Are you learning these skills? If not, we can help.

Essentials

  • Tune your instrument (using a tuner), quicker the better. Check tuning often!
  • Learn G, C, D, and A chords, fingering each string accurately, for clear sound (check by sounding each string individually, making sure it’s clear and not muted) Bass and fiddle players don’t make chords, but need to know which notes go with which chord.
  • Switch smoothly between chords, with accurate fingering (with each switch, sound any problem string individually, making sure it’s clear, not muted). Practice these sequences:
    G-D-G (most common)
    G-C-G
    D-A-D
    C-D-C
    G-A-G
  • Change chords without looking, cleanly and quickly
  • Maintain a rhythm pattern while changing chords accurately
  • Follow chord changes watching a guitar player
  • Find a slow jam that uses only G, C, D, and A, or play along with a slow jam recording

A super-easy, no-fail play-along session with Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick. The one instruction resource that every new player needs… right along with his/her first instrument!

Learn More

Jamming is easier and better when you can…

  • Remember chord changes of a new song – which chords happen and when
  • Anticipate chord changes, to make them at exactly the right time
  • Sing a song while playing, with accurate chording and a consistent rhythm pattern
  • Play and sing a song straight through with no pauses or hesitations
  • Play and sing a song fluently from memory, not using a written version

You can add a lot to a jam if you can…

  • Lead a song. Skills include knowing how to intro a song before playing (give key and chord changes to watch for), designate solos, ending, etc
  • Fake an instrumental solo on the fly, following the chord changes, melody optional
  • Sing harmony
  • Know how to find jams and/or how to start one