Here are two more interesting emails and comments I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Email #1
“Hi Dan,
When using the G to C to D chord change would using the Cadd9 chord be much of a difference from the C chord?
They can all work off the D Chord and ‘pivot’ technique.
Many thanks”
– Brian
I love the Cadd9 chord.
It’s a lovely little chord I use a lot.
In fact, whenever I am jamming a super simple example of anything, I often tend to play a G-Cadd9-D chord change.
If you ever listen to the Acoustic Asylum podcast, this is often something I play (with some variations) when I’m highlighting a point.
Cadd9 can be used in place of an ordinary C chord.
…And as Brian said, it makes the change between G-C-D easier.
Songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “Time of Your Life” by Green Day use it to good effect.
To answer Brian’s question, it’s a matter of taste.
Some people say “You can’t do that” about certain things.
They get uppity because technically something is slightly different.
…But personally, I’m all for students having more fun and making progress.
If playing a Cadd9 chord sounds good to you, as it does for me…
…And if you feel it fits the song (either someone else’s or one you are writing), or it makes it easier to play… go for it.
Email #2
“I have struggled for over a year to use MPR. Many, many years ago as a little boy, I learned to read music and worked my way through Alfred’s guitar course on a cheap $20 Sears guitar with very high action.
Technique was never taught and apparently the force required to fret a note or chord became ingrained in muscle memory as my current guitars are very playable. All is well until playing uptempo or more difficult pieces.
It seems the right hand causes the fretting hand to revert to old habits when my mind is diverted away from using minimal pressure. Am I hopeless, Dan?
– Walt
MPR, in case you don’t know, stands for “Minimum Pressure Required”.
The idea is that you always use the least amount of pressure needed to fret any note – no more.
Using more pressure than needed is a waste of energy.
It can lead to slow movements and sore fingers.
Many budget guitars made decades ago often had an awful action or were badly set up.
I’ve had quite a few students bring in old guitars of theirs over the years and I’ve seen this a lot.
That’s one good thing about the modern world – budget guitars are often a lot more playable!
As for Walt, of course, he is not hopeless.
Old habits can be fixed, but they require a conscious effort for a while.
If there is not consistent attention for a while, then the old habit can return like a recurring nightmare where you wake to see the Acoustic Asylum’s “Gatekeeper” staring you in the face night after night.
…But habits can be fixed – 100%.
Really, it’s like a lot of habit-building stuff and it’s all about doing the right things, but with repetition.
Most people sadly just do the repetition part, but they aren’t taught the right things.
They only get half the picture.
To help with all this, I created a series of mini eBooks, all of which are designed to help transform your technique, core skills, musicality (and so much more). You can find out more about it below…
Guitar Domination Super eBook Bundle
Have a great Wednesday and happy practice!
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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