About.com Beginner Guitar Lesson Nine

Part 1

In lesson one of this special feature on learning the guitar, we were introduced to the parts of the guitar, learned to tune the instrument, learned a chromatic scale, and learned Gmajor, Cmajor, and Dmajor chords. Guitar Lesson two taught us to play Eminor, Aminor, and Dminor chords, an E phrygian scale, a few basic strumming patterns, and the names of the open strings. In Guitar Lesson three, we learned how to play a blues scale, Emajor, Amajor, and Fmajor chords, and a new strumming pattern. Lesson four introduced us to power chords, basic note names on the sixth and fifth string, and new strumming patterns. In lesson five, we studied sharps and flats, were introduced to barre chords, learned to read tab, and learned a basic 12-bar blues. Then, in lesson six, we tackled 7th chords, more barre chords, a new strumming pattern, and a movable chromatic scale pattern. We learned the basics of fingerpicking, another barre chord, hammer-ons, and pull-offs in lesson seven. In the eighth lesson in the series, we learned more fingerpicking patterns, alternating bass note strums, sliding, and string bends. If you are not familiar with any of these concepts, it is advised that you revisit these lessons before proceeding.

What You'll Learn in Lesson Nine

We'll learn a major scale pattern in two octaves, a complex strumming pattern, the sus4 chord, a more advanced bending technique.

Are you ready? Good, let's start guitar lesson nine.

Part 2 - The Major Scale

The major scale is the foundation upon which our music system is built. It contains seven notes (do - re - mi - fa - so - la - ti). If you've seen "The Sound of Music", you'll remember the song about the major scale... "Do(e), a deer, a female deer. Re (ray) a drop of golden sun..." We're going to learn this scale on guitar, in two octaves.

Major Scale Pattern

Listen: an A major scale in RealAudio or MP3.

This pattern for the major scale is a movable pattern, with the root on the sixth string. Meaning, if you start the scale on the third fret of the sixth string, you're playing a G major scale. If you start at the eighth fret, you're playing a C major scale.
It is extremely important when playing this scale to stay in position. Start the scale with your second finger on the sixth string, followed by the fourth finger on the sixth string. The next note will be played with your first finger on the fifth string, etc. It is important to be sure that each finger in your fretting hand is responsible for only one fret on the guitar when playing the scale. For example, when playing an A major scale (fifth fret), your first finger will play all notes on the fourth fret, your second finger will play all notes on the fifth fret, your third finger will play all notes on the sixth fret, and your fourth finger will play all notes on the seventh fret.

Performance Notes:

* As always, use ALTERNATE PICKING as your primary method of performing this scale. You can also practice the scale using all upstrokes, or all downstrokes, etc.
* Memorize this scale. You'll use it extensively in years to come, if you want to learn to read music, or to play lead guitar.
* Play it forwards, then backwards, in a slow, even tempo. Build up speed only when your technique at slower tempos is flawless.

Now, let's move on to learning a new strum.

Part 3 - Strumming Patterns

In lesson eight, we started learning how to incorporate bass notes into our strumming patterns. Now, we'll explore that concept further, except now we'll try and incorporate single notes within the chord with our strumming patterns.

NOTE: The following exercises use guitar tablature for illustration. If you are unfamiliar with this, take a moment to learn how to read guitar tablature.

A Strum Based on G7

Listen to clip in RealAudio or MP3.

This one will be tricky at first, but as your picking accuracy increases, it'll sound better and better. In your fretting hand, hold down a Gmajor chord, with your second finger on the sixth string, first finger on the fifth string, and third finger on the first string. Now, strike the sixth string with your pick, and follow that by down and up strums on the bottom four strings of the chord. Use the above tablature to complete the rest of the pattern. When finished playing the pattern once, loop it multiple times. Be sure to keep your picking motion constant, whether you are playing a single note, or strumming a chord. If you are too deliberate while playing the single notes, it will break the flow of your strum, and the resulting pattern will sound choppy.

A Strum Based on Dmajor

Listen to clip in RealAudio or MP3.

This somewhat tricky strum should really help us work on our picking accuracy. You'll note that this strum also incorporates a hammer-on in the fretting hand - which is rather common. Begin by holding down a Dmajor chord in your fretting hand. Now, play the fourth string with a downstroke, and follow that by strumming the remaining three notes in the chord with a down and up strum. Then, play the open fifth string, followed again by a down and up strum of the remaining three notes. Now, play the open fourth string again, followed by a down and up strum. Then, take your first finger off the third string, play it open, then hammer your first finger back on to the second fret. Complete the strum with another down and up strum, and you've finished the pattern once. Try it until you get the hang of it, then loop the pattern. It will seem much less complex in no time.

Remember:

* It is extremely important, when playing the above patterns, to keep your strumming motion constant, whether you're playing the single notes or the full chords.

* You might find that at first you accidentally play several strings when trying to strum one string. Don't get upset, just try to remedy the problem.

* When hammering on, make sure that both the initial, and hammered on notes ring. * These new strums are rather complex, and will probably be overwhelming at first. Don't get frustrated! You'll get the hang of it eventually!

Now, let's move on to learning how to play sus4 chords.

Part 4 - Sus4 Chords

We've learned a variety of chords in previous lessons, and today, we're going to have a look at a new type - the "sus4" (or suspended fourth) chord. Sus4 chords (pronounced "suss four") are often (but NOT always) used in combination with a major or minor chord of the same letter name. For example, it's very common to see the chord progression Dmaj to Dsus4 to Dmaj. Or, alternately something like this: Asus4 to Amin. As you learn these chords, try playing them, then following each with a major or minor chord of the same letter name.

Asus4 Chord
This is a chord which you can fret several ways, depending on which chord you're coming from/moving to. If you are planning to follow this chord with an Aminor, you can fret the Aminor chord, then add your fourth (pinky) finger to the third fret of the second string. Or, if coming from/going to an Amajor chord, you can fret the notes on the fourth and third strings with your first finger, while playing the second string note with your second finger. Lastly, you could try playing the fourth string with your first finger, third string with your second, and second string with your third.

Practice:

* Amaj to Asus4 to Amaj
* Dmaj to Asus4 to Dmaj
* Amin to Asus4 to Amin

Csus4 Chord
You have to be careful not to strum the sixth or first strings when playing this chord. Use your third finger to play the note on the fifth string, your fourth finger to play the note on the fourth string, and your first finger to play the note on the second string.

Practice:

* Cmaj to Csus4 to Cmaj
* Dmin to Csus4 to Cmaj

Dsus4 Chord
This is an incredibly common chord you'll see all the time. If going from Dsus4 to Dmaj, use your first finger on the third string, your third finger on the second string, and your pinky finger on the first string. If going from Dsus4 to Dmin, try your second finger on the third string, your third finger on the second string, and your fourth finger on the first string.

Practice:

* Dsus4 to Dmin
* Dmaj to Dsus4 to Dmaj
* Dmaj to Dmin to Dsus4

Esus4 Chord
Try playing this with your second finger on the fifth string, your third finger on the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the third string (some people switch second and third fingers). You could also try first finger on fifth string, second finger on fourth, and third finger on third, in an "A major chord" shape.

Practice:

* Esus4 to Emaj
* Emin to Esus4 to Emin
* Amaj to Esus4 to Amaj


Fsus4 Chord
Play this chord by placing your third finger on the fourth string, your fourth finger on the third string, and your first finger on the remaining two strings. Be careful to only play the bottom four strings.

Practice:

* Fmaj to Fsus4 to Fmaj
* Cmaj to Fsus4 to Fmaj


Gsus4 Chord
Pay attention to the fifth string on this chord - it should NOT be played. Use your third finger (playing the note on the sixth string) to lightly touch the fifth string, so it doesn't ring. Your first finger should play the note on the second string, while your fourth finger plays the note on the first string.

Practice:

* Gsus4 to Gmaj
* Amin to Gsus4 to Gmaj
* Gsus4 to Gmaj to Csus4 to Cmaj

Sus4 Barre Chords

6th String Sus4 Chord
Like all barre chords, we can learn one chord shape and move it around, to create many more sus4 chords. The diagram to the left illustrates the basic shape of the sus4 chord with the root on the sixth string. When playing the chord, be aware that the notes on the second and first strings are *optional*, and don't need to be played. You can try playing this chord shape by barring with your first finger, then playing the note on the fifth string with your second finger, fourth string with the third finger, and third string with fourth finger. Alternately, you could try playing the sixth string with your first finger, barring the fifth, fourth, and third strings with your third finger, and avoid playing the second and first strings.

Practice:

* Bsus4 to Bmaj
* F#sus4 to F#min
* Dsus4 to Dmaj to Gsus4 to Gmaj

5th String Sus4 Chord
The diagram to the left illustrates the basic shape of the sus4 chord with the root on the fifth string. When playing this voicing, be aware that the note on the first string is *optional*, and is often left off. You can finger this chord shape by putting your first finger on the fifth string (and optionally the first string as well), your second finger on the fourth string, your third finger on the third string, and your fourth finger on the second string. Alternately, you could try playing the fifth string with your first finger, barring the fourth and third strings with your third finger, and playing the second string with your fourth finger.

Practice:

* Esus4 to Emaj
* C#sus4 to C#min

* Gsus4 to Gmaj to Fsus4 to Fmaj

You Should Know:

* Sus4 chords are also commonly referred to as simply "sus" or "suspended" chords.

* Sus4 chords tend to feel "unresolved" if left hanging - you probably wouldn't want to end a song on a sus4 chord.

* Many guitarists insert sus4 chords into music with simple major and minor chords, to spice up a guitar part.

Got it? Now, let's talk about sight reading and other topics essential for guitarists to learn.

Part 5 - Slight Reading and More Essential Knowledge

There comes a point in the development of a guitarist that he/she must decide if they're really interested in learning guitar. If the answer is "yes", then learning the basics of sight reading is essential.

Until this point, I've tried to keep the lessons as "fun" as possible, free from excessive technical exercises, musical theory, and sight reading. Although I'll continue to present the lessons in this way, the truth is, if you want to become a real musician, these are all important areas to explore.

Although in a perfect world, I'd be able to provide you with a great online resource for learning to sight read music on the guitar, the topic is just too broad in scope to be handled well online. Currently, there are no other resources on the web which do a good job of teaching guitarists to read music. So, I'm going to recommend a purchase - the excellent Modern Method for Guitar books, by William G. Leavitt.

A Modern Method for Guitar Vol. 1
by William G. Leavitt
ISBN# 0793525454
Compare prices at MySimon.

Often referred to as "the Berklee books", this series of inexpensive (usually under $15) publications is a valuable resource for working on sight reading, and honing your technical skills on the guitar. Leavitt does not hold your hand through the learning process, but with some focused practice you'll learn to read music, and improve your technique through playing some of the etudes presented within the book. You can spend a great deal of time with these books (there are three in the series), as there is a ton of information contained within the pages of each edition. If you are serious about becoming a "musician", rather than someone who just strums a guitar at parties (not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that), I highly recommend that you pick up at least one of these publications.

Other Essentials

There are a few things every guitarist worth their salt should own. Here's some info on a few of these essentials.

Change of Strings - It's Murphy's Law... guitar strings break at the exact time you need them not to. You'll have to accept that, and be sure to always own at least one full set of unused strings, so you can replace any that break immediately. You should also be changing your strings at least once every couple of months (more often if you play constantly). For more detailed instructions on how to change guitar strings, take a look at this illustrated string changing tutorial.

Collection of Picks - Definitely own a reasonable collection of picks, so you don't have to go hunting between the pillows of your couch if you ever lose one. I'd suggest finding a favorite brand and thickness of pick, and sticking with it. Personally, I avoid those extra thin picks like the plague.

Capo - This is a small device which wraps around the neck of your guitar, pinching the strings off at a specific fret. It is used to make the guitar sound higher, so you could sing at a higher pitch if a song is too low for you. As long as you don't lose them, a capo should last you a long time (many years), so it's a worthwhile investment. I have found that Shubb capos work best for me - they're a little more expensive (about $20), but worth the extra money.

Metronome - An essential item for the serious guitarist. A metronome is a simple gadget which emits a steady click at a speed which you determine. Sounds boring, right? They're great for practicing with - to make sure you're keeping in time. These little devices will improve your musicianship incredibly, and can be found for as little as $20. Thankfully, there are also some software versions of metronomes, which you can run directly from your computer. Check out the freely downloadable PC shareware KeepTime, or the Macintosh software Drone.

Now, let's move on to learning songs.

Part 6 - Learning Songs

We're making a lot of progress, so understandably, the songs each week are getting harder and harder. If you're finding these overwhelming at first, try looking for some easier songs to play in the easy song tabs archive.

In case you need a refresher, here are the pages to check open chords, power chords, barre chords, and sus4 chords.

For Song Downloads Please Refer to About.com

NOTE: A few of the following song transcriptions use tablature. If you are unfamiliar with this term, take a moment to learn how to read guitar tablature.

Needle and the Damage Done - performed by Neil Young
NOTES: this song is great for practicing the strumming concept we learned today, as well as for improving your picking accuracy. This will take some time to master, but it's worth it.
MP3: iTunes download

Happy Xmas (War is Over) - performed by John Lennon
NOTES: Lots of sus4 chords in this one. This song is in waltz (three four) time, so strum: down, down up down up.

You've Got to Hide your Love Away - performed by The Beatles
NOTES: As with the above Lennon tune, this is a waltz... strum: down, down up, down up. This should be a fairly simple song that illustrates the use of a Dsus4 chord. (This is an Oasis tab, but the idea is the same)

The Man Who Sold the World - performed by David Bowie/Nirvana
NOTES: this song is neat for several reasons - there are some neat chord movements, and the riffs are great. If you study the guitar riffs, you'll notice that some of them are simply major scales in one octave.
MP3: iTunes download
(this mp3 is the Nirvana version of the song from the MTV Unplugged set .)

Part 7 - Practice Schedule

As I do every lesson, I'm going to plead with you to go back over old lessons - we have covered such a vast amount of material, it's highly doubtful you remember how to play everything we've learned. After you've done that, you can focus on the following:

* First, make sure your guitar is in tune.

* Download one of the software versions of a metronome, and use it to practice with.

* Practice the major scale, using the metronome to keep time (pick a tempo you're comfortable with)

* Review barre chords we've covered. Also, go over the newly learned sus4 chord. Pay attention to how similar sus4 chords are to major chords with the same letter name.

* Practice this lesson's advanced strumming pattern. This is a tough one, but you're going to want to incorporate these concepts into your strumming, so it's worth the work.

* Try some string bends, slides, hammer ons and pull offs whenever you play guitar. Try playing your scales with these techniques.

* Keep practicing the fingerpicking patterns from lesson seven and lesson eight, and the songs from those lessons that use them.

* Try to play all of the songs above, plus keep playing those from previous lessons.

If you have any comments, criticisms, or random thoughts on these lessons, please feel free to e-mail me. I'd love to hear that they are working for you, and if they aren't I'd like to know how I can make them better.

If you're feeling confident with everything we've learned so far, I suggest trying to find a few songs you're interested in, and learn them on your own. You can use the easy song tabs archive, the greatest albums tab and lyrics archive, or the guitar tab area of the site to hunt down the music that you'd enjoy learning the most. Try memorizing some of these songs, rather than always looking at the music to play them.

In lesson ten, we'll tackle palm muting, a more advanced bending technique, chord inversions, new songs, and much more. Best of luck, and keep on strummin'!