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Guitar Made Easy
By Louise Slavnic
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About the Author
Louise Slavnic is the holder of a Diploma of Teaching
[Primary – Australian Catholic University] and Bachelor of
Education [Primary –Australian Catholic University]. She
has a passion for helping people of all ages reach their
goals, and realize their potential in all parts of life. Louise
learned to play the guitar at 8 years of age. Now with over
20 years playing the guitar, teaching children and adults to play guitar as a
hobby, Louise has combined her educational skills and practical experiences to
develop the Guitar Made Easy video/workbook program. Remember her words of encouragement: “You’ll always be glad you can play.”
Published in Australia
Attention – Disclaimer – Important
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in
regard to the subject matter covered. The information herein is based upon the
author/publishers’ experience and opinion only. The author/publisher is not
engaged in professional guitar tuition services. If expert assistance is required, the services of a professional tutor should be sought. Many variables affect
individual results.
© 2002 Potential Plus Publishing : A.B.N 18-068-992-450
A Division of Potential + Plus Corporation Pty. Ltd A.C.N 068992450
PO Box 4112 Knox City Centre VIC Australia
PH: +61-39-753-5221 F: +61-39-222-1499 E: potentialplus@hotkey.net.au
www.guitarmadeeasy.net
Guitar Made Easy For Beginners Of All Ages
Guitar Made Easy - Index
Part 1......................................................................................... 5
1c) Strumming and using a Plectrum.............................................................. 14
Part 2....................................................................................... 18
2b) Finger Conditioning and Chord Change Practice...................................... 21
Part 3....................................................................................... 25
3a) Fundamental 4/4 Rhythm Strum............................................................... 25
3b) 3/4 Rhythm Structure & Practice Routine................................................ 31
Part 4....................................................................................... 35
4a) Chords, Chords, Chords & More Practice Songs ..................................... 35
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Guitar Made Easy For Beginners Of All Ages
4b) OPTIONAL SECTION – Common Chord Combinations........................ 43
4c) OPTIONAL SECTION Common Chord Variations................................ 46
Appendix Index ...................................................................... 49
Appendix 1 : Same Chord – Different Positions ............................................. 50
Appendix 2 : 4/4 - Rhythm Sheet Music Indicator.......................................... 51
Appendix 3 : C Symbols – Meaning ‘Common’ Beat [4/4] ............................ 52
Appendix 4 : C Symbols – Meaning ‘Common’ [4/4] with a kick.................. 53
Appendix 5 : Chords for song appear UNDER words in Sheet Music ........... 54
Appendix 6 : Chords ABOVE Words & Chord Structure NOT Shown ......... 55
Appendix 7 : Chord Structure IS Shown in Sheet Music ................................ 56
Resources................................................................................ 57
Points of Interest – Index........................................................ 80
Reference List......................................................................... 95
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Guitar Made Easy For Beginners Of All Ages
Part 1
1a) Holding the Guitar
When learning to play the guitar it is important to realize that personal style will develop later, and that you should not assume that you will be as accomplished
as those you have seen playing guitar in various bands of sorts (as above
illustration shows).
As previously mentioned, a strap may be used to provide security (some players
do not like the risk of the guitar slipping while they play) whilst sitting or to
allow playing to occur whilst standing up. Again please be aware that this is a
personal thing and you will develop your own style as you practice more you
will discover what is comfortable.
Beginner’s Tips
Some beginners are very aware of how they are holding the guitar and this can
cause undue strain on the body as it is tensed with the anxiety of correct position.
The most important thing about playing the guitar is to enjoy it, to have fun. So
before we even go in to the details of correct position, grip and strumming
action, let’s remember that we are doing this in order to acquire a skill that will bring us great enjoyment all of our lives (and joy to others!).
Naturally some people become more proficient at playing the guitar than others,
and learn very quickly (natural talent one could say). This is not to say that those who take longer do not enjoy it. Remember, whilst some may not have natural
ability, they can still become (very) good guitar players, depending on their
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Guitar Made Easy For Beginners Of All Ages
desire. Often those who have to work harder become better simply because their
commitment is stronger.
How to Hold Your Guitar
1. For starters you should always play sitting down. Make sure it is not a chair
with armrests as you may knock the guitar against them. Although you will
probably be leaning forward to see music, it is best to sit where there is no
danger of the guitar being knocked against anything. Choose a lounge or
table chair that is the right height for you to place music or instructions on a
table in front of you. Try not to use a table that is too low as you will find
yourself leaning forward too much and becoming uncomfortable very
quickly. Plus you will lose your spot on the music/instructions you are
referring to as you are looking too far down.
Obviously a music stand is ideal or a book stand for use on a table. However
these items are not always easy to come by at a reasonable price, but do keep
your eyes out in second hand stores, used goods in newspapers and garage sales
etc. Some people sit on a cushion on the floor! It is up to you how you develop
and practice your style.
Be comfortable, keep the guitar out of danger and be able to see music/instructions clearly.
2. Do not be nervous, simply relax – take things easy and you will learn with
confidence and enjoyment. Once seated appropriately, make sure the strap is
either removed or not touching any of the strings. If you are using a strap,
place it around your neck and shoulders and allow the guitar to sit naturally.
Legs may be crossed or uncrossed, whatever is comfortable. The lower
curved part of the guitar body rests on the right thigh (or left if you are left
handed*). The guitar is lightly supported by the right (*) arm by placing the
hand over the sound hole thereby bending the elbow approximately at the
highest point of the wide part of the guitar body and keeping the wrist slightly
arched.
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Guitar Made Easy For Beginners Of All Ages
3. The neck of the guitar points slightly upward and using your left hand (or
right if you are left handed), nestle the neck in the hollow between your
thumb and forefinger – at the top of the neck. Curve your fingers in slightly.
4. Your left (or right) elbow which is holding the neck should be about 15cm
away from your corresponding side.
This position may feel awkward now, but sooner than you think it will be as
natural as getting comfortable to start driving a car. Remember not to be too
over conscious of the positioning as you will prevent your own comfort and
cause nervousness, thereby affecting your actual playing.
Holding the guitar correctly makes it easier for you to play and you will soon
find out why it is held the way it is suggested here.
IMPORTANT: When playing, the hand around the neck of the guitar is not to
hold any weight of the instrument. This must be on your thigh. The left (or
right) hand is kept free of weight so it can move quickly along the fret board
playing chords or strings.
You will also find that you arms will become sore from being held in these
positions as you are not used to using them in this capacity. The arm over the
top of the guitar and the wrist playing chords will be the most noticeable. Do not be concerned as just like learning any new skill, time is needed for the body to
adjust/strengthen.
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Guitar Made Easy For Beginners Of All Ages
1b) Tuning Methods
1. Piano/Keyboard
2. Pitch Pipe
3. Tuning Machine
4. Using 6th String
1. Piano/Keyboard
As you can see from the illustration, each string has a name that matches a note
on a piano or keyboard. Unless you also happen to know how to play a piano
and have one handy, this method is not really useful. However, if you do have
one around that is perhaps used by others but is available to you, you can always
learn where these notes are. To do this please note:
You tune a guitar from a piano/keyboard from MIDDLE C. This note is found
just below the two black keys near the center of the piano where the maker’s
name usually appears. If you are using a keyboard, sometimes the names of the
notes are written above the keys. Middle C will of course be the ‘C’ that is
closest to the middle.
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Guitar Made Easy For Beginners Of All Ages
Low
MIDDLE C High
To start from the top of the guitar, note that the 6th or top string, is low ‘E’ and therefore you must sound the ‘E’ on the keyboard that is low (as illustrated).
Once you sound the low ‘E’ note on the piano, sound the top string (being sure
that the string is ‘open’), move the tuning key that is attached to it until the
sounds match. If you do not have an ear for it to