How to Change Chords on Time While Strumming Guitar

Changing chords on time while strumming is a crucial skill when playing guitar. If changing chords without slowing down or fumbling is difficult for you… You are not alone. In this lesson, you'll learn the critical techniques that enable you to change chords smoothly and on time.
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[@danielketchum1472]

I’m a 64 yo beginner and appreciate your instruction but also your personality!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks, Daniel. I appreciate that!

[@christopherking5607]

This video was amazing, i have improved so much in just 30 minutes!!!

[@TomasMichaud]

That's great. I'm glad to hear that.

[@ronwilliams1198]

I just finished a 8 week, one hour lesson plan and we never got to the cords! I found your videos by accident. I cant believe after years of having my guitar sit in a closet due to discouragement, Im actually changing between 3 cords and playing along with your jam track! Ive got medium strings and will re-string with lighter strings as you suggested on another video. I cant thank you enough!!

[@dougalmaguire3781]

The best lesson I've found on smooth chord changes so far, many thanks Tomas this helped so much!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome Dougal. Thanks for commenting.

[@TomasMichaud]

Did this lesson I've created give you something that you can act on to improve? What was it?

[@oldnick1114]

Tomas Michaud you explained it really well, the part in which you explained that we should change the chord few seconds before, was 👌👌👍.

[@joetroutt7425]

Although it sounds great and experienced players may do it but thinking about the next chord doesn't really help that much. (If you can't correctly form the shape then you can't really visualizing it) It really just comes by instinctively knowing when the next change will be through the rhythm. Consistent practice is the key getting your hand use to forming the chord shape. Anchor fingers work well as well as two finger chord shapes for extremely slow learner's to get finger Independence going and then add the third finger after the first two are comfortable resting correctly on the strings. Just my opinion though. I've tried​ it several ways from several different teachers and have gotten success from the methods I've mentioned and I've only been playing 3 weeks. Although not cleanly but most certainly in time I can play and sing the song Turn the Page by Bob Segar (Em D A C) and I play the traditional C chord which is a lot harder to change to but sounds better. Dedication and ALOT of practice is what it takes.

[@udayanmustafi3963]

Very helpful tutorial.. & teaching style is very good..

[@jakesalvador1583]

pro trick: watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using it for watching all kinds of movies lately.

[@frederickdemetrius7022]

@Jake Salvador yup, I've been using flixzone} for months myself =)

[@wanderingpratik3170]

You're the only KZbinr who actually wants us to learn ❤️ thank you

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Wandering Pratik

[@micky_T123]

No he’s not

[@markjone671]

OMG. I like you. You explain things really well. You are now my guitar teacher of choice. After just 5 minutes of instruction I was switching between those 2 chords with much greater ease. Thank you.

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Mark. Glad I could help.

[@ryanh4975]

The G and that C are start to Every Rose Has Its Thorn

[@unboxingthetechworld6479]

It's actually the D 🥲

[@TheShubbah]

thank you for this video, I will try and learn from it! :)

[@bac5902]

Wow!!! Been needing something like this and I was blessed to come across your video. Thanks a million and it will not be forgotten. 🙂

[@TomasMichaud]

I'm glad you found this helpful Bac.

[@julessanchez9216]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, great video !! It seems to me that strumming can be one of the hardest to get on guitar, it requires knowledge of chords, timing and lots of practice ! It’s like anything, it’s the journey that makes the destination so enjoyable !

[@TomasMichaud]

I agree Jules. Fortunately you can take each of the elements a little at a time.

[@mannyr1709]

The best KZbin teacher! .. without too much music theory!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Osmanysr. Glad I could help.

[@MathinusG]

Thanks, you made it clear and easy to follow. I've had a lot of problems with someone who play by feel and uses the lyrics as his only point of reference for changing chords and strum. The timing up to the next word is of his own making. It was impossible for me to follow or work out what the timing or strum pattern was. Thought it was me as he kept saying you've just got to feel it.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Mathinus.

[@trevnutz]

Great lesson thank you 👍

[@edcrutchfield3447]

You amaze me 🎸. You cover it all in a slow through approach. THANK YOU 😊

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Ed.

[@luminouscali]

This is the exact video I needed! Thank you so much!!!!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're so welcome!

[@StardustRenegade]

This is extremely helpful for beginners! Thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Nick.

[@incredibad85]

Subscribed! Thanks Tom , you have a great teaching spirit. 💯

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Jared. Welcome!

[@JoshandRosypeterson]

Thank you so much for this lesson. You rock and you are an excelente teacher!!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thank you! 😃

[@nasimfatima8333]

Really thank you so much and grateful to share such a wonderful experience.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hemantadawn6545]

Really helpful demonstration.Got enough inspiration to play cord. Cord playing was a phobia to me.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help Hemanta Dawn.

[@Keith6830]

That was lovely Thank you will do this Daily

[@TomasMichaud]

You are so welcome Keith.

[@henrywilliam7008]

So simple to follow you Sir. Its fun to learn the guitar this way. Long awaited guitar tutor. I will subscribe definitely.

[@TomasMichaud]

Welcome aboard Henry!

[@jimgorski7302]

Great video. Thanks!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Jim. You're very welcome.

[@tristanbunn3298]

This vid is great! Thanks so much!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're so welcome Tristan!

[@suyogsankhe9948]

It was very helpful. Thank you.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful Suyog!

[@anoobjohn3996]

Thank you so much:)

[@prasadpankar3794]

SUPERBBBBBBBBBBBBB... I have seen so many videos on the subject, but nothing like this one... Thank you so much for this...!!! 🤘

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Prasad.

[@chetansuryawanshi9378]

Wow that was great lesson helped me a lot

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad to hear it Chetan!

[@Matt-id5uj]

thank you for your cool Jam track sir!!!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Matthew.

[@carpetsomalia7904]

Straight forward exercise.Thank you

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome.

[@davidrivera4901]

You did a great job that I am doing improving everyday ..................Thanks.

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks !😀

[@thecriticmaster1]

I'm a new player @ 54 yo ... Im a blues harmonica player of 4 years I really enjoyed this lesson ; Million dollar lesson for a fella like me at my level Thank you Al Walker =) Alberta Canada 🇨🇦

[@TomasMichaud]

I'm glad you found it helpful Al.

[@Dyslexic-Artist-Theory-on-Time]

Very good info!!!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks!

[@malcolmdavies5990]

Thank you for the video very helpful

[@TomasMichaud]

You are welcome Malcolm!

[@chrisarredondo8673]

thank you kind gentleman ❤

[@jdalabama9792]

Thanks! Just what the doctor ordered!!

[@harshrajreigns5573]

Thank you so much sir....it really added incredible value to me.

[@TomasMichaud]

You are most welcome

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

Tomas you are a great teacher

[@TomasMichaud]

Thank you Steve.

[@davidchaplin2570]

As always Tom, you are the best!!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks David.

[@-tigercry1713]

Thank Tomas channel

[@silenthill8312]

Thanks a lot, you're an amazing teacher

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome!

[@MUmer-et5lg]

Hey Tom u r amazing seriously

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Umer.

[@xeniahendley6483]

This video is super old but wow, it really did help me. Thanks for the tips Tomas!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Xenia.

[@Akhtarzik]

awesome sir love from india ❤😗

[@TomasMichaud]

Did you find the Jam Track helpful (link in the description below)?

[@ankanmishra7697]

Tomas Michaud Yess...Thanks a lot Sir..:)

[@Sash248]

2yrs late to the party but 15mins on a metronome really shows sir ...well done and thank you

[@MattiaCampagnano]

Yeah after a while I can flawlessly go part 1 through part 4 in time with the jam track.

[@petechawk]

OK. I am sold. Signing up on Guitar Success.

[@TomasMichaud]

Thank you, petechawk.

[@annamariehewitt3173]

You're a Great Teacher....I use Hammer Ons in my strumming...It gives a really different sound but then I taught myself how to play guitar years ago when I couldn't afford a book on how to play it....

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks, Annamarie. I appreciate it.

[@reminraj1754]

Thanks a lot to find out the jam track and avoid borring practice....

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome Remin.

[@ricksmit2779]

Thanks Tomas

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome Rick.

[@choochoochooseyou]

Excellent

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks

[@peedee1262]

Thank you kindly sir 👍🏾

[@TomasMichaud]

Very welcome

[@annleal2321]

I love it ..i learn

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Ann.

[@yasinurrahman6713]

Thank you Sir

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome.

[@sgtbreacher9390]

You've helped me quite a lot ! Bless you ! Salutations from Romania :)

[@TomasMichaud]

Happy to help!

[@vipulsaini3993]

Best teacher ever💫

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Vipul.

[@jizelle1790]

Thank you very much for helpful video.. I was about to give up. Been learning for six months but you said it took you a year to get everything to come together. Will keep trying now thanks to you.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it helped Jizelle!

[@jizelle1790]

@@TomasMichaud Thanks so much for giving me inspiration and motivation to continue.

[@rajeshpamkajal8923]

Much appreciated

[@TomasMichaud]

My pleasure Rajesh.

[@rajeshpamkajal8923]

@@TomasMichaud 💐

[@Jarwin_Wuhnol]

Great video! Wondering if you have a slightly more advanced version of this video in the works... a part 2 so-to-speak. Keep up the great work.

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks, Daniel. I don't have that in the works yet, but I'd be glad to add that to the list of upcoming videos. Can you tell me more about what you would be looking for?

[@MUmer-et5lg]

Tomas thanks buddy

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome Umer.

[@moham_bm6009]

Thanks🌹

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome 😊

[@alpacino2107]

Thanks a lot 😭😭

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome!

[@scotthewitt5765]

i have owned guitars for years always a pause in my change of chords except for today, don't get me wrong , i didn't suddenly become Jimmy Hendrix but for the first time in my life i have actually played consecutive chords consistantley thank you Sir

[@snarsiman]

Simply 👏👏👏👏

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks 🙂

[@mariloumarinas502]

you're a big help to me sir Tomas! can yu play some praise and worship songs with basic chords? God bless yu more! PHILIPPINES🇵🇭

[@peymanpr8006]

very nice💙💎💙

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks, Peyman.

[@holyspiritofgodinperson6957]

Nice

[@elevatedpsalms2865]

thank u sir. your viedos are easily understanding and more over its very interesting to watch.some times i laugh by seeing your gestures and facial expression .very useful

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks, Paul. I have fun making these videos... and I'm happy you like them. I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment. It helps me get the energy to make more :)

[@elevatedpsalms2865]

your way of teaching is absolutely effective sir.Really i was not in a mood to study guitar but after seeing ur vedio i got the interest to study and i just subscribed your channel.i was in search of a good youtube tutor.now i got it.thank u sir.God bls you

[@elevatedpsalms2865]

most important thing that i have noticed in your way of teaching is that your slow action and the number of times you show the chords so that every one get through to it .yesterday i studied b minor csharpminor chords from your vedios .

[@oldnick1114]

Hi tomas it would be really helpful if you make a video on "how to play barre chords" coz this is something that's inhibiting me to go forward in playing😇😇😇

[@TomasMichaud]

Hi Nick. It's a problem for many. I did an entire guide on bar chords for that reason. Here's the link: www.tomasmichaud.com/bar-chords-suck/

[@noodlesiis]

Superb… and the hat ain’t bad neither.. NOODLES London..

[@romaholcomb7768]

I use the song can't you see by Molly hatchet, to practice these cords.

[@TomasMichaud]

That sound like a great idea. Is that a remake of the song by Marshall Tucker or does it just happen to have the same name?

[@yasinurrahman6713]

Woah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@markbundy1694]

Excellent Information... Thank You!!!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful Mark! Can you think of any other videos you'd like to see me make?

[@markbundy1694]

@@TomasMichaud ... how to make barre chords easier, for dumbies...

[@guitargriff3490]

@UCIOwahhbV1ecke9TmXTNggg The secret to barre chords is to make sure your 1st finger is straight across the strings, then gradually apply pressure until the strings ring cleanly. After that, add each finger making sure all strings continue to ring. Hope that helps...

[@markbundy1694]

@@guitargriff3490 ... Do you do Skype Lessons?

[@guitargriff3490]

@@markbundy1694 Hi Mark, sorry I've just picked up your message. Yes I do. How can I get in touch with you..?

[@paulwagner9931]

Tomas you are way to advanced for this 80 year old guy. In this video it seems like you went from a beginner lesson to a advance lesson. Been at it for a little over 3mo. I can't seem to remember from one day to the next. My practice time is at least 45 minutes a day. Wasting my time I guess. Thank you for trying to help.

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome Paul. This might help: www.tomasmichaud.com/signup-beginner-guitar-adults/

[@dylanthomas7443]

Tomas love your coaching. Thanks. What model is that Yamaha you are playing?

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Dylan. That one is the Yamaha LL16D ARE Original Jumbo.

[@lamareskin]

What happens when we’re strumming the and after the 4? Because whenever I strum the and then start to change chords it starts buzzing because I remove my hand while it’s still ringing. What do you suggest I do? Also amazing video thank you

[@daninobin8229]

Hi ,, iam new bie and want to learn guitar 🎸.could u pls tell like in a song there are variation of chord changes how to know which chord and when to change it???

[@addridasgupta6967]

Wow white mike tyson..but it really helped tho..grateful :)

[@harikarki4540]

what is freet and numbering? and where I learn from chords

[@ajeebprani]

U r so cool

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks!

[@udayanmustafi3963]

🎸

[@malia_444]

I don't have a guitar with 6 string I only have ukelele, does still work for me?

[@outdoorsman9384]

Thomas I bought some thin pics from fender thay sound a little clicky on strings, are thay ok , or should I try heavier pics

[@guitargriff3490]

There are 3 factors that you might think about when trying to find your perfect pick. Shape (how pointy the pick is), size (how large or small the pick is) and the sound of the material on the string. You might try a variety of picks to find this out...

[@ABI-qy2bu]

Sir which jam track app are you using? Can you please share the link

[@TomasMichaud]

I think I'm using Band In A Box for this one.

[@raju_the_king]

Thank you Tomas Where do you get the jam tracks please

[@TomasMichaud]

Hi Raj. I make them. This will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKGToJaJjZKdi7s

[@raju_the_king]

Thank you Tomas

[@btruffaut4509]

I am really struggling to understand the difference between exercise 1 and 2? You’re only changing once and changing at the same time in both. Is someone able to clarify? Thanks in advance

[@harikarki4540]

my guitar hero I am in love with you

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Hari.

[@jmacsfuzzbunny]

I've been playing for about 9 months now, and I just want to add that a few weeks ago (and before I discovered Tomas!) I injured myself going back and forth on a similar chord structure trying to play Taylor Swift's "Fifteen" - I did some minor nerve damage to my 3rd finger because the Cadd9 was a new chord for me and I was playing along in time with the karaoke cd. Because my fingers weren't trained to change chords safely, and I dove right in full tempo, the result was that I was pressing WAYY too hard on that one finger over and over and over, and I had some numbness. It resolved within a few days, but I couldn't practice using that finger AT ALL during that time so that it could heal and I felt like I was going crazy! So any beginners out there.. please be careful. Start off slow and train your fingers properly!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks great advice!

[@paullee1521]

7:00 is when it starts....

[@jackieo5287]

👍👍👍👍

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Jackie'O.

[@davidrivera4901]

I meant I am improving everday.

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks David. I'm glad to hear that.

[@XricheeX]

so I've been playing for almost a month now, and I can easily switch between the chords I know (I now know around 15 chords I think?) but its only when I do the full 4 count strumming pattern, for each chord. then I wanted to play the a team by ed Sheeran, from ultimate guitar and I just completely lose the strumming pattern when I have to switch the chords irregular (is that a word? idk English is not my first language)

[@TomasMichaud]

Hi Richelle. It's nice to hear from you. Many students underestimate how hard it is to finger chords, strum, and change chords all at the same time. The A Team is not terribly hard... but you might want to work up to it. I usually recommend students to learn a few chords and play a few songs that use just those few chords. That way you get the experience of putting it all together before adding more chords and learning more complex songs. Keep at it Richelle... Persistence will carry the day :)

[@alexgochman6654]

I have problem when pass from Chord Am to D because my last finger always come with delay.

[@ahmadalbaihaqqi8253]

just try to move it slowly and then a bit faster..bit by bit, you'll get it..

[@alexgochman6654]

@@ahmadalbaihaqqi8253 so i need to move finger by finger or all 3 finger in parallel?

[@ahmadalbaihaqqi8253]

@@alexgochman6654 move your pointy finger first.. the rest will follow..

[@TomasMichaud]

There are already some great comments here Alex. I would add to create a simple exercise switching from Am to D and practice it a little bit every day. Experiment with all the techniques mentioned as you do this. Many students underestimate the value of doing something over and over little by little and making small changes as you do this..

[@urbancommute5239]

I've been trying to change chords but every time I do my fingers end up on the wrong strings.

[@TomasMichaud]

That sounds about right. It will take practice.

[@urbancommute5239]

@@TomasMichaud .....Thank you, I'm up now still practicing. Lol

[@urbancommute5239]

@@TomasMichaud .......Do you provide advice on how to apply notes and rythem?

[@ryanh4975]

I have a gig with 50,000 people tomorrow. Still can't get my chord switching right 😅😅

[@TomasMichaud]

Wow.. I'd love to hear how it went.

[@PARTNER4907]

I wat, do u speak to tamil notes&lessons

[@TomasMichaud]

No Tamal Arun. I speak English and rough Spanish.

[@harrdgamerz8139]

I've changed 3k into 3.1k likes ✌️❤️

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Harrd.

[@shailendrapawar8608]

Cute lisp man.

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks 🙂

[@Matt-id5uj]

with all due respect sir I don't play my G like that

[@TomasMichaud]

No problem Matthew... you can play the G any way you want. In fact, I use many different forms of "G". I've created a post with 5 versions here: www.tomasmichaud.com/right-way-play-g-chord/ (there are more).

[@Matt-id5uj]

oh thanks I didn't even know it's have so many variations of G I know f. you see mr. Thomas I don't have a guitar teacher. I tutor myself

[@johnke996]

Did anybody understand this? I found it hopelessly confusing.