player. Mark has performed in many of the smaller venues in Denver and Boulder, as well as some of the larger ones including the Fox Theatre, The Boulder Theatre, Herman's Hideaway, and also at The Soiled Dove where he opened for Jefferson Starship as a soloist. Some of Mark's originals are also available for your listening pleasure on MySpace.
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Should the action increase slightly as you move up the neck? Or be exactly the same in the first fret and the twelfth fret?
Hey Mark, I don't want to sound stupid because i am very new at guitar, but my chords arn't in the same order ar your or something becsause when i strum the second chord from the top it says it's "G" but you said it is supposed to be "A" i don't understand. are my strings wrong?
hi Mark was made very easy for me ,,thanks
Mark, I find the question and answers here to be very helpful. Thanks and looking forward.
Mark, what was a two string chord called again? And what is it that makes a chord open?
Hi Mark, thanks for teaching, that was a great lesson but i didn't quite get the technique that you're using to position your hand and play the cords. Is it important to keep your wrist DOWN while plying? Some teachers say that creating a space between the neck and your wrist will help you reach out farther.
Hi Mark, Just a bit confused on the chords.On the tablature for the A Major it shows an x on the low E.Does this mean the low E is not strummed? Similarly for the D Major,the low E and the A have an x next to them.
Hey Mark, yes the "X"indicates a muted string although in the case of the A chord you really could strum the low E string because there's an E note in the A. It's just not usually tabbed out that way. Thanks for writing in! ML
Hey Mark. Enjoying the lessons so far. Where is it best to store a guitar (i.e. will a damp basement or a dry, heated house affect it)?
They don't like damp!! Best place is where the temperature is most constant and, importantly, not directly next to heating radiatiors. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious - but I do know someone who left a guitar resting on a central heating radiator.... Disaster.
Hey Mike how are you? Read my article on the site entitled "How to Kill your guitar"...much info about guitar storage and humidity...good luck! Mark
How often should I change strings?
Hey again KRobins...changing strings depends on how often and how strenuous of a player you are. Also, the quality of string will dictate longevity as well. Do you know how to play harmonics? ML
I get the harmonics to work good on the D,G,B, & high E strings.
Hey Robinson keep in mind as well that harmonics are more difficult to achieve on older strings so you may very well need to change those strings after all. Mark
sup mark, i never understood why the low e, sting 1 was string one, the 6th string should be string one. Another thing is that low E should be high E and the 6th string should be low E based off the sound..but oh well..lol, just venting
Hey Script! I think the logic behind that is that the fretboard is arranged from low to high and so the highest string is considered the top dog, or most important string. Otherwise, I agree sometimes it seems that the system is a little topsey turvey. Mark
Dear Mark, Every now in then when I'm playing, my guitar produces this weird buzzing noise. I just tuned it with an electronic tuner and it seems perfectly tuned. so do you know how I could solve this problem?
Hey CM buzzing can be caused by a number of things including user error (let's hope not!) and/or problems with the neck of the guitar. I would need to see you play and maybe see the guitar as well. Mark
Hi Mark, enjoying the lessons. Is it common for the guitar to go out of tune after playing just two or three songs, or is it just my cheap $150 guitar?
Hey Bert how are you? Tuning issues can be caused by a number of problems ranging from intonation issues (which can be remedied by any luthier or guitar shop) to simpler, cheaper issues like replacing the strings or stretching them out after you put a new set on. It's really hard to say what's causing your problem but it's likely easy to fix. Mark
heymark, where do i get the paper imformation on how to read the chords and stuff from lesson two section 5?
i want all the tab and music sin I can learn to play along, where do we get that
its either in the supplemental content tab or the "info about this lesson" tab.
Mark, I would really like to learn and know more about the capo, how it's used, why it's used and the different sounds it can produce. Thanks
how do I get access to the tab that the instructor was talking about. I want to be abe to copy all tab for every lesson
Hey Marak - - I've been messing around trying to learn on my own for about a year, including taking a bi-monthly 'lesson" with a local player. I really really need to begin with the basics and progress methodically. I chose you as the instrutor for the basics series - hey you look like a lot more fun that some of the others.... and I am really enjoying the lessons. I look forward to revieiwing a new one every evening. Somehow I feel like this Jamplay is exactly what I needed - it's very nicely done, and i am enjoying you as the instructor. Keep it up - -you and your pacing are perfect. I once again have hope that I can do this!
Hey Wreatha thanks for the great letter! Sometimes an instructor's style just seems to fit perfectly with how a person learns and I think that's what I'm hearing you say to me as well. Great to hear from you! Mark
hey mark great lesson but i cant seem to consistently keep my ring finger from touching the high e string on the D chord. i dunno if its cause im just beginning or i have i big fingers. this something im just going to have to work on right?
Hey Knight how are you? Yes, over time you'll develop more and more finger strength and you'll hopefully be able to avoid those strings. But...keep in mind that many people play that type of barre chord and simply mute the high_E string. I wouldn't want you to just stop trying to do it correctly but there is some flexibility built into the system. Mark
Hey Mark....great instruction. I am recently retired from the AF and always wanted to master this instrument. I love the smooth sound of Martins...So I picked myself up one - DC-1E. I love it...great guitar at an affordable price. Tried to learn once on an old Mederia (sp) and hated it. so...here's my question....Action...from 1st to 12th fret...what is a acceptable variance? I have some, but compared to the old Mederia...this Martin is a piece of cake. Just ant to know WHEN to take it to the shop...thx Good work and I'm looking forward to your remaining lessons
Mark, I noticed on the D chord diagram it showed and X. I don't believe you said what that meant.
Hey GD, the "X" means that the string is muted or simply not played. Mark
Mark, Great lesson. I have a question about a comment you made about having trouble tuning a guitar and how far the strings are from the fret board. I have an electronic tuner, and I seem to be about to tune the guitar, but at the first fret all of the strings are about 1mm from the top of the fret. At the 12th fret all of the strings are about 4mm from the top of the fret. Is this enough difference to warrent a trip to my LGS(Local Guitar Shop) for some work. Thanks. JeffH
Hey JJ! Yes, if the distance between the strings and fretboard (aka the "action" of the guitar) is that far apart as it progresses up the neck you most certainly would benefit from a visit to a local tech or luthier! Good luck my friend! Mark
OK, grammer error, replace above "about" with "able"
Hey Mark, brand new to the site, and loving it, and glad I picked you as my first instructor. I'm having a lot of trouble with the open D chord. It's just hard for my fingers to land it fluently, and even when they do I'm not getting that clean sound. Is that normal for beginners with this particular chord? My open A came much easier. Thanks, can't wait to see what else you have in store for me!
Hey Dave how are you? Many beginning players struggle with the D and you shouldn't worry too much about that. Just keep playing it and playing it and eventually (soon right?) one day you'll notice that you're playing it without even thinking about it. Keep at it my friend and thanks for writing in! Mark
Hey mark, i'm doing great, thanks for asking. Okay I appreciate the answer, that makes me feel a lot better. For sure going to keep on it. Thanks again for the reply!
Mark, great lesson...quick question. On scene 5 of open chords, you are referring to the A chord tabs as 00222, but on the tab sheet it shows A chord as 02220.....color me confused.
Hi Don how are you? Yes, thanks for pointing that out, but you know as well as I do that the A chord is definitely x02220! I appreciare your vigilance my friend! Mark
So far so good. I like the way that you proceed with the lesson's, you don't talk to me like I am a 8 year old. That would get old very fast. I think I will start to progress at a steady rate, I had no direction in my garage teaching myself how to do this. This is not like riding a bicycle at first, but it should get easier as we go. Thank you for your help.
Hey Craig thanks for writing...yes, guitar is a little like riding a bike in the sense that there will be parts and pieces that you will pick back up over time but...I agree with you that if you don't keep playing consistently you do start to loose skills. Thanks for the great feedback! Mark
Thanks Mark - Really enjoying the course so far and picking up lots of useful stuff. Many thanks !!
Hello! I really like your course but one thing is missing and i think it is of great importance : You don't mention in this section that some strings are not to be played (the ones with an x on top of them) and from a really beginner point of view, it could really be necessary to explain it even if you don't explain the logic of it. I know that most of the members won't see this comment but i hope that this will enlighten some of those who read it and that you could "update" your video (if possible) for future members. Keep up the good work, i love this site and your courses (guitar performance is my second favorite section).
Hey Jay thanks for the input about dubbing strings. I do explain that in most of my lessons but I may have inadvertently missed it on one or two occasions and I apologize for that. As you know now though, an X over the top indicates that the string should be muted but I guess you know that now! Thanks for the great input though. Mark
Mark When talking about tab you said refer to the paperwork in front of you.I don't have any, how do I get it from your site...cheers
Look at the "info about this lesson" section/tab, and print it out if you want a hard copy :)
Mark, another question I'd like to learn more about is the different types of strings. What manufacturer is your favorite, and why? What is considered "good" strings for your guitar whether it be acoustic, or electric. Thanks
Hi Mingo, I prefer Martin 80-20 Bronze wound strings mainly because I like the sound they produce. I usually use light gauge or mediums. Most players find strings they like and stick with that choice because hey...if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Jam on! Mark Lincoln
Mingo Falls, nice to hear from you. I'm not sure who taught you to keep your fingers close to the frets (and maybe I'm not understanding exactly what you mean) but ideally you want your fingers to fall dead center between the frets. That is the sweet spot and should produce the purest sound. There is some leeway as to how close you can get to the frets without it changing the sound and muting or buzzing but really you should be in the center. Mark Lincoln
Nice tip. I usually kept my fingers close to the fret too.
Question: When you play an A Chord, your first finger on the D string, or 4th string, is not close to the fret, but yet it still gives a good clear ring. My question is: How come? We are taught to keep our fingers as close to the fret as possible. How come the 4th string rings clear with your finger further away from the fret? I'm alittle confused about that issue. Thanks