10-Day Guitar Challenge: Day 1

Instructor: Andy Crowley

Overview:

• Objective: Play guitar for 10 minutes a day for 10 days.
• Day 1 Focus: Absolute beginner's first lesson.
• **Goals: **Learn the easiest two chords (E major, A major) and play your first song within 10 minutes.

Guitar Anatomy Basics

• Frets: Metal strips down the guitar neck.
• Strings: Numbered 1 to 6, thinnest to thickest.
• Fret Areas: Spaces between the metal strips; e.g., fret 1, fret 2, fret 3.
• Finger Placement: Fingers should be placed near the metal strip but not on it.
• Tips: Use the tips of fingers, thumb directly behind the finger on the guitar.

E Major Chord (E Chord)

• **Finger Placement: **
  • First (index) finger: 3rd string, 1st fret.
  • Middle finger: 5th string, 2nd fret.
  • Third (ring) finger: 4th string, 2nd fret.
• Strumming: Strum all six strings.
• Common Issues:
  • Ensure all strings ring out clearly.
  • Fingers should be on tips and as close to the fret edge as possible.
  • Check elimination of buzzing or muted strings by proper finger pressure and placement.

A Major Chord (A Chord)

• Transition from E Major: Keep the first finger down, slide it to 2nd fret.
• Finger Placement:
  • First (index) finger: 3rd string, 2nd fret.
  • Middle finger: 4th string, 2nd fret.
  • Third (ring) finger: 2nd string, 2nd fret.
• Strumming: Strum from the 5th string down.
• Tips: Keep the first finger around the middle of the fret to fit the other two fingers.

Practice Tips

• **Finger Stretches: ** Ensure each finger is bent at the joint to stay on tips.
• Maintain First Finger as Anchor: Helps with transitioning chords.
• Drill Changes: Practice switching between E major and A major.
• Strumming and Rhythm: Practice strumming evenly and on beat.
• Practice Duration: Aim for 10 minutes of practice focusing on E-A-E transitions.

First Song: "For What It’s Worth" by Buffalo Springfield.

• Chords Used: E major, A major.
• Pattern: Strum E chord 4 times, switch to A chord, strum 4 times, repeat.
• Strum Pattern: Strum on the beat every 1-2-3-4 count.
• Objective: Keep strumming hand moving while changing chords.

Homework:

• Practice:
  • E major and A major chords.
  • Changes between E major and A major.
  • Play the song pattern for about a minute.
• Duration: Practice for a total of 10 minutes.

What’s Next:

• Day 2: Learn a new chord and a new song with an easy lead guitar part.
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Remember: Keep practicing, maintain proper finger positions, and do not rush the chord changes. Happy playing!