It seems if we could just get the note names down a huge amount of confusion about guitar would be taken care of. Finding all E notes should not take a lot of time. That is a question I might ask a student to see how they are thinking about the guitar. I'll ask them how many E notes can they find. Results vary wildly. If we are going to have a chance at taming this thing, can we agree that locating notes is a good first step? I'd start thinking about or reviewing the CAGED system as soon as possible. Those chords should be mastered within a few weeks of starting guitar and they should sound quite good. That means we strum the correct amount of strings while being in tune and not having any dead notes and strummed with a bit of confidence. We will add more to this discussion soon. Before then, take a few minutes and strum these chords in this order:

E A D G C


Did that not sound good? If not, why? You have to figure that out. More chords, notes patterns and connections coming soon.


I'm a guitar teacher in Cedar Rapids, IA and have been teaching since the 70's. I make videos to show examples I'd like my students to work on or share things that have been helpful to students. Please subscribe, like, comment and share. Always glad to know what you think.

I am grateful for tips. You can use the Super Thanks option on the video or use these links if you are feeling generous:

www.venmo.com/Brooke-Hoover-9
paypal.me/brookehoover1

These links gets the loot straight to me! THANKS!!!

I created a 46 page book about chords. Would be glad to send you one. Use this link www.ebay.com/itm/392463438894 or contact me directly via email at hooverguitar@yahoo.com

Check out my Reverb shop. I am always selling and buying guitars and amps. reverb.com/shop/buzzkill-guitar-set-up-service

For free pdf files email me at hooverguitar@yahoo.com

My band is Surf Zombies. Check out our bandcamp site for vinyl, hoodies, shirts, stickers, lighters, picks, CDs, bottle openers etc:
surfzombies.bandcamp.com/

We produced a video that is loads of fun:
   • Brand new Surf Zombies video: Badass