Practice Guidelines for "E-Chord Study"

Practice Video

Remember to practice using a metronome. At any time, you may visit Metronome Online.

A metronome setting of 40 beats per minute (bpm) might be a good starting point.

For "E-Chord Study," consider it a goal (not a requirement) to achieve the tempo in this practice video (66 bpm). (Text Version)

Improve

Consider the following questions. Select each question for helpful playing tips and practice exercises.

Does each note have a clear sound?

If the sound is unclear, be sure your left-hand fingertips are next to the frets. Add a little more left-hand pressure if necessary. If the sound is still unclear, consider using lighter gauge strings (which are easier to press down) on your guitar.

Are the tempo and rhythm even and consistent?

Practice using your left hand alone (without playing the strings with your right hand). Practice until you can place your left-hand fingers in rhythm. Practice with and without the metronome. Focus on your left-hand fingers and form. Select icon to view this example video. (Text Version)



Is the song complete?

Focus on problem areas when practicing, but also spend time practicing as if you were performing. Set a goal in each of your practice sessions to play "E-Chord Study" a set number of times (perhaps three) without stopping to correct mistakes.

Are you experiencing physical discomfort or pain while practicing?

Depending on the type of guitar or strings you are using, some discomfort in the left-hand fingertips can be normal (particularly for beginning guitar players). If you experience pain or discomfort in any other area (such as your wrists, arms, shoulders, back, or legs), you should stop practicing.

Check to be sure that you are sitting up straight, holding the guitar correctly, and using correct form.

Contact your instructor if you are unable to correct the problem.

Build Your Skills

E Minor Chord: Try strumming the E minor chord along with "Spanish Song." You may practice strumming along with the following practice video for "Spanish Song" or your own video performance of "Spanish Song."(Text Version)

E Major Chord No. 1: Experiment by moving the E major chord shape to various locations up and down the neck of the guitar. The following study has a traditional Spanish sound. Play downstrokes using a brush strum. Select the video link to review: (Text Version)

E Major Chord No. 2: The next study has more of a popular sound. Play downstrokes using a guitar pick: Select icon to view this example video. (Text Version)

Practice Daily

Set aside time to practice. Begin by allocating 30 minutes per day for focused practice. Try to maintain a regular practice schedule.

Reserve some of your practice time to review and practice other music you have learned. Print the score from "Spanish Song." (Download Acrobat)