F Major chord in the 1st position below.

F Major Chord

F – Root
A – 3rd
C – 5th

When played on guitar the notes are in this order F, C, F, A, C, F. The F is the Root note. A is the 3rd note in the F major scale and the C is the 5th note in the F major scale.

We strum all 6 strings for the F chord. The F major chord can be played in many places on the guitar. In this example, we are talking about the F in 1st position. This F chord is not technically an open chord, this is a barre chord. Meaning the notes on the 1st fret are all played with the left-hand index finger.

This chord will most likely be the most difficult chord for you so far. Many new players struggle with barring all 6 strings. Don’t get discouraged, the F bar chord takes time to master.

Practice strumming the chord as well as picking the notes individually. Switch between the F, A, E, G, D and C major chords. Try and become smooth with your transitions.

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Finger Picking – Alternating Bass

Let’s focus on alternating our bass line on the lowest strings. Use the metronome and play a quarter note one note on each beat. Count aloud as you play 1-2-3-4.

Spread Triads

A spread triad or open voice triad or wide interval triad. Is just a regular triad but you move the middle note up or down an octave. A spread triad

Holding a Pick

What style of pick you use is entirely up to you. Picks are made from many different materials and many different thicknesses. Some are smooth and some are textured. Thicker