The first two guitar grips: C and G

We will take this slowly. First you form C and check its strings. Then you do the same with G. At the end you try going from C to G and back.

We count strings from the thinnest. The first is the thinnest, the sixth the thickest. Left-hand finger numbers stay the same: index is 1, middle 2, ring 3, pinky 4.

Form the C grip

We count frets from the headstock. Place the finger just before the metal fretwire of the right fret, on the headstock side of it, not on the wire. Put the index on the first fret of the second string, the middle on the second fret of the fourth, and the ring on the third fret of the fifth. Strike the strings from the fifth to the first. Do not strike the sixth, the thickest one, in C.

Play each of the five strings on its own. If one is silent, stand more on the fingertips so they do not touch neighbouring strings. If a string buzzes, move the finger within the same fret closer to the metal fretwire and try again.

Form the G grip

Now put the middle on the second fret of the fifth string, the ring on the third fret of the sixth, and the pinky on the third fret of the first. In this grip you strike all six strings.

Check them in order, from thickest to thinnest. If something buzzes or stays silent, fix only that string and listen again. You will also see the G diagram in the exercise below.

Try one change from C to G

Form C and strike the strings once. Lift the fingers just above the strings, form G and strike once again. Then go back to C. Do not rush. Find the right places first, and only later try to shorten the gap.

On the change to G the index lifts off the strings. The middle moves from the fourth string to the fifth, the ring from the fifth to the sixth, and the pinky presses the first. Place them in that order and check where they land.

What if the fingers do not make it?

The exercise starts at 72 beats a minute. That is only its opening setting. Lower the tempo until you can place the fingers without snatching at the neck.

If even the slowest setting is too fast, stop the exercise. Repeat the C, G, C movement itself, with no counting. Come back to the strums when the hand already knows the path.

If you want, try C and G in a song

At the bottom of the page you will find songs that use these two chords. You can open Mary Had a Little Lamb and strike the strings down when C or G appears above the words. If the song runs too fast, go back to one change with no backing.

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The whole song is an idea for later. For today it is enough that you can form both grips, check their strings and move calmly from C to G. You can also open Chord Changes and practise this pair for longer.