In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews goes back to basics to tackle one of the trickiest and most important chord changes for beginner guitarists: moving from the C chord to the G chord.
He breaks down why this chord change matters, the challenges beginners face, his top practical tips for smoother transitions, and suggests four popular songs to practice your new skills.
Key Talking Points
Why the C to G Chord Change Is So Important
- This change pops up constantly in popular music—think pop, rock, country, and folk.
- Although it’s tricky, mastering this chord change is crucial for building your foundation as a guitarist.
Challenges Beginners Face:
- No pivot fingers or common tones — all fingers must move.
- Big distance between the chord shapes.
- Stray or muted strings as fingers move.
- Timing issues that interrupt a song’s flow.
Tips & Tricks to Improve Your C to G Chord Changes:
Focus on Shape, Sound, and Speed—in That Order
- Lock in the shape before worrying about speed.
- Isolate and practice each chord using the “hand on knee” technique and “folded corners” approach to get fingers down at the same time.
Minimize Unnecessary Movement
- Keep fingers close to the strings—less travel equals faster changes.
Target Practice
- Ensure each finger lands directly where it needs to go.
Air Time
- Start forming the next chord shape before your fingers reach the strings.
Strumming Techniques
- Use the “windshield wipers” method—keep your strumming hand moving even if it means hitting open strings momentarily.
- Try “leaving the party early”—let go of the chord slightly before the change to give your fingers more time to get in position.
Exercise for Tracking Progress:
- Set a timer for 30 seconds and count how many times you can change from C to G and back, one strum per chord. Track your progress over time, but be patient!
Practice Songs Featuring the C to G Change:
- “Love Me Do” (The Beatles) – Primarily G and C, great for simple repetition.
- “Leaving on a Jet Plane” (John Denver) – Focuses on C and G with the occasional D chord.
- “Hey Joe” (Jimi Hendrix) – Five-chord progression, includes C to G in the loop.
- “Ring of Fire” (Johnny Cash) – Fast-paced, lots of C to G transitions.
Additional Resources
Free Guide:
Watch the Episode:
- The video version is available on the Beginner Guitar Academy YouTube channel or at BGAPodcast.com.
Get Structured Support:
Closing Thoughts:
With regular practice and by following Paul’s tips, your C to G chord changes will get quicker and smoother. Don’t rush—progress will come with consistency!
