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August 3, 2024

Florian Kockott

HG22: The 19 Ways to Manipulate the E Chord (Beginner-Friendly)

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.

In this video, you can listen to the exercise, you can watch me play it, and I’ll teach you through 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

  1. Spend a while on each manipulation so you gain the most out of it.

  2. Play each application provided so you get an idea of what’s possible.

  3. 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

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Who Is This Guy?

Hi, I’m Florian,

Just a passionate guitarist since 2004, with (almost) two decades of teaching experience and two degrees in music education.

I’m the go-to guy for guitar players who…

Feel trapped in a loop of tutorials, courses, and gear, yet still sound the same as they did a year ago.

… Want to fully understand and master the guitar but don’t know where to start.

Realize it’s time to stop struggling alone and start making meaningful progress.

Since 2007, I’ve empowered guitar players to turn challenges into victories, giving them the tools to play freely and creatively—and ultimately, fall back in love with their guitar.

Still loving it!

Here is how I can help (if you let me):

'The Spark' - Go From Beginner to Intermediate Guitarist in 5 Stages

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