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Lesson 3a – Chord learning routine: Em and G chords-

1 Introduction 

 1.1 What will you learn 

In this lesson, you will learn to play a new section of our final song, and how to play the Em and G chord. 

Once you master this new section you will have further musical vocabulary,  better right and left hand coordination and improved finger picking technique.

You will also build on the song from lesson 2, and start exploring different styles of guitar playing.

1.2 What will happen after this lesson 

You will feel positive that you can learn to play the guitar with fun, as you will have understood that you are able to target all goals, by dividing the learning process into manageable, satisfying  steps.

2 Warm up 

Warm up with the following phrase:

Learn it slowly.

Count it in. 

  • Listen
  • Imagine  what I have  just done. 
  • Sing  what I have  just done.
  • Play with me. 

Play the notes on the 6th string with your thumb. Play the notes on the 4th string alternating  between the index, and middle finger. I will play the phrase 4 times.

Notice that I play louder the ands.

Play it with me a bit faster.

Now play it with the recording.

3 The Song

Learn this song with the Em and G chords. Learn how to play the Em and G chord.

3.1   The Goal

In order to  learn how to play the Em and G chord and play this song you will need to practice:

1 Each chord on its own

2 How to join them and create the groove 

3 The melody

4 The song from start to finish.

Note:This practice routine breaks up your learning of  how to play the Em and G chord, into manageable steps. If you jump any step, for example practice directly step 4,  you most probably will end up playing the song very poorly, and feeling very frustrated. So, practice the full routine in order.

3.2 Step one Practice each chord on its own 

3.2.1 Chord Learning Routine on Em

Apply the chord learning routine to the Em Chord.

  • Place your fingers in order.
  • Name the bass.   
  • Play one string at a time from the bass. 
  • Clarity check: adjust your hands.
  • Repeat and play one string at a time from the bass. 

3.2.2 Chord Learning Routine on G

Apply the chord learning routine to the G Chord.

  • Place your fingers in order.
  • Name the bass.   
  • Play one string at a time from the bass. 
  • Clarity check: adjust your hands.
  • Repeat and play one string at a time from the bass. 

7 Assignments 

Quiz

What does l.i.s.p stand for?

Why learn a melody with the lisp routine? 

How many bars does 2, (warm up), have?

Draw on the guitar fretboard diagram 6 shapes of the Em and G chords. The Em chord is made up of the notes: e, g, and b . The G chord is made up of the notes: g, b, and d.

7.1 Record yourself

Record yourself in video, with your phone, playing 2. ( the Warm Up.) Your recording must answer yes to the following check questions. Once you are satisfied please submit your recording.

Check questions 

  • Did you turn on your metronome? 
  • Did you tap your feet while recording?
  • Did you count it in?
  • Did you sing what you were doing? 
  • Did you play it non stop?