Hints and tips

The note does not sound clear.

The ideal position for your finger is just behind the fret. Too far back from the fret and the string will rattle off it. Right on top of the fret and it will sound dull. In some chords like “A” only one of your fingers can get into the ideal position so you may also need to press harder on the string. Lastly a common cause when chording is the underside of a left hand finger touching the string you want. Keep a nice arch in your hand whenever possible.

I cannot reach the chord.

Trying moving your whole arm and not just your fingers. I am fairly slim and when I play G my elbow is about 4 inches from my side. Play C and I am just touching my side. For F I swing the guitar neck forward slightly and my elbow ends up in in my tummy. Try different heights of chair.

The tune does not sound quite right.

With older songs like Green Sleeves there can often be two or three versions in circulation. Is there a passing note in the chord that you are forgetting? Is your guitar actually in tune?

Are electronic tuners worth the money?

Yes but they are only useful for fine tuning your guitar. If it is way off then the jump in to your local guitar store and ask nicely if they can tune it for you. Many churches now use guitars so there is another possibility. “Ask and it shall be given unto you.”

What sort of guitar is best?

Instrumental music tends to suit the classical guitar but the style taught here will work on steel string acoustics or even electric guitar. No distortion or overdrive though, keep it clean. If a full size classical feels too bulky in the neck, try a 3/4 size instrument.

I am left handed.

No problem. If you already play a bit just keep on going but if you are yet to start then I would advise playing right handed. Firstly you are teaching both hands to do something they have never done before so neither has the advantage. Secondly when you go to buy a left handed guitar your choice will be very limited and probably expensive. Third if you learn the same way as everyone else you will be able to pick up any guitar and show off your talent and possibly get the girl. Now there’s an incentive if ever there was one!

How much should I practice?

Everyone is different so here are three targets for you to achieve. Target 1, play the piece with no mistakes. Target 2, time how long I take to play the piece once through and see if you can match me. (No prizes for playing too fast!) Target 3, Play without looking at the music.