Being a “Frugal Guitarist” means getting the most bang for your buck. It means taking out the fluff, getting down to what’s important and making the most out of your time. After-all time is money, well you get the idea. Unfortunately, there is no short-cut to being a great guitarist, but hopefully you can avoid getting stuck in a rut and some of the common pitfalls.

LESSON 1- Open Chords

Anchor Fingers - fingers that do not move between chord changes.
Buddy Fingers - fingers that change location, but maintain the same position and spacing in the new chord.

The First Few Chords

C, F, & G major are the first three chords everyone should learn, in my opinion. Just like skinning a cat, there are many ways to play these chords, none of which are any better than the other. However, it is important to be familiar with all the possible ways to skin a cat. Remember, you are beginning a journey, young grasshopper.

Beginners C-F-G (four fingers)

C major (open – actually C9)

• Place the 3rd & 4th fingers on the 1st & 2nd strings on the 3rd fret. These are the anchor fingers and do not change position when the chord is changed. (This will leave marks on your fingertips. It will hurt, but you can take it.)
• Next, place your 2nd finger on the 5th string at the 3rd fret and then the 1st finger on the 2nd string 2nd fret. (Strum it ‘til your heart’s content. Make sure your fingers are arched and that will help eliminate any buzzing.)

F major (Actually F major 6/9)

• In order to change to the F chord all you need to move is your 1st & 2nd fingers, which are your Buddy Fingers. Move the 2nd finger to the 4th string, but stay on the same fret (3rd fret). The first finger should stay right with its buddy and follow to the 3rd string, 2nd fret.
• Practice strumming and changing between C and F until you’ve got it down. Remember you’re only moving your 1st and 2nd fingers, and they are moving together. (Because they’re buddies, right?)

G major

• Changing to G major simply requires another movement of your buddy fingers. Move your 2nd finger to the 3rd fret on the 6th string. The 1st finger should fall right into place on the 2nd fret of the 5th string, right behind its buddy. Hot Damn! You’ve made a G major chord.
• Now, practice until your fingers are bleeding.

Intermediate C-F-G (four fingers)

C major

• You know the basic open C major form; simply place your pinkie (4th finger) on the 3rd fret of the 1st string. This is your anchor finger.

F major (Actually F major 9)

• For F major leave the 1st and 4th fingers anchored in place and move your buddy fingers to the 4th and 3rd strings. The 3rd finger should be on the 4th string, 3rd fret. The 2nd finger should be on the 3rd string, 2nd fret. Now practice these two chords and the changes necessary to go back and forth. Hopefully the buddy fingers are making it easy for you to change.

G major

• To change to a G major chord, first move your buddy fingers to the 6th and 5th strings. Your 3rd finger should be on the 6th string, 3rd fret its buddy, the 2nd finger should be on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Your 1st finger lifts off and gets to rest while the 4th finger stays in place as the anchor. Just like the directions on your shampoo bottle you might want to rinse and repeat.

Advanced C-F-G

Let’s be serious, if you call yourself an “advanced” player then you don’t need a lesson on C-F-G!