Video Question: Open Chords

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Date: April 9th, 2009 | Length: 2.28 | Instructor: Jim Deeming

Aquariarty asked "Hi Steve, I've noticed quite a few open chords where one or two of the strings are x'd out (not included) on the diagram of how to play the chord. My question is how do you play these chords ? Especially if you're strumming, it seems impossible to miss out strings other than the 1st or 6th ? Thanks." Another benefit of being a member of JamPlay is the video response section. Our expert staff fields questions from our members and provides video responses each week.

Other Video Responses:

Acoustic Guitar Strumming Patterns - October 10th, 2007 (1 minutes, 59 seconds)

John Oconnor59 says, "Hi i have just joined jamplay its fabulous lessons thank you i am doing them with steve eulberg he is a great teacher so laid back and makes it easy to understand now i must admit i have been playing for a year but i went back to the basics i enjoyed it i have done lesson 3 the strumming technique it was brilliant cos i have had problems with my strumming... he showed me the different patterns thank you so much to steve and all you folk a marvelous site indeed when Steve show the strumming patterns how it was made easy to me when you got the proper teacher to explain it to you i am from Ireland so i have taken 4 lessons so far as i want spend a bit a time on me strumming no point going next lesson till i get that one right..the question i want to ask hope its not a silly question when it says its best to master phase one before you move to phase 2..does that mean you have to master all the lessons from all the teachers before i move on ? also as i am not that great on my computer skills still learning that as well how do i post a reply so the teacher can see my reply and the other members too ? and if a friend sends me a message how do i reply to that sorry if i seem a bit silly with these questions its just i am learning this computer too kind regards johnny.." View Response

- September 24th, 2008 (2 minutes, 39 seconds)

Nachob asks, "Hey Jamplayers! I got a question, maybe it's too basic, but i still can't figure it out: There are some chords, like the G5 (and some others with a bass note) that have a string in the middle that doesn't have to be played. For instance, the G5 (like shown in the chord chart) is 4-3-0-0-X-2. Now, how can i strum al strings but the fifth, if it is in the middle? Thanks! (feel free to modify the question if my grammar is wrong)" View Response

Fingerpicking and Classical - January 6th, 2009 (1 minutes, 50 seconds)

Anton30 asked "If I'm using a traditional fingerpicking style, what are some of the benefits of learning the classical method of guitar playing also?" View Response

Square Perpendicular Fingers - February 25th, 2008 (6 minutes, 70 seconds)

Dannychoo asks, "i had asked this question on the message forum and got a response, but kinda difficult to visualize it so i thought i'd ask here again. my problem is that i have a difficult time keeping my fingers square to the fret. i've seen videos of people playing scales and their fingers are very square to the fret. mine are always kinda leaning towards one side. i'm also having problems with fingers "flailing" around... as in when my pinky is down my index finger would be like 2 inches off the fret. help please! thanks." View Response

Thumb Independence - May 13th, 2008 (1 minutes, 20 seconds)

Kenstyle asked "How much is the thumb really independent during fingerstyle and how much of it is super coordination with the right hand? thanks in advance!!! Love the lessons." View Response