C
C · E · G
Learn this chord →Build a guide for the sound you enjoy
A genre is a starting point. These curated examples use a specific musical context, rather than promising that one scale works over every song in that style. Beginner means a gentle introduction to this style after your first open chords.
Changing style offers that style's own starting keys. Tempo and individual exercises can be edited after saving a routine.
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Your folk & singer-songwriter starting point
Make a clear accompaniment that leaves room for a voice or melody. Start with open shapes, add suspended or seventh colours gradually, and keep the bass notes steady. Simple picking patterns can grow from the same chord sequence.
Use a comfortable acoustic volume and a relaxed fretting hand. The plan starts with standard shapes; change voicing if another shape fits your hand better.
Chords for this example
Play one four-beat bar per chord in the listed order. When just one chord is shown, stay on that chord. Compare voicings before choosing a comfortable shape.
C → Am → G → C
A scale to explore: C Major Pentatonic
Use this scale as a starting palette for the displayed progression. Begin or finish a short phrase on a note in the current chord; not every scale note is a resting note over every chord.
Notes: C · D · E · G · A
Your ten-minute practice plan
- 2 minutes · Find the pulse. Pick the lowest sounding chord string, then one upper string, keeping the pulse steady. Only pick strings allowed by the chosen diagram.
- 3 minutes · Chord changes. Play one bar per chord. Start with one strum on beat 1; then pick a bass note followed by an upper note while keeping the same pulse.
- 3 minutes · A few scale notes. Play slowly at 60 BPM or slower, then choose two or three notes for a short phrase.
- 2 minutes · Make music. Alternate the chord groove and your answer. Leave space, and stop if you feel pain.
This is an original practice example, not a transcription of a commercial song.
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