How to Switch Chords Faster
A major complaint of many beginning guitarists is that they are unable to change chords quickly enough to play along with many songs. Learning to switch chords faster is a process of training your brain and your muscles so that you can easily switch from one chord to another with a minimal amount of effort. Once you practice some helpful strategies that apply to forming and changing chords, you will be on your way to playing guitar skillfully.
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Instructions
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1
Form a chord on the guitar by holding down the appropriate strings. Take your time and double-check your fingering if you are unfamiliar with the chord to make sure that it is correct.
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2
Lift all of your fingers simultaneously about 1 cm off the strings.
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3
Place your fingers back down onto the strings in the same chordal position that you initiated in Step 1. When you lower your fingers to the strings, make all of your fingers touch the strings simultaneously.
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4
Repeat the exercise of lifting and placing your fingers back down on the strings for that one chord. After at least 30 seconds of this, you can try a different chord.
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5
Shape your fingers into the position of the next chord as soon as you begin releasing the previous chord in situations where you switch from one chord to another. Having your fingers in the correct formation allows you to place them down at the same time.
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6
Switch back and forth between chords within a song bit by bit. For example, if the first part of a song involves repeated switching between G and C, practice switching between these two chords over and over. Once you feel more comfortable with them, practice the next switching progression in the song.
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Practice forming chord formations with your fingers even when you aren't playing guitar. Perform this type of "air" practice periodically throughout the day to build muscle memory.
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References
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