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Easy 10-Minute Guitar Workout – How to Play G and Em

Ayla Tesler-Mabe  /  Lessons UPDATED Sep 13, 2022

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(Download the sheet music for this video)

Welcome to part one of Ayla’s Easy Guitar Workout series! If you’re brand new to playing the guitar, then you’re in the right place. This workout is specifically designed to help beginner guitar players improve their chord transitions, work on their sense of rhythm, and have a better feel for playing guitar along to music.

Throughout the video, we’ll be using two beginner guitar chords: G major & E minor

It’s important to note that it’s normal for your fingers to hurt during an extended workout session like this. Just like with anything else, the more frequently you do it, the less painful it will be. 

So go grab your guitar and let’s get started!

  1. Strum a G major chord and hold for 4 beats
  2. Pick each individual string of the G major chord on the beat
  3. Strum a G major chord and hold for 4 beats, then release pressure for 4 beats
  4. Strum a G major chord and hold for 4 beats, then take hand off the fretboard
  5. Strum a G major chord and hold for 4 beats, then take hand off and point at the screen
  6. Take a short break and stretch out your fingers
  7. Strum an E minor chord and hold for 4 beats
  8. Pick each individual string of the E minor chord on the beat
  9. Strum an E minor chord and hold for 4 beats, then release pressure for 4 beats
  10. Strum an E minor chord and hold for 4 beats, then take hand off the fretboard
  11. Strum an E minor chord and hold for 4 beats, then take hand off and point at the screen
  12. Take another break and stretch out your fingers
  13. Play G major for 2 bars (8 beats) followed by E minor for 2 bars (8 beats)
  14. Play G major for 1 bar (4 beats) followed by E minor for 1 bar (4 beats)
  15. Play G major for 2 beats followed by E minor for 2 beats

An important tip for this exercise is to transition from a chord early so that you land on the next chord at the correct time. It’s always better to cut a chord short than it is to miss the start of a chord. 

Try adding this play-along to your regular practice time. Every time you complete the workout, you’ll notice your fingers are less sore, and your chord transitions are quicker and smoother. We’ll see you in Part 2 of the Easy Guitar Workout series!


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