This is so powerful…
I mean, we take a single open chord every guitarist on the planet can play and get endless sounds out of it (which then inspires idea after idea).
You got to try this! Enjoy!
This beginner lesson features…
… 19 manipulations to the E chord.
… 10 mini applications.
… Fingerpicking & strumming.
You can download the tabs by clicking here (search for ‘HG22 – The 19 Ways to Manipulate the E Chord (Beginner-Friendly)’).
Download it. Print it. Use it.
And here is everything else you need to know. Enjoy!
📈 Difficulty
3/10 (This gives you a rough idea of how difficult it is. If you feel it’s actually easier, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
⏰ Time Estimation
1 Week (This is a rough estimation that can vary widely. If you’re faster, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
💪 Action Steps
Spend a while on each manipulation so you gain the most out of it.
Play each application provided so you get an idea of what’s possible.
Create your own music manipulating the E chord.
✏️ Extra Tips
Tune up your guitar accurately. It’s the only chance these sounds can come out as they should (and it doesn’t just sound weird).
When creating your own music, you can quickly get stuck in the usual. Think of all the things you can change up to get unstuck: fingerpicking patterns, strumming patterns, fingers vs guitar pick, tempo, loud vs quiet, where you play strings (fretboard vs bridge), hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, vibrato, rhythm, …
You can do the same manipulations to all 8 open cowboy chords (E A D G C Em Am Dm). Have fun with it!
🎯 Encouragement
This concept of manipulating something you already know how to play on the guitar is so powerful, so obvious, and yet not done often enough. Take the time to fully explore the E chord. It’s worth it! Enjoy!
Talk soon,
Florian from Hi Guitar