5 Guitar Playing Tips - Learn to Play Guitar Chords

Many people are aspiring to learn how to play the guitar. The guitar has risen into a certain level of popularity that it has become a symbol of talent, creativity and "coolness."

However, learning how to play the guitar is no joke. Learning to play the instrument requires one to learn how to play the chords. This article tries to give some helpful tips to individuals who would want to learn how to play guitar chords.

1. Get a chord chart

Playing guitar chords is just like playing chords in an organ. If one is learning to play the guitar alone (without a teacher), having a guitar chord book is his best bet. A guitar chord book demonstrates the different finger positions when playing different types of chords. The pressed strings are usually depicted with dots and the strings which are not supposed to be plucked are marked with an "x."

A chord book is a beginner's best friend. Memorizing chords without the help of a guitar teacher will be an impossible task if not for the chord book.

2. One at a time

There are dozens and dozens of different guitar chords which show themselves in different formations. Trying to memorize them in a single blow is close to impossible. Learning how to play guitar chords requires patience and lots of practice. Try practicing three chords that are can be played together (ex. A-E-D) on a single day and try to familiarize oneself with the transition between these chords. Don't try to take every chord in one sitting, it simply can't be done.

3. Be aware of the right hand

An important thing to remember when learning how to play guitar chords is that the movement of the right hand is as important as the movement of the left hand. Most beginners would find themselves taking breaks in strumming until the left hand positions itself properly for the next chord. This is normal during the first few day of practice, but at some point, the right hand should dictate the tempo of the movements of both hands. Strumming or plucking shouldn't be delayed.

4. Listen to guitar-intensive songs whenever possible

One should learn how to play the guitar with some inspiration at the back of his head. Listening to good guitar players will give one some idea of where he would want to go in the future.

5. Learn the different forms of chords

As stated earlier, guitar chords present themselves in various forms. One should be familiar with the different forms so as to bring flexibility in to playing. One popular form of chords which is widely used in rock music is the "power chords" they are simply and heavy-sounding.

Playing guitar chords is not as hard as one would think. Learning to play guitar chords is a basic and essential part of guitar playing, it lays down the foundation of good guitar playing skills. If one has the perseverance and the passion to play the guitar, he will eventually learn how to play the chords and advance into more intricate lessons.

All About Owning and Playing the Soprano Ukulele

The soprano ukulele is one of four sizes for this musical instrument. It is the one most people think of when they see or hear of a ukulele performance. It is the most common of the ukulele types and the smallest of the four. The Ukulele is strongly linked to the Hawaiian Islands, but was originally brought there by Portuguese immigrants.

The guitar-like instrument is available in four sizes. A soprano version is the smallest, followed by the concert, tenor and baritone sizes. A soprano-size ukulele usually measures up to thirteen inches on the strings with a maximum length of 21 inches.

The tuning for the soprano ukulele, or standard ukulele as it is traditionally known is G C E A. The G is tuned one octave higher than the other three notes. The G may also be tuned as a low G. Another popular tuning for the soprano and the concert sizes is the sequence A D F# B. It is one step higher and is said produce a sweeter sound.

The D tuning was the most popular method used during the Hawaiian music craze that hit the country during the early 1900s. This tuning sequence is the one used in the Canadian school system. The A D F# B sequence is sometimes known as Canadian tuning.

The other sizes of ukulele instruments are tuned differently, each producing a unique sound and style of playing. There are also some more exotic styles and sizes of ukuleles. These include the banjo, harp and lap steel ukulele.

Almost all ukuleles today are made of wood, the less expensive ones will be of laminated wood or ply construction. The soundboards for the lesser quality instruments will be made of spruce. As the ukuleles move up the quality list, they will be made of acoustically superior woods such as mahogany or koa, a Hawaiian specialty wood. These instruments are tremendously valuable and can cost thousands of dollars.

The traditional ukulele shape is a figure eight, similar to a small-size acoustic guitar. More unusual shapes include a pineapple shape, boat paddle shape or a square shape. There are kits sold so that musicians can construct their own instrument for very little monetary outlay.

Learning to play the soprano ukulele is fairly simple, particularly if you are already knowledgeable about chords. Tuning advice and introductory lessons can be found online or in music stores. As with any other musical instrument, practice makes the player more proficient. The short length of the scale makes the ukulele a good starting point for those wanting to begin playing a plucked string musical instrument.