The good news is that learning new chords is easier than ever before. There are hundreds of different types of chords out there, but they all follow certain rules.
You don’t need to memorize every single chord type. Instead, focus on mastering the basics. Once you master those, you can start playing songs using other chords.
This article will present you several valuable hacks that can enhance your guitar skills by teaching you how to play a c minor chord on guitar effectively.
The C Minor Chord
First off, let’s talk about what a minor chord is. A major chord has three notes: the root note (the first note), the third note (the fifth note), and the seventh note (the ninth note).
On the other hand, a minor chord only has two notes: the root note and the second note. This means that it sounds more sad or gloomy than a major chord.
The C Minor chord on the guitar can lead to frustration as it is a barre chord. This means you need quite a bit of index finger strength to play the chord properly.
For the C Minor chord, you must have your index finger holding down all the strings on the 3rd fret. Then your middle finger needs to hold down the B string on the 4th fret.
Your ring finger must be placed on the D string 5th fret and your pinky on the G-string 6th fret.
While this chord can be uncomfortable and hard to hold down, especially for beginners, there are other ways to play it, and this article is going to explain them to you.
Keep reading for your 3 hacks on the C minor chord!
Hack #1 Easy C Minor Chord
This version of playing the chord has a couple of changes. The first change removes the index finger from barring across the frets, making this perfect if you’ve got that barre-phobia.
The second change removes the C note on the A string. As you play the chord using this method, you’ll notice it carries a higher pitch than the barred method.
To play this chord, you must place your index finger on the E string, 3rd fret. Your middle finger on the B string, 4th fret.
Your ring finger goes on the D string on the 5th fret, and your pinky on the G-string,5th fret.
This method still has you using all of your fingers, which can be hard for novice players, but it does beat the barre!
Hack #2 C Minor Chord 2-Finger Variation
This method is even easier than the previous one. This chord is easy for beginners because it doesn’t require any tricky finger placements.
All you need to do is place your index finger on the B string, 1st fret, and your middle finger on the D string, 1st fret.
With your strumming hand, you must ensure you only strum the D, G, and B strings, otherwise, it won’t be a C minor.
This is a great method if you are a beginner. Although the strumming hand can be a little tricky, with some practice you are sure to get the hang of it!
Hack #3 The Must-Know Version Of The Cm Chord
This last hack is less of a hack per se, and more of a tip. This is the dreaded barre shape. The benefit of this method is it enables you to be able to play the chord all over the guitar’s neck. The shape will remain the same.
It also opens you up to many other chords. If you hold that shape and move it up two frets, you’ll be playing a D minor!
However, with all chords, there is a time and a place when different methods should be incorporated.
Sometimes the barre variation can be a little too heavy if you are trying to play something free-flowing and light. On the other hand, the 2-finger version can sound a little limp and thin.
Knowing each method would be the best way forward, and think of how good you’ll feel once you’ve gotten over your barre-phobia!
Hack #4 Scales to Play With C Minor Chord
How To Perfect Barre Shapes
Barre chords are some of the most useful chords when it comes to playing the guitar, but that doesn’t mean that even professional guitar players haven’t had their struggles with them.
They require more strength and technique than most other chords do, and just because you can’t get it right the first few times, does not mean you should give up.
No, we don’t mean ‘action’ like in the movies. This refers to the amount of distance there is between the guitar strings and the guitar’s fretboard.
If the action is higher, you need to press down on the strings more, so you can hit the note.
If you are struggling with barre chords, it may be because the action is too high on your guitar. Try lowering this, and you should see an improvement.
Tip 2: Lower That Thumb
Many guitar players will begin by having their thumbs pretty high around the back of the guitar neck. This makes it almost impossible to play a barre chord.
Make sure that your thumb is placed around halfway down the back of the neck, maybe even lower.
This will ensure that your wrist is positioned closer to the floor, allowing your index finger to have more room on the fretboard.
Tip 3: Don’t Use The Flat Face Of Your Index Finger
You should aim to use the edge of your index finger, rather than the flat face. The flat face is softer and fleshier, making it hard to add pressure, so you are hitting all the strings.
The edge of your index finger is where you can feel more of a bone, therefore it is harder, so you won’t need to apply as much pressure in order to hit all the strings.
Tip 4: Tuck That Elbow In!
Keeping your elbow tucked into your body allows you to turn your index finger to its side, so you are using the bonier part of your finger.
If your elbow is floating around in the air, it is pretty impossible to use this desired part of your finger.
Ensuring that you are keeping your arm and elbow relaxed and close to your body is the best way to support your hand for barre chords.
Tip 5: Don’t Bend Your Wrist And Keep It Low
The position of your wrist can affect the way you play your barre chords. Your wrist should be lower than the guitar’s neck, with some space in between.
You should make sure that your shoulder and elbow are kept low, allowing your arm to point upwards slightly. Avoid moving your wrist too far forwards, and make sure you are arching your hand.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, it is best to learn the different varieties of c minor chord guitar, as each one will be most suited to a particular style of playing, or song.
Although barre chords are feared by many, once you have mastered them they open the door to many other songs and styles of playing.
If you are struggling with these kinds of chords, then we hope the 5 tips in this article can help.
Remember that practice is key, so keep practicing until you get it right, and don’t let the idea of these chords get you down, everyone was a learner once!
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